How To Get Cheap Airline Tickets
Introduction
Cheap airline tickets are often difficult to find and even those claiming to offer cheap airline tickets for a few pounds rarely deliver on those promises, instead adding hidden charges for luggage, check in and even to use the onboard toilet. We examine some practical alternative ways in which you can find cheap airline tickets.
1. Book Last Minute
Airlines are often desperate to fill aircraft to ensure that they maximise their revenue and cover costs. As such the prices of airline tickets usually reduce drastically a few days or even hours prior to the departure date, if the aircraft is not fully booked. You will may be able to save between 30 - 50% of the standard airline ticket fare if you book as late as possible and that is why booking last minute is perhaps one of the best ways to get cheap airline tickets.
2. Standby Airline Tickets
Another way to get cheap airline tickets is to make the most of standby airline tickets which are normally available through airline staff benefit schemes. These are normally only available to airline staff members and allow them to fly to anywhere in the world with just 24 hours notice. They were designed by airlines to fill aircraft that were below capacity with passenger numbers and are perhaps the most effective way to get cheap airline tickets. Increasingly however these have become available to passengers who enjoy travelling and are prepared to fly out to any destination at very short notice. It is always worth asking airline staff if you can be considered for standby tickets as they are likely to be interested if it means that they can fill spaces, albeit for a much reduced airline ticket price. Alternatively get to know airline employees well and you can legitimately use their standby tickets, as they will get a small allocation for friends and family members.
3. Flexible Travel Plans
If you are willing to be flexible about which destinations you fly to you can often get cheap airline tickets to up and coming destinations. When adding a new destination to a flight schedule airlines often reduce initial airline ticket prices until passenger numbers begin to build. If you enjoy travelling and are willing to try out new places then this can be a great way to explore the world and get cheap airline tickets in the process. In addition you get to brag about the fact that you were one of the first visitors to that particular destination.
4. Avoid Popular Holiday Periods.
Flying during peak holiday periods such as over the summer months, around Easter or Christmas is a sure way to pay over the odds for airline tickets. Instead choose to take vacations or holidays during less popular periods. This way you will be certain to get cheap airline tickets.
5. Airline Staff Discounts
It is always worth asking around at work or amongst friends to see if anyone knows someone who works for an airline. Often airline staff can get substantial discounts on airline tickets even for friends or family. This can often help you to save hundreds of pounds in air travel costs and ensure that you get a good deal when purchasing your airline ticket. So check before you book.
6. Book Online
Booking airline tickets online will often be cheaper because airlines do not have the large overheads and commission payments to intermediaries. It is a sure fire way to ensure that you secure cheap airline tickets.
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