Everyone wants to travel these days. The chance to jump onto the next flight out to wherever for whatever purpose people want, whether for leisure or business, has become handy in this century with the convenience and affordability of air travel.
The International Civil Aviation Organization reports that 3.5 billion passengers buckled up for takeoff in 2015, and the International Air Transport Association expects that number to jump to 3.8 billion next year, Air & Space Magazine Reports.
As the airfare prices drop, you may find yourself itching to click the 'Buy' button and jump on the bandwagon for your next great escape. When planning for your travel and you are on a tight budget, less may not always mean more.
Even seasoned travelers commit to not doing these five deadly slip-ups when booking a flight:
1. Booking flights on days when prices are higher
Most people are inclined to do their searching and booking over the weekend when they have time to do so. However, there is a theory that Tuesday is the best time to book a flight. According to Skyscanner, Airlines usually start their sales on a Monday, competitors will tend to lower their prices, hence, Tuesday afternoons are when the best bargains are found.
2. Choosing the wrong days to fly
This works around the basic principle that most leisure travelers prefer to fly before the weekend or business travelers who can't wait to go home for the weekend. It is best to avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays. Farecompare reports that the best days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
3. Not checking multiple websites
There is wisdom in the old saying of not putting all your eggs in one basket. Shop around and do some research every day to get the best deal. Setting up email alerts can be also helpful so that when the prices drop you will be notified immediately.
4. Not considering the overall in-flight experience
Even when your budget is on a tight leash, considering the over-all experience when flying is essential especially if it's a long-haul trip. Consider entertainment, seats, meals, and leg room to ensure your comfort all throughout the travel.
5. Not considering other costs
Sometimes searching for the cheapest flight becomes stressful and taxing that other fees, hidden or not, becomes a major oversight. For example, extensive layovers, needing to acquire other visas, hotel accommodation, and higher baggage fees are some of the extra costs you may be paying for when you impulsively book flights.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
