Travel Hacker: Unconventional Tricks to Snag Insanely Cheap Flights
Ah, the sweet smell of savings. It's a scent that's even more intoxicating than the complimentary peanuts on your flight. And let's face it, who doesn't want to save a few pennies on their holiday? So buckle up Heyuppers, as we're about to embark on a journey to uncover the best strategies and tips to help you secure the cheapest flights for your next vacation. Let's dive into the world of frugal travel.
Positioning flights
First up, let's talk about positioning flights. No, this isn't some fancy yoga move, it's a clever way to save money on your flights. Essentially, you add an extra flight to your itinerary to save some cash.
For example, if you live in Detroit and want to vacation in Malta, you could fly to Vienna for $677, then hop on a budget flight to Malta for around 30 pounds. You get to explore Vienna, and save around $300 on flights. It's a win-win, unless you hate strudel.
The better solution to incognito mode
Next, let's bust a myth. You've probably heard that using incognito mode when searching for flights will save you money. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s about as real as the tooth fairy. I've stopped using incognito mode and my bank account hasn't suffered.
The truth is, the airline isn't changing the price based on your search history. If you've experienced this, it's a coincidence. But there's a trick that can actually help you save on your flights - using a VPN.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protects your online identity by hiding your IP address, and allows you to use public Wi-Fi hotspots safely.
Advanced flight hackers use their VPNs to set their computer to look like it's in a different country because sometimes booking a flight in a different country or currency will cost less. This strategy doesn't always work, but when it does, the savings can be significant.
For example, if you're in Thailand and want to book a flight with Malaysia Airlines, without a VPN, the airline website sees that you're in Thailand and gives you a quote in Thai baht. But if you turn on your VPN and set it to Malaysia, they quote you in Malaysian ringgit, and after the conversion, it could end up being about 25 percent cheaper.
The airline rules that could save you a fortune
Now, let's talk about airline rules and laws. Yes, they can be as confusing as trying to assemble IKEA furniture, but they can also save you money. For instance, the 24-hour rule allows you to freeze a price for 24 hours or cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. So, if you see a killer deal, book it right away and figure out the details later.
Also, if an airline cancels or significantly modifies your itinerary, they either have to book you on a new flight or refund you with cash. So, if you originally booked a red-eye flight because it was just cheap, now you can choose a more convenient flight. It's like getting a free upgrade, without the champagne.
The Goldilocks window
Another tip is to use the Goldilocks window. No, this isn't a window made of porridge, it's the ideal time to book your flights. For domestic flights, it's one to three months before, and for international flights, it's two to eight months before. And if you're planning to travel during peak seasons, add a couple of months on top of that.
Finally, make sure you pay for your flights with a credit card that offers travel insurance. It may not save you money upfront, but it could save you a ton if something goes wrong. For example, if your flight is delayed and you have to stay overnight, your credit card insurance would cover the cost of accommodation.
Apps that will find you the cheapest flights
Now, let's dive into the world of flight booking apps. It's a jungle out there, folks. The Apple and Google app stores are teeming with options, and honestly, you could scroll until your thumb falls off. You've probably heard of the big players - but let’s see if we can throw a few curveballs in there too.
First up, we have Google Flights. While not technically an app, it's a reliable tool that can be added to your home screen for quick access. It's straightforward, user-friendly, and offers competitive prices, making it a solid baseline for comparison.
Skyscanner, a well-known player in the game, matches Google Flights stride for stride, offering the same flights at the same prices. It's a dependable choice if you're looking for no surprises.
Skiplagged, on the other hand, is a bit of a wild card. It's known for its 'hidden cities' feature, where you disembark at your layover rather than the final destination. This can result in cheaper fares, but it's more suited to domestic travel.
Hopper is the dark horse of the bunch. Not only can it find cheaper fares than Google Flights and Skyscanner, but it also offers a loyalty scheme with discounts on future bookings. It's a great choice if you're looking to save a few bucks and enjoy a user-friendly interface.
Momondo and Kayak both offer a different approach, finding alternative flights that can sometimes be cheaper. They're worth checking out if you're open to different airlines and routes.
Finally, we have Kiwi. This app takes a unique approach by splitting your fare into individual legs, often with different airlines. This can result in really cheap fares, but also means re-checking in at each leg of your journey. It's a bit of a wild ride, but if up for an adventure, Kiwi might just be the app for you.
So there you have it, folks. A few tricks to help you save on your holiday. Now, go forth and book those flights. And remember, every penny saved is a penny you can spend on souvenirs. Or strudel.
And don’t forget to head over to our community page and tell us which tip you liked the best or if we missed any of your favourites.
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