Holiday airfare is not only expensive, it sometimes can be impossible to book if you wait too long or need to change your plans. Saving money on holiday airfare also happens to be something that a lot of travellers think isn’t possible, but there are ways to shave dollars off normal fares, and even save on last minute flights.
Even if you cannot find a super cheap flight, there might be other ways of saving, or earning credit for your purchase that can be applied to future travel or other purchases.
Tips to help save money on holiday airfare
Early Birds Do Best
The old saying, early bird gets the worm is true in the case of holiday airfare. Most airlines open up flights for holiday travel at least six months in advance and they right away begin offering low rates when you book in advance. If you know that you are definitely going to need a flight for the holidays, book as early as possible because flights will only become more limited and prices will go up rather than down.
Skip the Party
Everyone tries to travel on the same days, and it makes for overbooked flights, delays and less baggage space onboard. Travel on less busy days for the best rate and less hassle.Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday are the best travel days, midday is also the best time of day and tickets will be about ten percent less than other days.
Small Can Be Better
Everyone goes straight to their main airline when they are searching for flights, but if you want to save some cash you can look at regional airlines. A lot of flights from regional airports fly to larger airports at your destination via the airport that you would originally look at. In some cases the distance to one airport is closer or the same as the other, so it does not require more time to fly, just a stop.
Stay Alert
Airlines and discount sites allow you to sign up for fare drop alerts via email every time discounted airfare for routes you are looking for are offered. Begin signing up for these alerts especially if you are not certain where you are going for the holidays and waiting to decide based on a great airfare deal.
Get Rewarded<
While it might not always be possible to save huge on your airfare, there is always the chance to be rewarded for that purchase. Make sure that you are buying with a points back credit card, are signed up for the airlines mileage club and use any additional deal sites to stack rewards. A lot of super savvy travellers double and triple stack their rewards to pay for free travel in the not so distant future.
Flexibility is Rewarding
Another travel savvy trick, is to keep your travel plans flexible for when you get to your destination. If you are staying with family that will be picking you up from the airport and hosting you, the airport volunteer position is a lot easier to do. Book a day earlier than you need to be in town, or just an early flight, and when volunteers are sought, give up your seat for a future ticket when there is the chance of you flying out on the next plane. Often, the travel credit that is given can be applied to more than one round trip ticket when planned right.
Have any other airfare savings tips?
Robin says
I heard that booking on Tuesdays was a big one because prices are supposedly less. I have never tried it, though.
Ira says
These tips are a nice reminder for any trip! The last one is totally new to me and I still don’t get it. What’s it about? (I’m sure I’m awake already, it’s just the concept is too unfamiliar to me :))
Jennifer Sikora says
I use Southwest for flying because of the amazing deals that they offer. I recently used Priceline to buy a ticket and saved a TON of money.
Anne-Marie says
I find that flying out on a Saturday gives me a better rate. It also means that I don’t have to drive to the airport during rush hour traffic and makes it easier to find parking at the airport, too!
Judy Cowan says
Thanks for all the tips, I will be sure to pass them on. We are lucky and our family is all in the same province so no flights for us at the holidays!
Jennifer says
I have no tips at all for saving on air fare. You actually just gave me some awesome tips. Thanks!
Shauna says
I heard that traveling on Tuesdays was best but that may be my imagination… ha! Great tips. Thanks so much
Jody D says
Great tips! We have lots of free flights for friends and family using points we accumulate for the year. Really helps!
Lauren says
I’ve been looking at booking a last minute flight. I’ve obviously missed the worm, haha, but these tips are a really big help. I didn’t realize flying on a Tuesday was such a good option. Thanks.
Tonya says
All great tips! I wish I had some to offer, but we rarely fly. I’ve only ever flown twice.
Kenda says
Watch for random sales/deals by checking for flihts every single day. I’d also follow airlines on social media, since they announce special sales that way. I’ve heard Tuesdays are better days to fly, but now everyone knows that so it doesn’t matter! ha!
Parent Club says
Great tips Tammie! I always shop around for the best air deals – check different websites for deals.
Ali P says
I heard that booking on a Tuesday, especially through WestJet, will get you one of their lowest prices.
Meagan says
I wish I would have read this before booking my flight home for the holidays! It really does pay off though to purchase those tickets early!
Dawn says
Thanks for these great tips. Air fare gets SO expensive.
Lisa Bristol says
These are all great tips. I will share them with my friends that fly.
Erika Belanger says
Great tips, I always try to look for the lowest price! But luckily we don’t have to fly anywhere this Christmas. So much cheaper flying before and after the holidays!
kristin says
Ive heard that sometimes 3rd party companies well sale flight super cheap because they will lose money if they dont sale them.
Dee Mauser says
Boy am I ever ready for a vacation. I’ve been trying to plan where we will go in the next few months and it’s looking like Florida again.
Nolie says
Great tips. I am currently watching for airfare for a conference and am worried about the prices going up instead of a sale coming out.
Amber Edwards says
I am such a novice at flying! We rarely ever fly anywhere because it is so expensive to take the whole family. But dang if we ever get the chance to fly more often these are going to save our bank account! Thanks for the great tips! I had no idea about a lot of them.
Stephanie LaPlante says
All very awesome tips. I certainly need a holiday.
Liz Mays says
I definitely need to follow these tips. I tend to find my self in the same predicaments over and over.
Shell says
These are great tips. I will have to remember them if/when I need to purchase airfare!
Dawn says
I know a lot of people who travel during the holiday seasons! Saving money is always a huge plus!
Stacey says
Traveling via airplane can be so expensive these days. These are great tips on ways to save money!
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
not much of a traveler so this tips will help
Mama to 5 BLessings says
As a family of 7 it would be WAY too costly. The rewards are a wonderful way to travel inexpensively.
Maria says
These are great tips! Thank you so much. I never thought about booking early to volunteer giving my set away.
Krista says
Great tips! I might have to look into flying instead of driving this holiday!
DARLENE W says
Hubby and I travel a lot thanks for the info
Brandy says
These are great tips on ways to save money on holiday airfare! I haven’t flown since 2011, but if I do plan to fly soon or know anyone who will be, I will share these tips with them for sure!
Florence C says
When I know I am travelling I check online daily until I see a good rate before I book. I check a couple of airlines. Sometimes you may get reward points with one, but get a way better deal price wise with the other.
JaimeeM says
I always look online for cheap airfare credit people are trying to sell
salexis says
I just cashed in on the WestJet flight Price Drop guarantee – now I have $206 towards my next flight! say WHAT????
Huguette E. says
Love all those tips and I totally agree with them. We usual vacation on a Tuesday or Wednesday.