✈️ 5 Easy tips to book cheaper flights

Booking an exciting vacation shouldn't cost you all of your savings. Here are my top 5 tried-and-tested strategies for securing unbeatable deals on your next journey:

5. Use Multiple Search Tools

The biggest flight booking mistake you can make is booking the first flight that you see. Don't limit yourself to one website when searching for flights, because prices can vary significantly between different booking platforms. It's always worth checking multiple sites before booking your flight to ensure that you're getting the best deal possible.

It’s also important to take advantage of flight comparison tools and to keep an eye out for special promotions or discounts that may be exclusive to certain websites or airlines.

By choosing to search for flights on multiple websites rather than one, you increase your chances of securing substantial savings on your airfare.

4. Know your Market

It's essential to familiarize yourself with all the airlines that operate flights between your origin and destination. Each airline sets its own prices, and what might be a budget-friendly option with one airline could be expensive with another. By researching and comparing the offerings of different airlines, you avoid overpaying for a flight that could have cost you less if you had simply booked with a different airline.

3. Get Creative with your Searches

Getting creative with flight searches is my favourite tip for booking cheap flights. Consider exploring alternative departure or arrival airports, as prices can vary substantially based on which airport you fly through.

Adding strategic layovers or stopovers into your itinerary can sometimes result in more affordable fares. By thinking outside of the box and exploring unconventional travel options, you open yourself up to a world of potential savings and opportunities to stretch your travel budget further.

For example: If you’re planning to fly from Toronto to London, you might find a cheaper ticket if you fly from Montreal to London instead. Even when factoring in the cost to travel from Toronto to Montreal, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars.

2. Be Flexible with your Dates

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding affordable flights. Try to avoid traveling during peak seasons or holidays when the demand for travel is high. Instead, aim to fly on off-peak dates or midweek departures, as these tend to offer more budget-friendly options. By adjusting your travel dates slightly, you can unlock significant savings and avoid exceeding your budget. Being open to fly on flexible dates is essential to find the right deal for your schedule and budget.

1. Spend Airline Miles and Reward Points

My most recommended way to get heavily discounted flights is to collect airline miles and points and spend them on flights. Most airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points based on your travel and everyday spending.

The fastest way to earn airline points is to open credit cards affiliated with airline loyalty programs. Many credit cards allow you to earn points that can be transferred to loyalty programs, such as the American Express Gold Card, which lets you transfer points 1:1 to British Airways Avios (and many other airline programs). When signing up for these credit cards, you earn points in two main ways:

1. Initial sign-up bonus: Most credit cards will offer you points when you sign up for the card and spend a certain amount.

   Example: 40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

2. Everyday spending: Depending on the card, you will earn points based on your everyday spending.

   Example: Earn 3 points for every dollar spent

By strategically earning and spending airline miles and points, you can enjoy substantial savings on your flight tickets and stretch your travel budget further than you ever thought was possible. 

For reference, you can book Qatar Airways’ flagship Q-Suite business class product from North America to South Asia for 80,000 points and ~$250 USD in taxes and fees, while the same flight can cost over $5,000 when booked with cash. You would effectively be getting a 95% discount for the exact same flight by choosing to pay with points instead of cash.

🛠️ TODAY’S TOP TOOLS

5 Free tools to search for flights like a pro

👀 FEATURED

Today’s Featured Destination

🏝️ Marrakesh, Morocco

This edition’s featured travel destination is the bustling Moroccan city of Marrakesh. It's a city known for its historic architecture, vibrant markets and delicious cuisine. Here are some tips for your visit to Marrakesh:

• Explore the vibrant chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, alive with storytellers, musicians, and local delicacies.

• Wander through the peaceful Majorelle Garden, a splash of color in the city's earthy landscape.

• Marvel at the stunning architecture and history of the Bahia Palace.

• Savour the flavours of Marrakech with traditional Moroccan street food.

• Explore the ancient Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the past lives in the present among the narrow, winding streets.

🗞️ NEWS

This week’s travel news digest

🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific debuts all-new Aria Suite Business Class

Cathay Pacific introduces its new Aria business class suite and premium economy seat for its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, revealing features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The Aria Suite includes sliding doors and privacy partitions between middle seats, along with features like a 24-inch 4K IFE monitor and wireless charging pads.

• The new premium economy seat offers a 15.6-inch IFE screen, extended headrest and extra legroom.

  Read More at Business Traveller

🇮🇹 Italy Launches Digital Nomad Visa program

Italy has launched a 'digital nomad visa', making it easier for remote workers to relocate to the country. This visa is aimed at non-EU or Swiss citizens seeking to work remotely from Italy for up to a year.

Key Takeaways:

• Italy has introduced a digital nomad visa for non-EU or Swiss citizens, allowing them to live and work remotely in the country for up to a year.

• Applicants must meet income requirements, have health insurance, and provide proof of accommodation, with the visa renewable and family members eligible for inclusion.

  Read More at Business Insider