Secret Airline Booking Tips

Error Fares What Are They and How to Find Them

Okay, let's dive into the world of error fares. These are basically airline pricing mistakes – think typos gone wild. Airlines accidentally post ridiculously low fares due to system glitches, human error, or currency conversion problems. The key is to be quick! Error fares are usually fixed within hours, sometimes minutes.

How to Find Them:

• Follow Travel Deal Websites: Sites like Secret Flying, Scott's Cheap Flights (now Going), and The Flight Deal are your best friends. They constantly scan for these errors and post them immediately. Sign up for their email alerts!
• Set Price Alerts: Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to set price alerts for your desired routes. You might catch a fare drop that looks too good to be true.
• Be Flexible: Error fares often involve less popular routes or travel dates. Be open to flying on weekdays or during the off-season.

Important Considerations:

• Book Quickly: As mentioned, error fares disappear fast. Don't hesitate!
• Wait Before Making Other Plans: Airlines *can* cancel error fares, although it's rare. Wait a few days after booking before making non-refundable hotel or tour reservations.
• Read the Fine Print: Make sure the fare rules aren't too restrictive (e.g., no changes allowed).

Last Minute Flight Deals Finding the Best Opportunities

Think spontaneous getaways! Last-minute flight deals aren't as common as they used to be, but they still exist. Airlines want to fill those empty seats before the plane takes off.

Where to Look:

• Airline Websites: Check the \"Deals\" or \"Specials\" sections of major airline websites like United, Delta, American, Southwest (in the US) and Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia (in Southeast Asia).
• Last-Minute Travel Apps: Apps like HotelTonight (they also do flights!), Hopper, and Skyscanner can sometimes surface last-minute deals.
• Be Flexible with Your Destination: If you're open to anywhere, you'll have a better chance of finding a deal. Search for flights to \"Everywhere\" on Skyscanner.

Tips for Success:

• Travel During Off-Peak Times: Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends.
• Be Prepared to Leave Soon: Last-minute means *last-minute*. Have your bags packed and be ready to go!
• Consider Budget Airlines: They often have the best deals, but be aware of extra fees (baggage, seat selection, etc.).

Leveraging Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Rewards

This is where things get strategic. Airline loyalty programs (frequent flyer programs) and travel credit cards can be powerful tools for saving money on flights. Think of it as playing the points game.

Airline Loyalty Programs:

• Sign Up for Everything: Join the loyalty programs of all the airlines you fly, even if it's infrequent. Points add up over time.
• Understand Earning Rates: Know how many miles you earn per dollar spent. It varies depending on fare class and airline.
• Look for Bonus Mile Promotions: Airlines often offer bonus miles for specific routes or during certain periods.
• Redeem Miles Strategically: Don't waste miles on low-value redemptions (e.g., magazines). Aim for award flights, especially for long-haul or premium cabin travel.

Travel Credit Cards for Flight Rewards

These cards can accelerate your points earning. Look for cards with:

• Large Sign-Up Bonuses: These are a great way to quickly accumulate a lot of points.
• Bonus Points on Travel Purchases: Many cards offer extra points for spending on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
• Airline Partnerships: Some cards are co-branded with specific airlines, offering perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
• Annual Travel Credits: Some cards offer annual credits that can be used towards travel expenses.

Product Recommendations for Flight Booking Tools

Google Flights A Powerful Search Engine

Description: Google Flights is a fantastic starting point for any flight search. It allows you to easily compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies. Its calendar view shows you the cheapest days to fly, and its explore feature lets you find destinations based on your budget.

Use Cases:

• Finding the Cheapest Dates: Use the calendar view to see which days offer the lowest fares.
• Exploring Destinations: Use the \"Explore\" feature to find destinations within your budget.
• Tracking Prices: Set up price alerts to be notified of fare changes.

Pricing: Free to use.

Skyscanner Flexibility and Comprehensive Coverage

Description: Skyscanner is another popular flight comparison site that searches a wide range of airlines, including budget carriers. It's known for its flexibility, allowing you to search for flights to \"Everywhere\" or on \"Whole Month\" view to find the absolute cheapest options.

Use Cases:

• Finding Budget Airlines: Skyscanner is great for finding low-cost carriers that might not appear on other search engines.
• Searching for Flights to \"Everywhere\": If you're open to any destination, this feature can reveal some amazing deals.
• Comparing Prices Over a Whole Month: The \"Whole Month\" view allows you to easily identify the cheapest days to fly.

Pricing: Free to use.

Hopper Predicting Price Fluctuations

Description: Hopper uses data to predict future flight prices, advising you whether to book now or wait for a better deal. It also offers price drop protection, which guarantees you'll get the lowest price.

Use Cases:

• Predicting Price Changes: Hopper's predictions can help you decide when to book your flight.
• Price Drop Protection: This feature protects you from price increases after you book.
• Finding Deals on Specific Routes: Hopper tracks prices on specific routes and alerts you to deals.

Pricing: Free to use, with optional paid features like price drop protection.

Understanding Booking Classes The Key to Upgrades

Airlines use a complex system of booking classes, often denoted by letters (e.g., Y, B, M, H). These classes determine the price you pay and the flexibility of your ticket.

What to Know:

• Higher Booking Classes = More Flexibility: Tickets in higher booking classes (e.g., Y, B) are usually more expensive but offer more flexibility in terms of changes and cancellations.
• Lower Booking Classes = Lower Prices but Restrictions: Tickets in lower booking classes (e.g., Q, L, V) are cheaper but often come with more restrictions.
• Upgrades: Your booking class can affect your chances of getting an upgrade using miles or points.

Hidden Fees and How to Avoid Them

Airlines love to add hidden fees! Be aware of these common culprits:

• Baggage Fees: These can be significant, especially on budget airlines. Pack light or consider shipping your luggage.
• Seat Selection Fees: Some airlines charge extra for choosing your seat.
• Change Fees: These can be very expensive. Choose flexible fares if you think you might need to change your plans.
• Cancellation Fees: Similar to change fees, these can eat into your refund.
• Food and Drink: On many airlines, food and drinks are not included. Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money.

The Power of Incognito Mode Does It Really Work

There's a myth that searching for flights in incognito mode will result in lower prices. The idea is that airlines track your searches and increase prices if they see you're interested.

The Verdict: It's debatable. While some people swear by it, there's no definitive proof that incognito mode consistently leads to lower prices. However, it doesn't hurt to try! Incognito mode prevents websites from tracking your browsing history and using cookies to personalize prices.

Utilizing Student Discounts and Youth Fares

If you're a student or under a certain age (usually 26), you might be eligible for student discounts or youth fares.

Where to Find Them:

• Student Travel Agencies: STA Travel and StudentUniverse specialize in travel deals for students.
• Airline Websites: Some airlines offer student fares directly.
• ISIC Card: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) provides access to discounts on flights, accommodation, and attractions.