The Frugal Flyer: Uncovering The Cheapest Airline For Savvy Travelers

Flying can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on air travel. Knowing which low-cost airlines to choose can help bring down travel costs.

Websites like Google Flights, KAYAK, and Cheapflights.com allow travellers to compare flight prices across multiple booking platforms. These sites also offer deals, discounts, and email alerts for cheap flights.

According to AirAdvisor, Frontier Airlines is the cheapest airline to fly with in the US. Other budget-friendly airlines include Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

To save money on flights, it's recommended to book in advance, travel during the week or off-season, and fly out of major cities and airport hubs. Being flexible with travel dates, carriers, and layovers can also help find cheaper flights.

Booking in advance vs last-minute deals

When it comes to booking a flight, there are a few factors to consider when trying to get the best deal. Booking in advance is a good option if you are travelling with family, as you will have more choice when it comes to flights, hotels and specific requirements. You can also take advantage of early booking deals and discounts, and have more time to save up and pay in instalments. However, booking in advance can sometimes be more expensive, and you may be locked into a holiday for a long time, which is not ideal if your plans change.

Booking last minute can often mean you get your hands on some great bargains, and it is a good option if you want to be spontaneous. However, you will have less choice when it comes to travel plans, and full payment is usually required at the time of booking, so there is less time to save for spending money.

If you are looking to book a last-minute deal, booking 1-4 weeks before departure is the best time to bag a cheap holiday, as airlines and holiday companies will be trying to fill their flights and hotels. For international flights, you can still get a good deal 2-4 weeks before departure.

If you are looking to book in advance, for domestic flights, you should book 1-3 months ahead, and for international flights, 2-8 months ahead.

When it comes to the cheapest days to book and travel, for both US domestic and international travel, Sundays tend to be the cheapest day to book, and Fridays the most expensive. Flying out on a Friday is often cheaper than a Sunday, so this could be a good option if you are looking to save money.

The cheapest month to fly varies depending on your destination. For international flights, February tends to be the most expensive, and November the cheapest. For domestic flights, March is the most expensive and August the cheapest.

To find the best deals, it is worth using a comparison website, and staying flexible with travel dates, carriers, and nonstop/layover flights.

Some of the cheapest airlines to fly with include:

• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• JetBlue
• Alaska Airlines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Delta Airlines

Using comparison websites

Comparison websites are a great way to find the cheapest airline to travel with. They can save you time and money by doing the hard work for you. Here are some tips for using comparison websites to find the best deals on airfare:

Use a Variety of Comparison Websites

No single website consistently has the lowest prices. While most Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) offer prices in the same ballpark, they don't all provide the same benefits or search functionality. Try using a combination of metasearch engines, such as Kayak and Google Flights, along with OTAs like Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz, to compare prices and find exclusive deals.

Compare Prices and Track Fare Trends

Comparison websites like Kayak and Google Flights are excellent tools for comparing airfares across multiple airlines and tracking fare trends over time. This helps you identify the cheapest days to fly and the best times to book. For example, historical data shows that Sundays are often the cheapest day to purchase tickets for both domestic and international travel, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive.

Consider Booking Directly with the Airline

While OTAs are convenient for comparing prices, booking directly through the airline's website can sometimes offer better deals and makes it easier to resolve any issues that may arise. Additionally, booking directly with the airline allows you to take advantage of frequent flyer miles and award flights.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Destinations

Comparison websites often provide flexible search options, allowing you to explore the cheapest destinations during your preferred travel period. For example, Skyscanner's "Explore Everywhere" feature lets you search for the most affordable destinations based on your chosen dates. Being flexible with your travel plans can help you find the lowest prices and the best deals.

Look for Package Deals

If you need to book a hotel or rental car in addition to your flight, consider using OTAs like Hotwire that offer package deals. Booking your flight and accommodation together can often result in significant savings.

Set Up Price Alerts

Take advantage of price alert features offered by some comparison websites, such as Kayak and Google Flights. These tools will notify you when the price of your desired flight changes, helping you jump on low prices when they become available.

Weigh the Benefits of Loyalty Programs

Some OTAs, like Expedia and Orbitz, offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn rewards for your bookings. Weigh the benefits of these programs against the potential drawbacks, such as limited mileage accumulation toward elite status and restrictions on seat upgrades.

