The excitement of planning a long-distance trip can quickly fade when you see the flight prices. It often feels like you need a secret code to unlock affordable fares for international travel. But finding a great deal on a long-haul flight is possible with the right strategy and a little patience.
You can make that dream trip happen without emptying your savings account. This article will show you how.
Your Greatest Asset is Flexibility
If your travel dates are rigid, you’re at the mercy of airline pricing. Being flexible with when you can depart and return, even by a day or two, can lead to significant savings. Mid-week flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Use fare calendars on search engines to compare prices across a whole month. This visual tool makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly, potentially saving you hundreds. You might find that searching for options like flights to Mumbai is much cheaper on a Tuesday than a Friday.
Embrace Layovers and Alternate Airports
Direct flights are convenient, but that convenience comes at a premium. Being open to one or more layovers can dramatically reduce the cost of your ticket. Similarly, consider flying into a smaller, secondary airport instead of the main international hub.
Many large cities are serviced by multiple airports, and the less popular ones often have lower landing fees, which can translate into cheaper tickets for you. A short train or bus ride from an alternate airport could be well worth the savings.
Incognito Mode and VPNs
You’ve probably heard that browsing for flights in incognito mode or using a VPN can trick airlines into showing you lower prices. The theory is that airlines use your search history and location to adjust fares. While some travelers swear by this method, there is little concrete evidence to support it.
Airlines use complex algorithms based on demand, time, and competition to set prices. While it doesn’t hurt to try, you’ll likely find that your time is better spent focusing on other strategies that have a more proven impact on prices.
Leverage Loyalty and Rewards
Don’t overlook the power of loyalty programs and credit card rewards. If you frequently fly with a particular airline, joining their loyalty program is a must. You can accumulate miles or points that can be redeemed for flights or upgrades.
Many travel-focused credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses and points on everyday purchases, which can be transferred to airline partners. Over time, these points can add up to a free long-haul flight.
Set Fare Alerts for Real-Time Drops
Flight prices are constantly in flux. Instead of manually checking them every day, let technology do the work for you. Most major flight search engines and airline websites allow you to set up fare alerts for a specific route.
You’ll receive an email notification the moment the price drops, allowing you to book immediately and lock in the lower fare. This is a simple, passive way to ensure you don’t miss out on a great deal.
Consider One-Way and Mix-and-Match
Booking a round-trip ticket with the same airline isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes, you can find a better deal by booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines. This “mix-and-match” strategy requires a bit more research but can result in substantial savings.
It also gives you more flexibility if you want to fly into one city and out of another, creating a more dynamic travel itinerary.