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Cheap Airfares
Money-Saving Tips |
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Save Money on
Travel Expenses |
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Planning a trip? Here are some money-saving tips for airfare to consider.
1. Membership in a frequent-flyer program or owning a credit card that offers points you can redeem for airfare. I used my points,
from my credit card, to go to Arizona and California. Without these points, I would have paid $800, instead of $80.
2. Have a flexible travel schedule. The day you leave and return can influence the price of the ticket. Prices are lower for midweek
(Tuesday-Thursday) and at non-peak times, such as early morning, midday or late at night. Also, if you stay over on a Saturday night, you can get a better rate.
3. Make a reservation as far ahead as possible. Usually, there are time restrictions - 7, 14 or 21 day bookings. If you wait for
the last week, the rates are for business travelers.
4. Make a reservation at the last minute, if you can travel anytime. These deals are posted on travel websites. Airlines have been
unable to fill their planes and you can get a great deal.
5. Airfares vary between high and low season. Bargain rates are available during this period.
Florida May-November
Caribbean May-November
Mexico May-November
Europe Mid-November-March
Asia December-March
Australia June-August
6. Comparison shop at online travel websites. The best airfares, promotions and special deals are found there. Check airline
sites for seat sales, which come up regularly. The travel page at 50PlusFun.com, www.50plusfun.com/travel/, includes links to airline websites and
airline ticket price information.
7. Make sure the price quoted includes taxes and fees.
8. Look for senior discounts for you and your companion.
9. If you're willing to depart or arrive from a more distant airport from where you live, you might get a better rate.
I flew out of Fort Lauderdale, instead of Miami where I was staying, and saved a significant amount of money.
10. Instead of flying directly to your destination, check if you can get a better rate with a connecting flight.
11. It may be more economical to book a vacation package - air, hotel and car rental.
12. You can buy an airline pass from an airline, if you plan to travel to a few cities in a country or countries in a region. My
friend used an air pass to fly between countries in Asia. Had she bought individual airline tickets to fly from one country to another, it would have cost her a fortune.
13. Some regional airlines allow you to buy a first class upgrade for a small amount.
14. Be adventurous. Fly with an air courier company for big savings, if you don't mind traveling with only a small bag or signing
a contract.
15. Are you or a family member in the military? You can book a flight through the army.
16. Once you're satisfied with the airfare, book it. Don't wait! The seats may be sold out when you try to book later.
17. Buy insurance. Trip cancellation insurance for non-refundable airline purchases is important, as well as, medical
insurance. A couple I know never buys insurance. They got a great deal on airfare to Europe, but neglected to spend extra money on trip cancellation insurance. They couldn't travel
on the departure date and lost $1,200. That was an expensive lesson!
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