5 Simple Hacks to Pay Less for Plane Tickets

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1. Book at Least 6 Weeks in Advance

You know that feeling when you wait too long to buy flights, and suddenly the price jumps $200 overnight? Yeah… don’t do that.

Booking early is like grabbing concert tickets before everyone else wakes up. Cheap, easy, and stress-free.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Book 6–8 weeks early for domestic flights and 3 months for international ones.
  
• Use flexible date searches to see which days are the cheapest.
  
• Avoid last-minute deals unless you enjoy paying double.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set a calendar reminder six weeks before your next trip and start checking flight prices daily until you catch a deal.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to check for hidden flight discounts and travel coupons before you pay.

2. Skip Seat Selection to Save Extra Fees

Airlines love charging for seats like they’re selling VIP concert spots, but here’s the truth. Most of those fees are optional.

Unless you need to sit next to your BFF, let the system assign your seat for free and save that cash for snacks instead.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Seat selection fees can cost $10–$40 per flight.
  
• Free seat assignments usually open up at check-in.
  
• Middle seats aren’t glamorous, but they’re budget-friendly.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: When you check out, skip the seat upgrade and just click “no thanks”. You’ll be fine for a couple of hours.

Make It Easy: Consider a comfortable neck pillow so even a middle seat feels cozy.

3. Fly Budget Airlines for Short Trips

If you’re only flying a couple of hours, budget airlines are your new best friend.

Sure, you won’t get free pretzels, but you’ll land with more money in your wallet. And that’s way tastier.

Here’s what makes them worth it:

• Lower base fares compared to traditional airlines.
  
• Pay only for extras you actually need (like a checked bag).
  
• Perfect for short, spontaneous trips under 3 hours.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Compare flights on budget carriers like Frontier or Spirit, then pack smart to skip extra fees.

Make It Easy: Consider a lightweight carry-on suitcase that fits perfectly under the seat to avoid baggage charges.

4. Use Credit Card Points or Miles to Cover Costs

You’re already swiping that card for coffee and groceries. Why not earn flights while you’re at it?

Credit card points can turn everyday spending into a free vacation if you play your cards (literally) right.

Here’s what to know:

• Many cards offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of travel credits.
  
• Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or even hotel stays.
  
• Link your accounts to track points in one place.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check your credit card app today to see how many miles you’ve already earned. And use them before they expire.

Make It Easy: Use Credit Karma to compare the best travel rewards cards that actually fit your spending style.

5. Fly Light to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

Packing like you’re moving abroad? Big mistake.

Airlines make serious money off baggage fees, and you can avoid that trap by traveling like a minimalist pro.

Here’s how to do it:

• Stick to a carry-on only for trips under a week.
  
• Pack versatile clothes that mix and match easily.
  
• Weigh your bag before leaving home to avoid surprises.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Use a small suitcase and challenge yourself to pack for 5 days in it. Yes, it’s totally doable.

Make It Easy: Consider a digital luggage scale so you never pay overweight fees again.

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