Travelling is a fun activity, but sky-rocketing price tags on flight tickets have really dampened many a plan. Whether planning a quick Bhubaneswar to Kolkata flight or a long-haul journey, being savvy about booking flights can significantly cut your travel costs.
Here is the way to get the best deals on your next trip.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Pre-booking your flight will help you save. Normally, domestic bookings happen one to three months ahead of time, and for international flights, it could range between two and eight months. If possible, you can play with dates to get a cheaper price on your tickets. The best is to book during nonpeak times, weekends, or holidays because when those occur, demand increases for tickets.
Use Flight Comparison Websites
Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak make it extremely easy to compare fares across several airlines and find the cheapest fares. They also offer tools for price alerts so that you’ll know when your desired route, say, from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata, becomes less expensive. Then you can see the trends and buy once the price is good.
Fly During Off-Peak Times
If you are willing to fly less frequently during peak hours, it will drop your ticket price quite dramatically. Flying early in the morning and late at night, referred to as “red-eye flights,” is more inexpensive than flying during the daytime. Midweek departure dates are also cheaper compared to weekend flights. In other words, if you are not picky about which days you fly, you’ll save a lot of money.
Go Incognito for Fare Searches
Airline companies and reservation websites track your history when you use their services; the more you view a particular route, the more your fares increase. Therefore, using incognito mode in your browser does not record your search history, helping you get the best deals without increasing prices.
Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are another good option when you have a short distance, like Bhubaneswar to Kolkata flights. These can save a lot of money for passengers because they do not provide extras like meals, checked baggage, and seat selection free. Their fares are generally much lower, and this can be an advantage. But be sure to read the fine print to see how much extra charges add to the cost.
Take Advantage of Airline Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyer programs award passengers points or miles every time they travel. After several journeys, these points are redeemed for discounted or free tickets. To save money, combine this with a travel credit card offering rewards when booking flights. When flying the same airline frequently, such schemes can be highly cost-effective.
Look for Alternate Routes and Airports
The flight could be cheaper if you fly into or out of smaller airports. For example, if you have an alternate airport to fly into where your destination is, see if it’s cheaper to fly into the alternate airport instead. You can make it cheaper by breaking up your flight into smaller legs or getting connecting flights rather than a direct flight.
Watch for Flash Sales and Error Fares
Watch for flash sales, which airlines often announce on their websites or social media pages. They offer huge discounts for a limited time. Another way is to use error fares, which airlines make due to pricing mistakes. Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights have made a business out of tracking and sharing these deals.
Book Tickets at the Right Time
Sometimes, one could get a good deal based on the timing of one’s booking. Some reports state that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book because airlines put their reduced fare out on Monday evening, after the weekend, while early morning and late-night bookings also work for the best deals on fares.
Use Fare Aggregators and Cashback Offers
Take advantage of aggregator websites and apps that combine flight prices with special cashback or discount offers. Many credit cards and e-wallets offer exclusive travel deals. Combining these tools with others ensures you get the lowest possible fare.
The Key to Consistent Savings
The key to consistently booking cheap flight tickets lies in combining these strategies. Being flexible, staying informed, and planning strategically will help you save on your next Bhubaneswar to Kolkata flight and make your overall travel experience more budget-friendly.
By implementing these proven tips, you will no longer feel burdened by high airfares. Instead, you can enjoy discovering new destinations without stretching your budget. Travel more competent, and happy flying!