Traveling with the family is an exciting experience, but booking flights for multiple people can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to save money while ensuring a smooth travel experience. Here are some essential tips to help you book flights for your family without breaking the bank.
1. Book in Advance
Booking your family flights early is one of the best ways to find affordable prices. Airlines generally offer better deals several months in advance. Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set price alerts, so you’ll know when fares drop. Aim to book your tickets at least 3 to 6 months ahead of time for the best deals, especially for international travel.
2. Be Flexible with Dates
Flight prices fluctuate based on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. For cheaper fares, try to fly mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) when demand is lower. Skyscanner and Kayak allow you to explore flexible dates to compare fares and find the cheapest options. Traveling in off-peak seasons, like early spring or late fall, can also save you money, as fewer people are flying during those times.
3. Use Fare Comparison Websites
Fare comparison websites like Momondo, Google Flights, and Kayak help you find the best prices by comparing flight options from multiple airlines and booking sites. These platforms allow you to filter flights based on price, duration, and other preferences, helping you find the most affordable family options.
Once you find a good deal on a comparison site, check the airline’s website (e.g., American Airlines, Delta, or United) directly to see if booking through them offers additional savings or perks.
4. Look for Family Discounts
Some airlines offer family discounts, especially for children. For example, British Airways and American Airlines often run promotions offering discounted tickets for kids. Be sure to check each airline’s policy for family-friendly discounts, as these can significantly reduce the cost of flights for your children.
5. Consider Alternative Airports
Many cities have multiple airports, and flying into a secondary or regional airport can sometimes be cheaper than flying into the main one. For example, flying into London Gatwick instead of Heathrow or New York’s LaGuardia instead of JFK can result in cheaper flights. Just make sure to factor in the cost of getting from the alternative airport to your final destination.
6. Take Advantage of Airline Miles and Points
If you or a family member has accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, use them to book your family’s flights. Programs like United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Chase Ultimate Rewards allow you to redeem points for flights or upgrades. Co-branded credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum also offer valuable points that can be used for flight bookings.
7. Book Connecting Flights
Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. If you’re willing to take longer travel times, booking connecting flights can be more affordable. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices for direct vs. connecting flights, and you may find savings by choosing the latter, especially for international travel.
