Black "FLY" day bargain tips
Today is Black Friday and arguably the biggest day to save money on just about everything and this includes travel.
This is the time I wait for each year to book what I think I might need for the coming months at the best prices.
Savings can be up to 60% off in some cases and worth trying to lock in some deals even if you find you may have to change dates later.
Where to buy?
I always suggest buying any travel through your travel agent more than buying online.
If you don’t have a travel agent and you insist on "flying solo" then I highly recommend you book directly with the airline. Here is why...
Third party companies often have limited call centre support and you may be in a different time zone when you need to make an urgent, in travel change. Airlines will always direct you to where you booked and tell you call your agent even if that is an online company and this may not be possible or mean hours waiting on hold. I suggest to research first then book direct with the airline just in case you need to make last minute changes later.
Never book basic economy. (applies to major airlines not low cost carriers)
I’m not suggesting you book an upgraded flight but when you buy an economy you have a choice of types of economy tickets; basic economy, standard economy or flexible economy. I highly recommend, at the very least, paying roughly $100 more each way and buying standard economy. It is more money up front but this allows you to make changes, to use any upgrade credits you may have , do a bid upgrade and more. If you book basic economy they may even make you check your hand luggage and as you get no baggage allowance with a basic ticket, just adding a bag later will cost more than the difference in buying Basic economy rather than Standard economy at the start.
Consider nearby airports.
When you are looking at options and booking a flight you may find some airports are more expensive than others. Flying to London Gatwick will sometimes be less than flying to London Heathrow so don’t rule out nearby airports and at least shop around.
Regional Low cost carriers
This is something I do quite a bit. Let’s say we are taking a cruise or a river cruise. If you book a flight from Toronto to Munich then Budapest back to Toronto this will often be an expensive way to fly. However a direct flight to either Munich or Frankfurt and then buying separate regional, low cost carrier tickets will save you hundreds of dollars. There are many options and you have to book them separately.
Dublin is a great place to use as a flight hub if you are travelling throughout Europe. Low cost carrier Ryan Air offers flights from under $20 throughout many places in Europe but just be careful of the following:
Baggage cost and the bag sizes. This is where the costs can add up.
Book ahead and buy the bag ahead
Don’t do seat selection - it is a short flight so sit where they put you, I find they will always give you a middle seat and tease you that they will separate you but so what, it is probably very short so enjoy the cost saving.
Pack light
Check in online as they charge if you check in at the airport.
Just remember if you do travel this way you must allow enough time to clear customs and collect your baggage and then recheck in for the onward flight. The day will be longer, and it is certainly not for everyone but in Europe I have saved thousands for a family.
Dublin to Lisbon as low as $25.
Dublin to Stanstead UK as low as $15.
Flight to Dublin from Toronto as low as $542 so its totally worth it in my humble opinion.
Please note this is a money saving tip and not a time saving tip so if time and convenience is most important to you then please skip to the next section.
Flying direct.
There are many benefits flying direct if you can and these are just a few;
Fewer touch points
Fewer airports to navigate
Less chance of missing a connection
Less chance of loosing your luggage
Getting to your destination in the shortest time possible
The cost may be higher but right now in the many Black Friday deals you can certainly bag a bargain. I found direct flights to Dublin as low as $542 return.
Book return even if you only need one way
One way is often quite a bit more than a round trip ticket. It is worth it even if you ultimately throw away that return portion saving you up to hundreds of dollars. Case in Point. My flight to Dublin on January 8th is $942 one way and $573 round trip total. It makes no sense but there we are. Airlines hate this but it is a trick to keep in mind.
Last tip of the day is to bag an upgrade.
I have been talking about bid upgrades for years and there are certainly tricks to it.
Do not book basic economy fare as you will not be able to upgrade at all.
Use your upgrade points, if you have them, for longer flights for the best bang for your buck
Never bid the lowest amount for an upgrade as you won’t get it. Go higher for a better chance.
Call the airline and ask how many seats are left in the different classes as they will usually tell you. Please remember those of us who live for upgrades will be right on that list so if there are 5 seats left in Business class and an almost full plane expect those few remaining business class seats to book fast.
Choose a less popular day to travel like a Tuesday or Wednesday for a better chance.
Try to get priority with one alliance partner by using a credit card linked to the airline you like, as well as most of your flights with that same airline alliance. Air Canada is Star Alliance with United airlines, Lufthansa and many others. Putting all your eggs in one basket helps you achieve a priority status faster.
For more information check out my website www.LorraineSimpson.com
Please note these are my suggestions and not in anyway sponsored.