Spring Break on a Shoestring: Tips for Scoring Cheap Flights

Introduction

As the winter months slowly come to an end, students around the world are eagerly counting down the days until Spring Break. For many, this week-long vacation is an opportunity to relax and recharge after a long semester of hard work. However, for those on a tight budget, it can be daunting to plan a trip that won’t break the bank.

This post will explore some practical tips for scoring cheap flights during Spring Break. From flexible travel dates to error fares, we’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the most effective ways to score cheaper flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Instead of flying out on a Friday or Saturday, consider leaving on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead. This can save you up to 20% on your flight costs.

For example, let’s say you’re planning a trip from New York City (JFK) to Miami (MIA). A non-stop round-trip flight with Delta Airlines on a Friday would cost around $400. However, if you were to fly out on a Tuesday instead, the same flight with Delta would only set you back by $300.

2. Use Error Fares

Error fares are mistakes made by airlines when they list their flights at an incorrect price. These errors can be extremely rare, but when they do occur, they can result in significant savings for travelers.

For instance, last year a British Airways error fare listed a round-trip flight from London (LHR) to New York City (JFK) for just £100 ($130). This was significantly cheaper than the usual price of around £500 ($650).

3. Sign Up for Flight Alerts

Flight alerts are services that send you notifications when there is a sale or error fare on your desired route. Some popular flight alert services include Scott’s Cheap Flights and Airfarewatchdog.

For example, Scott’s Cheap Flights recently sent out an alert about a $200 round-trip flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS). This was significantly cheaper than the usual price of around $400.

4. Consider Alternative Airports

If you have multiple airport options for your destination, consider flying into a smaller airport instead of a major hub. For example, if you’re traveling to Miami, consider flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) instead of Miami International Airport (MIA).

This can often result in cheaper flights and fewer crowds at the airport.

5. Book in Advance

Booking your flight well in advance is another effective way to score cheap flights. Many airlines offer discounts for early bookings, so it’s worth planning ahead.

For example, if you book a round-trip flight from Chicago (ORD) to New Orleans (MSY) with American Airlines three months in advance, you might be able to save up to 10% on the price of your ticket.

6. Use Budget Airlines

Budget airlines can often offer cheaper flights than major carriers. However, keep in mind that these airlines may charge extra for things like checked bags and food.

For example, if you’re traveling from Boston (BOS) to New Orleans (MSY), a round-trip flight with Spirit Airlines might cost around $150. This is significantly cheaper than the usual price of around $300 with major carriers.

7. Use Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards can be an excellent way to earn rewards on your flights. For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred card and book a round-trip flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX), you might earn 2x points per dollar spent.

These points can then be redeemed for travel or transferred to partner airlines like United Airlines.

Conclusion

Scoring cheap flights during Spring Break requires some planning and flexibility. By being flexible with your travel dates, using error fares, signing up for flight alerts, considering alternative airports, booking in advance, using budget airlines, and taking advantage of travel credit cards, you can save money on your next trip.

Remember to always read the fine print when booking a flight, as some errors or sales may have restrictions. And if you do find an error fare, don’t hesitate to contact the airline directly to confirm the price before booking.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a Spring Break vacation without breaking the bank.