Airfare Expert: 8 Little-Known Hacks for Saving on Holiday Flights
Traveling during the holidays can be expensive, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to find affordable flights even during peak season.
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“At Dollar Flight Club, we analyze over 100,000 flight data points annually, giving us unique insights into how travelers can save during the busiest and most expensive time of year,” said Jesse Neugarten, CEO of Dollar Flight Club. “With airfare prices surging during the holidays, these lesser-known hacks will help you stretch your budget and make holiday travel affordable.”
Use these expert tips to save on holiday flights.
Fly the ‘Hidden Fare’ Routes
Neugarten said holiday travel often means soaring prices for direct flights.
“A lesser-known hack to saving $300 or more is to search for ‘hidden-city’ fares using tools like Skiplagged,” he suggested. “These flights are cheaper connecting routes where you skip the final leg of your journey. For example, if Phoenix to NYC is expensive, book a cheaper connecting flight to Boston with a layover in NYC. Another tip: skip checked bags since they’ll go to the final destination.”
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Expand Your Search To Include Nearby Airports
“Major hubs like LAX are swamped and very expensive during the holidays,” said Neugarten . “Think outside the box, and instead, check nearby airports like John Wayne International Airport, Long Beach or San Diego International Airport. We’ve seen holiday fares to NYC $300 cheaper from Long Beach compared to LAX. If you’re willing to drive an hour, you will save hundreds.”
Use Airline Drop Policies — Even After Booking
According to Neugarten, holiday fares can drop unexpectedly — even after you book. He said that airlines like Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest allow you to claim credits or refunds if prices decrease.
“Set up alerts with tools like Hopper or Google Flights and check your existing bookings periodically,” he recommended. “It’s an easy way to save a few hundred dollars without changing your plans.”
Set Price Alerts or Subscribe to a Service for Deals Alerts
“Timing holiday flight purchases can feel like a guessing game,” Neugarten said. “Platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to set price alerts, while subscribing to Dollar Flight Club gives you access to deals alerts. I’ve seen flights to Europe drop to as low as $300 from the West Coast during the holidays.”
However, he noted that it’s important to act fast, as these types of deals won’t last long during peak travel season.
Consider Booking One-Way Flights
According to Neugarten, when holiday travel demands are high, airlines often overprice round-trip tickets. “A lesser-known strategy is to book one-way flights with different airlines,” he explained. “For example, flying to Miami on American Airlines and returning with United can be cheaper than sticking with one airline for a round trip. This flexibility can yield big savings.”
Book Layovers That Double as ‘Mini Holidays’
“Holiday trips don’t have to be just point A to B,” said Neugarten. “Airlines like Icelandair and Turkish Airlines offer extended layovers that let you explore a new city without extra cost. If you’re traveling internationally this holiday season, intentionally book a stopover, and it’s like getting two trips for the price of one.”
Utilize Miles and Points Quickly
Neugarten also recommended avoiding hoarding miles and points for a “perfect trip.”
“Airline programs devalue points over time, so use the earn-and-burn strategy: redeem miles quickly for maximum value,” he explained. “For instance, you can transfer Amex points to Air France during a bonus promotion for 1.5x the value, which is a game-changer for booking award flights.”
Pay for Flights With Instant Cash-Back Credit Cards
“If you’re short on miles, credit cards offering instant cashback can help fund your holiday flights,” said Neugarten. “Many cards provide signup bonuses and cashback rewards for everyday purchases like groceries and dining, which you can immediately use for flights. Pairing cash-back cards with holiday deals could save you hundreds. For example, earning 5% cashback on a $500 flight saves you $25 and every bit adds up during peak season.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Airfare Expert: 8 Little-Known Hacks for Saving on Holiday Flights
