The Best Ways to Save Money on Airline Flights

Traveling with your family can be an incredible experience. Once you get past the whining and bickering, there are some joyful times to be had. However, if you are not careful, it can also be an incredibly expensive experience. 

One of the costliest aspects is the actual travel. Depending on the size of your family, getting from here to there may price you right out of a trip. Or, you may search travel dates and locations, review the prices and immediately think, “Which kid should we leave home?” 

There is no need to leave anyone off the airplane though. With these simple tips you can save money on airline flights and enjoy a budget friendly trip together. 

1. Do Your Research

Start looking at flights well in advance of your first kid’s birth. Okay, maybe not that early, but don’t cut it too close either. Typically, one to three months prior to your trip is when you will see the cheapest domestic flights. 

If you’re venturing out of the country, you should begin researching international flights four to ten months prior to your trip depending on the time of year you’ll be traveling. Beginning your research early, will help you identify pricing trends and will ensure not only the best ticket price, but a better seat selection too. 

2. Vary Your Research

Don’t just use one travel site to find tickets. Compare several to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may also find it cheaper to fly one airline on the way there and a different one coming home. 

Additionally, vary the time of day that you are looking. I once found a ticket on a Wednesday morning that was $40 cheaper than it was Tuesday evening. By Wednesday evening, it had gone back up in price. That may not seem like a huge price difference, but it is when you are buying six tickets.

3. Travel Midweek or Saturday

Oftentimes, the cheapest flights will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. So, if your schedule allows, consider traveling those days especially during the school year. As an added bonus, midweek tends to be some of the least crowded days at many popular destinations.

4. Consider Alternate Airports

It’s worth comparing prices and options among multiple airports at both your departure and arrival cities. Many popular destinations will have more than one airport within a reasonable distance. For instance, The Disneyland Park has five main airports all within less than 45 miles of the park. 

Consider not only pricing, but the availability of direct flights and other flight options too. Keep in mind the airport’s proximity to your destination and the availability of rental cars, rideshares or hotel shuttles. 

5. Be Flexible with Your Dates

Being flexible is the key to saving money while traveling. You may need to alter your dates or travel times to get the best price. 

Extending your trip by one day, may save you a considerable amount on airfare depending on the number of tickets you are purchasing. Not to mention, an extra day lounging by the hotel pool never hurt anyone. Just make sure the extra night in a hotel and extra food won’t eat up that savings.

6. Red-Eyes Get a Bad Rap

Red-eyes, or overnight flights, are tough especially with kids, but they can save you A LOT of money. Consider flying a red-eye flight at least on the way home. If you’re daring and find yourself on a red-eye to your vacation destination, make sure your first day there is a leisure day.  

7. Consider the Cheap Seats Carefully

Most airlines now offer ticket categories that vary by features and price. You can get a great deal on a basic fare. If you are purchasing multiple tickets, the price difference could save you hundreds. 

Unfortunately, you will sacrifice some benefits included in the higher priced ticket categories. For instance, many basic fares do not allow you to choose your seat and will assign you seats near the rear of the plane. In addition, they often do not include any checked bags and are the last group to board. Most importantly, these basic fares usually do not allow changes, or apply change fees, and most are nonrefundable. 

Booking the cheap seats can be a bit of a catch-22 for families. They can save you a bundle, but you will likely not be seated together. While a little time apart may seem tempting to some, others worry about being separated from young children. However, most major airlines have policies ensuring that children under 13 will be seated next to an accompanying adult. So, as long as your tickets are part of the same reservation, you alone will have the joy of entertaining your young children throughout the flight. Be sure to review your airline’s policy if this is a concern for your family.  

8. Beware of Budget Airlines

The prices offered by budget airlines can be incredibly tempting. It’s important to understand these prices often only include a seat on the plane. These airlines charge extra for carry-on and checked bags, seat selection, refreshments and more. Once you factor in these additional fees, the ticket price is often equal or more than that of traditional airlines. 

While the budget airlines can help you save money on airline flights, they are best used when traveling short distances with little luggage and few people.

9. Pack Light

With checked bag fees ranging between $35 and $60, it pays to pack light. Most airline tickets allow for one personal item and one carry-on item per passenger. For a family of five, that is 10 items. Make use of all those bags, have your children pull their own weight and save yourself some money.

You may also be able to condense your luggage by purchasing some items when you get to your destination. Those full-size bottles of shampoo are likely cheaper than the baggage fees.

By planning ahead and exercising some flexibility, you will save money on airline flights. With a little forethought, you can ensure the memories of your children playing in the sand outlast the credit card debt.