Traveling can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you do, but it can also cost a pretty penny. And while you may be spending additional dollars on accommodations and dining, the unnecessary spending actually starts much earlier: booking your plane tickets. To save you dollars on your next vacation, we’ve gathered the most expensive travel mistakes you’re making when purchasing your airfare.
8 Expensive Travel Mistakes You May Be Making
1. Waiting to Book
If you know where you’re going and when you’re going there, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger on an airline ticket. Prices of flights are bound to change as the departure date gets closer. So, the ticket price you saw one month ago for your vacation next week has likely gone up in price significantly. Typically, airline tickets bought far in advance of your vacation are less expensive. Therefore, it’s always best to plan and purchase ahead.
2. Flying Out on the Weekend
To limit time off from work and used vacation days, we understand the convenience of flying in or out on the weekends. However, you’ll notice a significant difference in price between weekend and weekday flights. Because more people are traveling on weekends, airfare can soar through the roof. If you can fly in or out of your destination on a weekday instead, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars.
3. Entering Incorrect Information
It’s important to review all details before clicking the “Book” button. It’s easy to make a typo or insert a wrong date. But, making any mistakes on your flight itinerary can result in additional fees to edit your information.
4. Loyalty to an Airline
Just because you had one great experience with an airline does not mean they offer the cheapest fares. It’s best to research different flight prices with different airlines before pulling the trigger on booking your flight.
5. Overlooking Other Airports
If you live close to an airport, you may only think to fly in and out of that airport. However, if you’re in a busier area, there is likely more than one airport in your area. That said, be sure to check flight prices to and from neighboring airports. The difference can be just a few dollars or hundreds.
6. Omitting Ancillary Costs
Ancillary costs are an unfortunate yet inevitable part of airline travel. While some airlines’ hidden fees are better than others, there’s almost always an additional charge on top of what you’re already paying for your ticket. Whether it’s additional charges for a carry-on or seat selection, be sure to review these added charges before making a final decision.
7. Ignoring Cancellation Policies
Booking directly with the airline, using an agent, purchasing through a third-party site – there are endless ways to pay for your airfare and there are just as many various cancellation policies. If there is a significant possibility for changes to your trip or the potential need for cancellation, it’s crucial to read through each airlines’ cancellation policies. For example, some airlines give you 24 hours to cancel and some will retain all money paid and grant you credit towards a future flight instead.
8. Paying Baggage Fees
We all know checking baggage at the airport is expensive. So to avoid those expensive travel mistakes, ship your luggage to your destination instead. Learn more about safe and convenient luggage shipping with ShipGo today.