Travelling on a budget can often feel like a massive challenge, especially with the fluctuating prices of flights as holiday seasons approach. Nonetheless, with a few strategies, travelers can ensure they make the best of their investment.
A previous study by Flight Centre Travel Group noted that during peak tourism season, airfares within Canada notably increased compared to the previous year. This was largely due to limited capacity and competition, which overshadowed the reduced demand. Moreover, domestic flights from July to September were around 14 per cent higher on average than they were a year ago. As much as it’s complicated to find cheap travel amidst the recovery from COVID-19, there are strategies travelers can implement to maximize their savings.
Travel expert Lorraine Simpson offers a wealth of insightful tips for anyone looking to land the best flight deals. One of her most valuable pieces of advice is being flexible with your dates. Simpson emphasizes that some days may provide better fares than others, and it’s advisable to look for a “flexible date” option in your booking website’s search bar. She also cautioned against traveling on weekends as these periods tend to be more expensive.
Adding on to the flexibility element, Simpson advises travelers to be open to changing their flight’s departure city. For instance, instead of sticking to Ottawa, a quick drive to Montreal or Toronto could save you hundreds of dollars on airfare.
Chasing the best ticket prices requires constant vigilance. To this end, Simpson suggests setting price alerts on booking platforms like Google Flights. This option helps travelers to stay updated on any drop in the flight price to their desired destination. In case of a price drop, her advice is to act swiftly and grab the deal immediately.
One often debated tip revolves around using incognito windows while browsing for tickets. Some believe that this prevents airlines from gathering data and charging extra for fares. However, Simpson considers this to be more of a myth. Instead, she recommends using incognito windows as the search could lead to a promoted higher price for constantly searched destinations. According to her, it’s not so much a case of airlines tracking each customer’s internet activity, but more about the specific browsing conditions such as the time, day, and how one is browsing.
Simpson stresses the importance of planning and shopping for flights as far in advance as possible to get a discounted fare. Airlines typically allow customers to book flights up to 191 days before the departure date. However, avoid last-minute bookings as they tend to be pricier. Spend several weeks checking prices and looking out for potential sales or discounts.
A recent example saw Air Canada offering discounted fares after a potential pilot’s strike was averted, proving that staying alert and patient can potentially pay off in saving significant amounts on your air travel.
Although finding budget-friendly travel options might require a bit of effort and patience, making the best use of these strategies, tips, and tricks can help one land the most favorable flight deals, making your trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember, every dollar saved is an additional resource to explore and experience your destination.
