How can I get cheaper flight tickets?
Thanks for asking! According to recent data from Personal Finance website Nimble Finns, the average British family of four spent £4,678 for a nine-night holiday abroad in 2023.
And if that total amount £1,828 went towards flights, nearly 40%, reflecting the reality that airfares still account for a high proportion of our total holiday costs.
And experts say that flight prices are set to continue rising in the coming years, as more expensive sustainable aviation fuels are brought in to replace traditional kerosene.
With that in mind, let's discuss some ways in which you can make savings on the most expensive part of your next holiday.
What should I do if I'm buying online?
Well the first thing to be aware of is that airlines keep an eye on your online activity, anticipating when you're ready to book.
That's one reason why your quoted price might suddenly spike after an initial search.
To reduce the risk of that happening, clear your cookies and browsing history on a regular basis, especially when you're planning a trip.
Another tip that not everyone is aware of is using a virtual private network or VPN for short.
Now a VPN lets you surf the web virtually from another geographical location by changing your IP address.
Sometimes connecting from a place with a lower cost of living can actually trim down the prices you're quoted.
There's an almost endless list of VPN subscription options out there, but PCMag.com recommend ProtonVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN as its top three.
Annual pricing tends to range from £30 to £100.
When's the best time to make a booking?
It's common sense, but bears repeating that planning your holiday well in advance is key for scoring budget-friendly travel.
According to a study from apodo.co.uk, the best time to book a flight varies depending on your destination.
Overall, the optimal average is between 31 and 43 days prior to travel, but for certain regions the sweet spot is far earlier.
For example, the site recommends booking trips to Europe between 71 and 80 days in advance, a figure which drops to less than 30 days for destinations in Asia and Oceania.
So be wary of these variations when planning your booking.
Which websites should I use to buy tickets?
Most seasoned travellers already know the drill.
Start your search on comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia or Skyscanner.
And don't forget about travel hacks like using accumulated loyalty points and other perks to shave off some of the costs.
Finally, it's worth comparing prices based on different departure or arrival airports as these can sometimes vary significantly.
There you have it. Now you know how to get cheaper flight tickets.
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