FARE’S FAIR: How to Save Money on Flights

As a flight attendant, I’ve seen my fair share of travelers trying to shave off a few bucks from their flight tickets. While it’s not always possible to get a drastically cheaper deal, there are some tricks up my sleeve that can help you save some money.

One of the most effective ways to save money is to take advantage of codesharing. Codesharing is when airlines share routes with other carriers, allowing them to claim they offer more destinations to their passengers. For instance, if you book a flight to Australia on British Airways’ website, you might actually be flying with Qantas. But here’s the thing: both airlines will be selling tickets for those same flights, which means there’s an opportunity to make a saving.

“It’s not as complicated as it might seem, or as it once was.” - Me

Using websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deal. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a mistake fare - an error that occurs when airlines or travel agents accidentally list the wrong price for a flight. Keep an eye out for those, and you might just score a cheap ticket.

Flight attendants like me have seen it all when it comes to flight deals.

Another trick up my sleeve is being flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Going on Google Flights and clicking on the map instead of searching for a specific destination will show you the cheapest rates to a number of cities. That way, you can choose the most affordable destination or at least pick a place with cheap flights.

Google Flights can be a powerful tool in finding cheap flights.

And finally, avoid those pricey luggage additions! Most airlines now charge extra for passengers to check luggage in during their flights, so it’s much more affordable to fly with just carry-on. Practice packing before you fly, and make sure you can fit everything into a case or bag that will fit in the airline’s hand luggage rules.

Packing light can save you money in the long run.

So there you have it - my top tips for saving money on flights. Remember, it’s all about being flexible, doing your research, and keeping an eye out for those mistake fares. Happy travels!