Are you planning a vacation this year? Airfare can quickly add up, especially during busy months. In fact, it’s not uncommon for flights to derail your initial trip budget.
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In this article, GOBankingRates identifies which month is the worst for your wallet and ways you can save if flying is non-negotiable.
What is the Most Expensive Month to Fly?
Flights are the most expensive in February. In fact, compared to the cheapest month, August, February flights cost an average of 12% more, according to Expedia.
Besides Valentine’s Day, what is really going on in February that causes flight prices to increase? For half the country, February is the middle of winter, with many people looking to avoid the cold and enjoy some sunshine and sand. Additionally, some schools have Spring Break as early as February, which is often taken advantage of with trips and vacations.
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How To Save Money on February Flights
If your February trip can’t be moved, there are a few different strategies you can use to save money.
Carefully Select Travel Day
Flight prices vary by the day of the week. Expedia finds that flying on a Thursday is the cheapest day of the week and can save you 17% when traveling domestically, per Expedia. If your trip days are flexible in February, consider shifting your itinerary to fit Thursday flights.
Time Flight Booking
Many travelers believe that booking further out results in the lowest prices. However, this isn’t always the case. Booking domestic flights one to three months in advance can actually save 25% in fare prices, Expedia reported. Waiting until the last minute or months in advance can cause your fare price to increase.
Watch for Promotions
Airlines have different promotions and sales throughout the year. For example, Southwest frequently has 50% off fares to certain destinations or companion pass specials. Watching for these sales can help you snag a lower fare price in February. Be sure to sign up for email and text alerts to be notified when promotions pop up.
Leverage Airline Rewards
Airline rewards can also help make travel budget-friendly. If you’ve taken flights in the past or have rewards saved up from a credit card, consider using them to lower your fare price. You might be surprised at how much you can save.
Consider Connecting Flights
While everyone would love a direct flight, it isn’t always the best option for your wallet. Consider booking a connecting flight that has a short layover. The extra hour sitting at the airport might be just what you need to grab a quick snack or use the restroom in between flights.
The Bottom Line
Are you planning a February trip? If so, it’s important to look for ways to save on flights to keep your trip budget-friendly. Carefully selecting travel days, timing flight booking, watching for promotions, leveraging airline rewards and considering connecting flights are five ways to lower your airfare cost.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Don’t Fly in this Month of the Year — It’s the Worst for Your Wallet
