Yes, it’s that time of year again! It’s time for deals galore at your fingertips for yet another Black Friday. Retailers will probably bombard you with all kinds of offers, and this includes some great deals on travel too. But with all the special limited-time offers clogging up your inbox, how can you be certain you’ve scored the perfect flight deal? The offer may say it’s a great deal. But how can you be sure that it really is?
Don’t worry; follow these simple set of tips to ensure that you won’t let a deal slip through your fingers, or have to deal with an unpleasant surprise you didn’t bargain for when booking travel on Black Friday.
Research typical fares for your destination
Before you shell out on flights, determine the average cost of flights to your chosen destination. It’s fairly easy to search online for typical flight costs. You’ll want to keep things like taxes and security fees in mind, as these can add a hefty chunk to your final price.
Be flexible with your travel dates
Airfare costs often fluctuate wildly, with certain days and departure times costing far less than others. To maximize your savings, remain as flexible as possible with your booking dates. This can ultimately help you to score a better deal during the Black Friday deals period.
Consider destinations off the beaten path
Before you race off to holiday at the hot-spot of the moment, why not consider the road less traveled? Certain destinations are always in high demand, which translates to more expensive flights. Why not explore a city or country that isn’t on everybody else’s radar? Not only could this translate to substantial savings, but you may find yourself surprised at the charm of your hidden gem.
Keep smaller airports in mind
Many low-cost airlines operate from smaller airports located a bit further from the center of the cities they serve. By looking for flights to these less popular airports, you could save a bundle. Not only are these smaller airports often less expensive, but you’ll also enjoy a less hectic travel experience by avoiding the crowds at the larger transit hubs.
Similarly, consider traveling to cities that are nearby to your destination. If you’re traveling to a major city, consider flying into a nearby, smaller city if the fares are cheaper. You can then use local transportation or a rental car to reach your final destination.
Buy first, cancel later
Most airlines all allow free cancellations within the first 24 hours of booking. If you see a hot deal, consider snapping up this lowest airfare and then reflecting on it. If your airline offers a generous cancellation policy, you won’t be losing money if you decide any particular deal isn’t the right fit for your holiday. Of course, it’s important to pay attention to the fine print, as terms and conditions may apply. (Don’t they always?)
Don’t be afraid of a red-eye flight
Red-eye flights often get a bad rap, but if you can manage a bit of shut-eye on your journey, flying overnight or on an early morning departure can save you plenty. Not only are these flights often less expensive, but you’ll also have a whole day to enjoy once you reach your destination, maximizing the amount of time you have to explore on your vacation.
Mix and match airlines
Many frequent fliers try to stick to one airline, but using different carriers can help you snag deals on connecting flights. Spend a bit of time sleuthing and don’t be hesitate to book one-way flights or connecting flights across multiple airlines. If you do take this approach, simply make certain you’ll have enough time to make your connections, as you won’t benefit from in-terminal transfers if you have a late arrival.
Skip the direct flight
It may be tempting to splurge on a direct flight to your city of choice, but you can often save money by flying to another airport and then using a low-cost ticket to jump to your final destination. Do some research about which low-cost carriers operate in the area you want to visit and see if you can work out a cheap connection after your long-haul flight.
Book a long layover
Take your money further and book a long layover that gives you ample time to visit two different cities. Sometimes a flight with a long layover is actually cheaper than a direct flight to any given city, so not only will this approach allow you to get more out of your holiday but it will also save you in the long run. Win-win.
So there you have it — simple solutions to staying on top of flight deals and booking the perfect flight that will land you with your perfect getaway. Happy hunting and bon voyage!
Other tips
But wait! There’s more! We have too many tips to put in one article. Here are some additional tips to consider:
Use fare comparison tools: There are numerous websites and apps, such as Google Flights, that allow you to compare fares across various airlines. Using these tools can help you quickly identify the best deals available.
Set up fare alerts: Some platforms allow you to set up alerts for specific destinations, so you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop.
Check airline social media pages: Some airlines offer exclusive discounts on their social media platforms during Black Friday, especially flash sales which might not be advertised elsewhere.
Loyalty programs and points: Consider using frequent flyer miles or credit card points to reduce your travel costs further. Some loyalty programs may even have special promotions or multipliers on Black Friday.
Bundle it up: Look into package deals that combine flights, accommodations, and sometimes even car rentals. Websites often offer these bundles, which can save you more than booking each component separately. Alternately, you could…
Consider booking accommodations separately: While bundling can save you money, sometimes you might find better deals by booking your accommodation separately, especially through short-term rental platforms or by taking advantage of hotel loyalty programs.
Seek out promo codes: Before finalizing your booking, do a quick search for promo or discount codes. Sometimes, these codes can offer significant savings or additional perks.
Book for off-peak hours: Historically, airlines tend to offer discounted fares during off-peak hours. Try booking very early in the morning or late at night.
Remember Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday: Don’t forget that the deals don’t end on Black Friday! Many travel companies offer additional deals on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the weekend.
Lastly, remember to always read the fine print, especially regarding cancellation policies and fees. It’s important to know what you’re committing to before you finalize your booking. Safe travels and happy deal hunting!
FAQs:
Q: How early should I start monitoring Black Friday travel deals?
A: Begin checking at least two weeks in advance. Some companies tease deals early, allowing you to prepare and prioritize.
Q: Can I find deals on accommodation and tours on Black Friday too?
A: Yes, many hotels, resorts, and tour companies also offer Black Friday discounts. Check their websites and booking platforms.
Q: Do Black Friday deals only apply to flights departing soon after purchase?
A: Not necessarily. Some deals might be for immediate travel, while others can be for dates several months out.
Q: Are baggage fees discounted during Black Friday?
A: Typically, baggage fees remain consistent. However, always check individual airline promotions as there can be exceptions.
Q: Do travel insurance providers offer Black Friday discounts?
A: Some might! It’s worth checking with major travel insurance providers to see if they have special promotions.
Q: Is there a risk of overbooking on Black Friday travel deals?
A: Overbooking can occur any time, not just on Black Friday. Always confirm your reservation and check in early.
Q: What if I miss a Black Friday deal? Are there other sale days for travel?
A: Absolutely! Watch for Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals, as well as sales during holiday seasons and other promotional periods.
Do you have any suggestions for saving on travel on Black Friday? Tell us about it in the comments below!
