Let’s face it no mode of transport holds as much mystique, ritual and glamour as getting on a plane, (except maybe old time luxury train travel) so here’s Urban Globetrotter’s Best Ever Travel Tips that are sure to make your next flight the best ever.
Given how much flying has changed over the past decade it’s remarkable that this is still true, but it is.
Besides figuring out the simple matter of getting from A to B, it pays to know your stuff: even in this day and age of heavy discounting, a plane ticket can often be the biggest single cost of any trip. There are still special rules, loopholes and tricks that can make or break the whole adventure, so read on and let’s make this a smooth journey!
Best time to book your flight
Flights usually go on sale up to 11 months in advance of the departure date. On a scheduled airline, this is usually the best time to book, unless you happen to come across across a seat sale.
These discounting periods usually happen in the New Year, but more recently they’re being spotted throughout the year, particularly on budget airlines, who are keen for your business. If you sign up for email alerts from Airlines, or Webjet you’ll get the inside scoop about the newest deals first.
Don’t expect last-minute bargains
Buying a ticket closer to the departure time of a scheduled flight will mark you out as someone who is desperate rather than a bargain hunter, so don’t expect any last-minute deals. Accomodation if different with the likes of Last Minute and Wotif around…….
For instance, a direct flight from London to New York booked only a few days in advance sells for nearly twice the amount it would cost if booked a few months before.
Scope out charter flights for deals
Charter flights are usually operated during peak season to either sunshine or ski resorts, and this is where you might pick up your last-minute bargain, especially if you’re not too picky about where you go.
Look for destinations served by more than one tour company, especially any that may be having problems attracting holidaymakers this year. If flights start selling out, this is the time to buy.
Fly at odd hours
Very early and very late departures are the best options for a good-value airfare. Remember, though, to factor in getting to and from the airport and, if you need it, a night in a hotel beforehand, which can ofcourse add to the cost, so do your sums and make sure it’s worth the inconvience of travelling during crazy hours. They call it the ‘red eye’ for a reason!
Sometimes, once you’ve done all the sums you may find it cheaper to take a more expensive ticket at a more civilised hour.
Factor in all transport costs
Think of an airfare as only one part of getting from A to B. When you figure out your transport costs to get to and from the airport, like taxi’s, plus what you might spend while there on over inflated coffee and muffins, it may make more sense to use another airline or airport, or a different mode of transport altogether.
Beware the ‘convienience fee’
A new trend in online bookings if for the Airline to charge you a ‘convienience fee’ which actually isn’t really convienient at all! Charges can be anywhere from $15 all the up to $50 just for paying with a credit card when making the booking, taking extra luggage or even choosing your prefered seats. The budget airlines are the kings of this, where they start with a low fare but by the time you add the ‘extras’ it’s almost the same price as a premium carrier. It’s also very, very important to to get your flight times and names right because to change these details can attract a $15 to $25 charge for each alteration as well.
Signing up to be a frequent flyer can also be a good idea if you do a lot of travelling, or if someone is paying for your travelling but please understand that more often than not, these membership programs are really only of little value.
Finding the best seat
If you’re obsessed with finding the best seat on a flight you can select your own at a cost. One trick is to sit in the exit rows as there’s more room, beware though you’re then going to be a pseudo part of the cabin crew in an emergency.
There is a service called Seatguru.com – the site has detailed maps of the seats on each airplane specific to each airline. They rate the seats, which can be particularly useful on international flights.
Of course if money is no object then just get an Air Bed. Air Asia offers this service at a surprisingly low cost.
Save with stop-overs
If time is of less concern to you, you can make big savings on long-haul flights by connecting through a European, Middle Eastern or North American hub rather than flying direct.
Pay attention to travel advertising: if an Arabian airline is spending big money telling you about their new planes they’ll almost certainly have tasty deals to get you on them, even if you only spend a few hours in the airport it can be a nice little adventure.
Choose an airline with frequent flights
If you’ve got to be somewhere, travel with an airline that flies there a lot. This means if you miss a flight or have a change in circumstances there’ll be more chance of catching another plane, and less hanging around the airport.
Wake up early to skip delays
The first flight of the day is often the most punctual one, as your plane is already there waiting for you. It’s important to keep in mind that delays build up throughout the day.
If you are travelling somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest items from check-in through security. This will save you space in your carry-on luggage, plus you’ll be warm when you arrive. If really pushed, you can always stow a few items in the pockets and sleeves of your coat or possibly your laptop bag. Try to avaoid the last flight of the night as many airports have a curfew and once it get close to it, the planes won’t go so as not to attract the penalty flight fees. That means you’re stuck.
Consider using valet parking
Valet parking services at airports are an underrated way to reduce stress while travelling. You park next door to your terminal and drop the keys off, and while you’re away the car is stored in a cheap corner of the airport.
On return, just call from the Arrivals Hall and your car will be there waiting for you where you dropped it off, just keep an eye on the costs.
Choose a seat away from the engines
If you have the option of choosing a seat for a long-haul flight, find out how close to the engines you’ll be. Sleep is easier the further away you are and it might just save you from something going ‘bump’ in the night….
Use the toilets at the baggage reclaim area
Queues for the toilets are always longest just before passport control, and place you at the back of the queue to clear immigration. Cross your legs until you’re in baggage reclaim you’ll queue less and get to where you’re going faster.
Reclaim tax when cancelling a flight
You may not be able to get a refund on that budget airline flight, but you can reclaim the tax on any portion of a journey you haven’t taken.
In many cases this can amount to over half of the cost of the fare, even once you’ve paid the (often arbitrary and unfair) ‘administration’ fee. Seek some advice in your city on how this works.
Exercise on the plane
It’s really important to stay active when up in the air for long periods (even 5 hours or more). Make sure that you do some leg stratches and exercises and take a few walks along the cabin, even if you pretend going to the toilet, this will keep your muscles active and blood flowing. You don’t want to get a DVT and it helps pass the time a little quicker anyway. It’s important to exercise the mind as well, take your favourite book and have a good old read.
So that’s it, follow these tips and your next flight will be a breeze!
Missed anything? Drop us an email at: urbanglobetrotter@gmail.com
What’s your tip?
So you’ve worked out how to get the best Airline Tickets & Seats, so now it’s time for the departure.
