Are you one of those people who love to travel, but hate spending a fortune on airline tickets? If so, you’re in luck! There are a number of tips and tricks you can use to save money when flying. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of my best tips for traveling on a budget airline. So, whether you’re planning your next vacation or just need to take a business trip, read on for helpful advice.
10 Tips for traveling on a budget Airline
1. Compare prices between budget and major airlines
The first thing you’ll want to do is compare the prices of budget and major airlines. It’s important to note that budget airlines charge fees for services such as carry-on luggage, check-in baggage, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Be sure to do a price comparison since these extra fees can quickly add up!
2. Bring your own snacks and drinks
If you’re traveling by plane, bring your own food and beverages (if permitted). Since budget airlines don’t provide free meals/snacks, you’ll want to save money where you can. However, be sure to check with the airline before bringing food onto the plane as some budget airlines do not allow you to bring your own.
3. Avoid flying on holidays and weekends if possible
Flying during the middle of a holiday season or a weekend is usually more expensive than flying during a weekday. Before booking your ticket, take a look at the calendar to determine which days are cheaper to fly. For example, midweek flights between Tuesday and Thursday are typically cheaper than flights during the weekends.
4. Book flights in advance for the best deals
If you’re looking to fly on the cheap, booking flights in advance is one of the best ways to do so. Generally speaking, fares are highest three months before your departure date and decrease as time goes on. So, if you know you’ll need a plane ticket for an upcoming trip, be sure to book it ASAP- that way you’ll get the most savings!
5. Check baggage fees before you book – some airlines charge more than others
Remember to check the baggage policies of your budget airline before purchasing a ticket. Not all budget airlines charge for carry-on luggage and some let you bring one bag on board for free! However, bag fees can cost up to $50-$100 each way so it pays to know ahead of time which airlines offer free checked bags and which do not.
6. Pack light to save on checked baggage fees
If you’re checking luggage, it’s best to pack light. Budget airlines often charge for checked bags depending on your destination, so the less luggage you have, the more money you’ll save! Attempting to stuff all of your belongings into a carry-on bag might work if you’re not planning on checking any bags- but if you need to check a bag or two, be sure to pack light so you don’t incur baggage fees.
7. Prioritize convenience and comfort over saving money
If your goal is to save as much as possible when flying, it’s best to prioritize convenience and comfort rather than spending the least amount of money. The lower the price, typically the less comfortable and convenient your airline experience will be.
For example, a budget airline might have a very limited menu with only a few beverages to choose from or not allow you to pre-select seats during booking. So, before you book your ticket it’s best to think about what matters to you most- comfort and convenience, or saving as much money as possible.
8. Consider buying priority boarding for quicker baggage handling
Priority boarding is one of the cheapest ways to get on the plane faster. When you purchase priority boarding, you’ll be able to board before everyone else and get your bags stowed sooner- this means less time spent waiting at your gate. Plus, if you have a carry-on bag it’s much easier to place it in an overhead bin when the aisle is empty.
9. Skip airport food and wait until you land for a meal
Located in the main terminal of most airports, fast food restaurants can be exceptionally pricey. You’ll be able to find a healthier meal option once you arrive at your destination! So, save yourself some money by skipping the airport food and bringing your own meal on board instead.
10. Plan your activities and sightseeing ahead of time to avoid spending money on tours
If you’re traveling on a budget, the last thing you want to do is pay for expensive tours. Plan ahead of time what you want to see and where you plan on going so that you don’t have to spend any extra money during your trip! Plus, most major cities have free walking tours which are a great way to earn some local knowledge and learn about your destination without spending money.
I hope these tips and tricks I personally use when traveling help ease a bit of stress when you book your next adventure! Don’t be spending unnecessary money during your flight – instead, save it for when you arrive at your vacation spot!
