Make the Most of Student Discounts
If you are a student (or under the age of 26), numerous discounts are available to you. Prices are normally 20-30% lower than the standard fare. Flight Centre and other travel agents can assist you in finding a low-cost ticket. Don’t pass them up!
Also, remember that most student discounts are transferable to airline partners. Delta, for example, offers a student discount that may be used on partner airlines such as KLM and Air France. This will allow you to travel considerably further afield while still saving a significant amount of money.
If you’re unsure which airlines provide discounts, check their websites or phone them. It will be worthwhile to research to save 20% (or more) on your next purchase.
Airlines can be mixed and matched.
When you book directly with an airline, you will be able to fly solely with that airline and its partner airlines. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have fewer alternatives when it comes to planning the ideal itinerary or saving the most money.
Usually, that is plenty. However, if you want to save even more money, try buying your tickets on several airlines. For instance, if you’re going from New York to Paris, you might stop in London. Booking all legs as one ticket is convenient, but it is unlikely to save you money.
Instead, buy your flight from New York to London as one ticket and your flight from London to Paris as a separate ticket with a different carrier. This will enable you to browse around for the greatest deal. Of course, it takes more effort, but the savings (and flexibility) can be worthwhile.
This is what most third-party booking websites, such as Kiwi.com, do. They cobble together trips using whatever flights they can find to get you the best deal.
If you’re looking for the best deal and aren’t satisfied with what you see on the airline’s website, consider booking different parts. You might just come across a great price!
Utilize Points and Miles
Sign up for a travel rewards card as soon as you know you intend to vacation there. Airline rewards programs are the most popular way for frequent travelers to earn free flights, travel perks, and hotel stays. They include airline upgrades, large welcome bonuses, credit toward rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, admission to free events, airport lounge access, and more.
You should be enrolled in a reward program regardless of how frequently you fly. You also don’t need to spend any more money. Every year, I earn over a million miles without flying or spending extra money. That amounts to scores of free flights (often in business class) for my family and me.