Summer travel time is blossoming and smart air travelers are looking for deals.
And the factors that enter into travel decisions are becoming more convoluted and confusing. That means you need to take care that your search for a cheap flight really ends up that way.
Things such as whether or not an airline charges a baggage fee, options for extra leg room, etc., make it important to look ahead and study all the possible configurations you might choose.
Airline travel is changing in ways that mean some of the old strategies for saving money don’t apply any more. For instance, it used to be that choosing to travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday would save some bucks but that is not necessarily true anymore. More airlines that offer loyalty benefits are looking at how much you spend, not how many miles you travel. That makes it harder for leisure travelers to rack up enough points to make a significant difference.
Travel experts offer these tips to help you make choices:
Discover Restrictions
Read the fine print on the airline website so you are certain what comes with your seat. A less expensive ticket that doesn’t include checked luggage may not be the best deal. Some airlines, including Delta, have a lower basic economy fare, but it places a bunch of restrictions on the package. It’s impossible to change the terms and you don’t get a seat assignment in advance. Do the homework.
Travel Dates
Be flexible regarding travel dates and destinations. Traveling at the end of the season (September, for instance) is cheaper than traveling at the height of the summer. That doesn’t work well for families that have children in school, but it’s worth considering.
Budget Airlines
The budget airlines sometimes have very attractive fares. Iceland’s WOW air and Norwegian Air Shuttle, for example, have added routes across the Atlantic this year and their prices may offer a savings. You may sacrifice a little in comfort and convenience, but the bottom line will look better. If you prefer all the niceties, stick with the familiar airlines.
Seat Assignments
Families should begin right away to confirm free seat assignments. The discount airlines don’t allow you to pick a seat without paying extra and that can quickly add to costs for family travel. The fees for having guaranteed seats range from $2 up to $100 for a round-tripper on Spirit. Frontier charges from $12 up on Frontier. If you have to reschedule due to unforeseen changes in your travel plans, a nonrefundable U.S. ticket on American, Delta or United may cost $200. Southwest doesn’t charge a fee. If you use an airline’s branded credit card, some will waive fees, but not all do. You need to know in advance.
Currently, the federal Transportation Department is considering imposing rules that would require airlines to provide information about fees to third parties, such as online travel agencies. That would greatly simplify making comparisons. But until that happens – not until later this year or beyond – your best bet is to take the time to shop carefully.