By using these strategies and taking advantage of the features offered by comparison websites, you can effectively identify the cheapest airline for your travel needs and save money on your next trip.

Flying mid-week

Why Mid-Week is Cheaper

Mid-week flights are cheaper because there is generally less demand from both business and leisure travellers. Leisure travellers often fly on weekends, either starting their vacations on Fridays or taking long weekends, while business travellers tend to travel on Mondays and return on Fridays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the slowest travel days of the week, so airlines are more likely to offer lower prices to encourage more bookings.

According to Hopper, booking mid-week flights can save travellers up to 17% on airfare. On domestic flights, this can save an average of $56 per ticket, while booking weekly mid-week flights for international travel can save up to $120 on average per person.

Other Factors to Consider

While mid-week flights are generally the cheapest option, it's important to note that the best day to fly can vary based on your route and destination. Summer is the most popular time to fly, as people tend to take more time off work and schools are closed, so prices are usually higher during this peak season. Holidays, spring break, and large-scale events can also increase demand and prices.

In addition to the day of the week and season, the time of your flight can also impact the cost. Early morning and late-night flights are often cheaper than midday flights, as they are less convenient for most travellers.

Tips for Finding Cheap Mid-Week Flights

To find the best deals on mid-week flights, consider the following:

• Compare airfares using third-party travel price comparison sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and consider travelling during the shoulder season or off-season.
• Book domestic flights at least a month in advance and international flights around 1-1.5 months in advance to balance early booking discounts with last-minute deals.
• Set price alerts on apps like Hopper to be notified when airfare prices drop.
• Earn airline miles through frequent flyer programs or by using co-branded airline credit cards to pay for flights.

By combining mid-week travel with these money-saving tips, you can significantly reduce the cost of your airfare and have more money to spend at your destination.

Flying from large airports

When it comes to flying from large airports, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the cheapest airline tickets. Firstly, it is important to note that larger airports do not always offer the cheapest flights. In some cases, huge airports are among the most expensive, while smaller regional airports can be very inexpensive. However, smaller airports tend to be more expensive due to high surcharges and landing fees, lack of airline competition in the region, and the absence of low-cost airlines.

Some of the cheapest large airports in the United States include:

• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): It is the second-busiest airport in the US and acts as a hub for multiple airlines, offering a wide range of destinations.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO): MCO is served by 42 passenger airlines and offers direct flights to over 170 destinations worldwide.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): SFO is the 14th-busiest airport in the US and is served by over 50 airlines, making it a great option for cheap international flights.
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): ORD is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers nonstop service to more than 230 destinations on over 45 airlines.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): IAD has the most international passenger traffic outside of New York in the Mid-Atlantic region and offers direct flights to 59 international destinations.

To find the cheapest flights from large airports, it is recommended to compare fares from different airlines, be flexible with travel dates, and consider mixing and matching airline tickets and fare types. Additionally, booking on Sundays and departing on Fridays can often result in cheaper airfare.

Additional costs for checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard services

When flying with a budget airline, it's important to be aware of additional costs for checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard services, as these can add up quickly. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Checked Baggage:

Checked baggage fees can vary depending on the airline, your destination, and the number of bags you plan to check in. Some airlines charge a flat fee per checked bag, while others have different rates for the first and second bags. For example, Air Canada charges $35-42 for the first checked bag and $50-60 for the second bag on economy class travel within Canada. WestJet, on the other hand, offers free first checked bags for certain members and fare classes, while charging $35-42 for the first bag and $55-65 for the second bag for other guests departing from Canada.

Seat Selection:

Seat selection fees can also vary by airline and destination. Air Canada, for instance, charges $14-60 for advance standard seat selection within Canada and Canada-US flights, while WestJet charges $100-118 for their extended comfort seats.

Onboard Services:

Onboard services such as meals, snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi may also incur additional costs. For example, Air Canada charges $4.00-$21.54 for meal and snack items, $8.95-$11.94 for alcoholic beverages, and $3.95-$9.54 for earphones. WestJet, on the other hand, offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on flights over one hour, while charging $3.49-$10.49 for additional snacks and $7.99-$9.49 for alcoholic drinks.

When considering the cheapest airline to fly with, it's important to factor in these additional costs for checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard services, as they can significantly impact your overall travel expenses.

Frequently asked questions