Avoid booking your flight too close to your flight day, because the airlines often jack up the prices for those hoping to fly last minute.
If you’re not concerned about flying on a particular date, you could try scoring a last-minute discounted flight, or even a standby flight. Sometimes, prices will be dropped for last-minute tickets if airlines have empty seats to fill.
Make sure you don’t buy flights too early, either. If you’re booking tickets too far ahead, prices are usually higher. The best time to buy a ticket is between three and 12 weeks before the flight.
Also, sign up to email alerts from the airlines and follow your favourite airline on social media platforms, where discounts are sometimes announced first, recommends travel blogger Craig Makepeace.
Signing up for email alerts to find out when flights are reduced to a price you’re willing to pay at Airfarewatchdog, he adds.
“The best way is to have a price that you’re comfortable with. When you sign up, you’ll be emailed when that price is available, or lower, so jump on it. That way you can be satisfied that you got a good deal.”
You can save money if you can be flexible in your flight date and time. Booking flights in the middle of the week, instead of the weekend is always cheaper.
Most people like to fly on a Friday and head home on a Sunday, pushing the price of air travel skywards. Bear in mind that Tuesday and Wednesday are usually cheaper options to fly. You could also book a really early flight, such as 5am or late at night, which is usually cheaper, too. Travelling during school holidays is a more expensive option.
Airfares can be more expensive if you’re flying into large international airports, with airport taxes jacking up prices. Compare flights into alternative airports located nearby to your destination; then either catching a bus or hiring a car at the other end.
When flying in groups, bear in mind that you may not see all the seat options, as the airlines typically show the lowest ticket price for the whole group. That means, you might not see the cheap seats at the back of the plane, because there’s only one left. To get around this, make sure there’s enough seats on the plane for the whole group, then search one ticket at a time.
Also be careful of the airline websites that automatically click options, such as luggage, or insurance when booking online.If you don’t need it, unclick these options to cut costs.
Paying on credit card isn’t always the best way to save money with the airlines.
Jetstar was going to slap a surcharge of nearly $20 per person on a recent family flight, but gave me an option to electronically transfer the funds into their bank account, which saved $160.
Also, work out luggage ahead of time. Travelling with hand luggage has advantages, but isn’t always practical. However, you could be hit up for more money if you want to check baggage. If you do need to check baggage, pay for it in advance rather than once you arrive at the airport, which could literally save you hundreds.
This article first appeared on SmartCompany.
CORRECTION: This article originally stated that all comparison sites charge an extra fee and tickets should be bought directly from airlines. We accept this is not the case and have amended the original article.
