The high cost of airline tickets is making travel more difficult for many, especially during peak seasons. Travelers searching for affordable flights have been feeling the pinch as ticket prices soar, often leaving them frustrated and scrambling for deals. But amid this financial strain, there are strategies to save on airfares, albeit with some controversy surrounding certain tactics.
One of the most talked-about methods to snag cheaper flights is known as "skiplagging." This technique sees travelers booking flights with layovers, planning to disembark at the layover city instead of traveling to the final destination. It’s often cheaper than purchasing a direct ticket to the layover city, leading some to successfully shave up to 50% off their fare. Aktarer Zaman, who founded the travel site Skiplagged, created this platform to help savvy passengers identify these so-called hidden city flights. Although Skiplagged does not sell tickets, it allows users to compare prices and redirects them to actual airlines or travel agencies to book their flights.
Yet, this practice has caused quite the stir within the airline industry. Several major airlines, including United and American Airlines, have taken legal measures against individuals employing this method. Zaman shared insights from his experience, stating, "We work with big companies like Priceline and other travel companies, and pass along customer information but we don't actually do any of the ticketing." Despite resistance, announcements indicate around 25,000 passengers utilize the Skiplagged platform every month.
Many airlines argue skiplagging results in substantial revenue loss. American Airlines famously secured nearly $9.4 million through a judgment against Skiplagged for copyright infringement. Zaman, though, argues airlines don’t lose money, saying, "It’s very possible these sales wouldn’t have happened otherwise. And let’s not forget these travelers are actually paying for both segments." This begs the question: is it fair for airlines to penalize individuals for seeking out cheaper flights?
While skiplagging is one possible route to cheaper travel, the reality during busy seasons—like holidays—is grim. Zach Wichter, aviation reporter at USA Today, notes, "There aren’t really great deals on flights this time of year... It’s just run-of-the-mill capitalism, and that's the boarding group we’re all in." For holiday airfares, he suggests planning earlier, keeping travel dates flexible, and monitoring prices well before departure. Hayley Berg, lead economist at the travel platform Hopper, indicates holiday flights are often booked solid weeks before the travel date, so prices remain high due to overwhelming demand.
Despite challenges, there are many avenues for finding affordable fares outside peak times. During off-peak seasons, often between late September through early November, airlines frequently roll out substantial sales as fewer travelers take to the skies. This season affords the greatest opportunity for bargain hunters to scoop up great deals. Travelers can also maximize their savings by utilizing price monitoring tools offered by Google Flights, Hopper, and Expedia, which notify users when ticket prices drop.
To truly navigate the maze of airline pricing, Wichter advises staying vigilant. "If it seems like a good deal, book it. Airline pricing is so dynamic, and trends can be unpredictable." This unpredictability is why savvy travelers should also pay attention to special shopping days like Travel Tuesday, which often mirror Black Friday and Cyber Monday, bringing potential discounts on airfares and hotel rooms. Last-minute deals are not uncommon, particularly if one's schedule allows for spontaneity within their travel plans.
When faced with higher ticket prices, flexibility can go a long way. Exploring different return dates can substantially impact the fare, especially if one avoids the most hectic travel days. For example, travelers finding flights during popular return periods immediately following major holidays often endure sky-high prices due to demand. Instead, departure dates on off-days—like Thanksgiving Day or the Monday following the weekend—could reveal more budget-friendly options.
Consider the timing and day of the week for travel bookings too. Numerous studies indicate airfares often dip on certain days, making it advantageous to shop around if you have time on your side.
For those planning holiday trips, Zach Wichter suggests booking as early as possible and adapting to changes. He said, "Holiday airfare feels so much more expensive than other times of the year, but the reality is... pretty last minute." Planning gives travelers advantageous positioning against the spike fares usually common during summer and holiday seasons.
Familiarizing oneself with traveler protections is also wise. New Department of Transportation rules empower travelers when plans go awry, ensuring they are aware of their rights should there be delays or cancellations on their flights.
While the airline industry continues to grapple with the rising costs of tickets and the practices savvy travelers may exploit, it remains clear: the quest for affordable air travel inspires innovative tactics and strategies. Whether utilizing skiplagging, staying vigilant on airfare predictions, or exploring off-peak travel times, passengers can still navigate the often tumultuous skies of airline pricing and secure flights without breaking the bank. By balancing creativity and flexibility, travelers can continue exploring the world, one chartered flight at a time.
