5 Secrets to booking the cheapest flights

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 12:42 pm

No one enjoys long layovers or spending exorbitant amounts on their flights. We like to save our travel budget for the destination. Read these expert tips from Flight Centre Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel general manager Bonnie Smith to help you book a cheap flight.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• When to book to save the most on flights.
• How a travel agent can help you find great deals.
• Why following and subscribing to airline social media accounts can unlock great deals.
• How the Sanlam Money Saver credit card can help you earn Wealth Bonus when you travel.

Tip #1: Book far enough in advance

“The earlier you book, the cheaper your flight will be. The cost of flights is driven by inventory availability,” says Smith. “However, there are a few risks associated with booking too far in advance: airline schedules could change, flights could be cancelled, and you could miss out on last-minute seasonal deals that usually become available closer to the date of departure.”

However, if you leave booking too late, you may find it challenging to secure a flight on your preferred date of travel. The truth is that there’s no ‘perfect’ time to book flights, but Smith suggests you reserve your flights at least three months in advance.

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Tip #2: Be flexible with departure dates

Airline ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of year and upcoming holidays. “Adopting a flexible approach in terms of departure dates will go a long way in helping you secure the best fares for flights,” says Smith.

Tip #3: Consider the route less travelled

“When exploring international travel, flights with a short layover tend to be more affordable than direct flights,” says Smith. Be warned, though: you should consider how this impacts your travel experience. You could arrive at your destination exhausted, and unable to explore the city you’re visiting as soon as you land. “Direct flights – even if a little more expensive – are not only easier on you, but on the planet, too,” Smith adds.

Tip #4: Follow, sign up and subscribe

Throughout the year, many airlines run deals on their flights. “It’s important to [look out for these deals] on the website and social media pages of the airlines you wish to travel with,” says Smith. Consider signing up for their newsletters to stay up to date on exclusive deals and promotions or, better yet, partner with a trusted travel agent to find the most competitive deals for you. “Fortunately, [they] are experts at identifying – and realising – savings within a travel programme,” Smith adds.

Tip #5: Make a group reservation when travelling with two or as a family

Whether you’re travelling as a pair or as a group, it’s best to book your flights together to ensure you select the best flights [and reserve the best seats], says Smith. This also allows for optimal coordination when planning your journey.

Travel myths – busted!

Myth: “I can find the cheapest rates”

“It’s easy to be blindsided by the seemingly ‘cheap’ [flight] rates available online, but it’s the grand total at the end of your [travels] that ultimately determines their affordability,” says Smith. “All the ‘little’ things add up.” You should consider all the optional extras that aren’t always included in your flights – like in-flight meal(s), WiFi, parking, baggage allowances and cancellation fees.

Myth: “It’s faster to ‘quickly’ book flights myself”

Instead of trawling the internet to find the best flights, have a travel consultant do the work for you. “[They] have all the information on a single page, giving you faster quotes at competitive prices,” says Smith.

Book your travel using your Sanlam Money Saver credit card at Flight Centre, one of our Reward Partners, and earn up to R5 cash back in the form of Wealth Bonus. Apply for your Sanlam Money Saver credit card today!