As a general rule, global instability leads to higher prices, and boy, is the world a doozy right now. Airfare hasn’t escaped the tumult: US airfares are up 14.9 percent compared to a year ago, according to NerdWallet, largely due to fuel price spikes linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by blockages, bombs, and blockades.
While the medium-term outlook for the airline business isn’t great, there are still a few smart and tricky ways to save a little money when flying this summer. These are tips I've learned from covering transportation for more than a decade, and from conversations with airline industry experts over the past two months. Some are tailor-made to this weird time in history; some are evergreen. For those especially sensitive when spending hard-earned cash right now, all might be worth investigating.
Go, Go, Go!
Move quickly! Airlines have been warning about big price changes since fuel prices first went up in early March. Those businesses are especially sensitive to higher prices because fuel alone accounts for more than a quarter of their overall costs. So they’re making noises about slashing routes and regular flights. This gives flyers a bit less wiggle room. Usually, experts recommend booking domestic flights four to six weeks before go time, and international flights about three months out. Now, "it’s kind of late in the game to be booking out summer trips," says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at the flight deals website Going. She recommends starting to look three to seven months out for domestic trips, and four to 10 months out for international ones.
Another reason to get that credit card information ready quickly: Airline consolidation could be on the horizon. Less competition means higher prices. Spirit Airlines has reportedly offered the US government a financial stake to avoid possible liquidation. JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have said their financial situations aren’t as dire, but have warned of struggles ahead.
Go Where Everyone Else Is Going
Speaking of more competition, popular routes are those more likely to keep their prices down. Consider postponing the vacation to that far-off secret locale or seasonal hotspot until next year, and instead choose a more popular destination where several airlines fly. In the US, high competition routes include New York to LA, LA to San Francisco, Atlanta to Orlando, and Las Vegas to LA. If you’re not near one of those major hubs, a train or car trip to the most convenient one nearby could save a lot of dough.
Get Flexible
If you want to take a trip, but are less picky about where, price-sensitive flyers can log onto a search website like Google Explore. Explore lets you enter your departure airport and a rough timeline (“one week in the next three months” or “two weeks in August,” say) and compare destinations based on price. Miami to New York in mid-May is looking pretty appealing; so is a weekend trip from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in June.
Pack Strategically
Every major US airline has attempted to absorb higher operating costs by raising baggage fees. Costs get especially steep the more bags you check: American Airlines’ and Delta’s fees went up from $150 to $200 for a third checked bag (both raised prices for the first and second bags by $10 each). So consider skipping that third bathing suit, or roll your clothes to save space (versus folding). If you’re on the hunt for a better carry-on bag, WIRED has a few top choices right here.
Check Your Rewards
If you already have a credit card in your wallet, it’s worth double-checking to see if it comes with any benefits that might save you money at the airport. Perks include: trip insurance, free or cheaper checked bags, airport lounge access, and waived foreign transaction fees. Every saved dollar counts!
Don’t Expect Holiday Discounts
Bargain hunters make a big mistake when they expect airlines to work like their local retail store by slashing prices around holiday time. The opposite is likely true, Nastro says. “It’s a continuous cycle that people go through, where people wait too long and just put up with higher fares,” she says. To reiterate: Book your summer travel now!
Don’t Fly at All
Another way to avoid higher airfares is to avoid airplanes all together. Consider a trip by train or bus instead. WIRED put together a list of the best places to look for cheap fares online here. Enjoy the savings and avoid uncomfortable air pressure during takeoff and landing: win-win.
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