We are living in what CNN Money calls the “golden age for affordable flying.”
With falling airfares and increased flight options, air travel has become a more attractive and affordable option for Americans.
Airline analysts tell CNN that affordable air travel is the result of:
- Low oil prices
- New, more efficient jetliners
- The growth in ultra-low cost carriers, such as Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines
CNN says the average price of a round-trip ticket in 2017 is expected to be $351 (not including fees), according to the International Air Transport Association. When you adjust for inflation, that’s a decrease of 63 percent since 1995, says the IATA.
Cheaper airfare is great news for consumers. And we have even more ways for you to save money the next time you fly.
Purchase your ticket on a Sunday
As we talk about in “Report: Cheap Tickets, More Flights Coming In 2017,” you can often score some of the cheapest airfares by booking your plane ticket on a Sunday, at least 21 days ahead of your trip. In addition, “in most regions of the world, staying at your travel destination through Saturday night ensures you’re getting the best [airfare] price,” we write.
Travel in the offseason
Traveling to your planned destination during a less popular time for visits to that location, like the offseason, helps ensure you’re getting a good price on your tickets. That’s just one tip included in “14 Super Smart Ways to Save on Travel.”
Pack light
Checking a bag when you fly can be cumbersome and expensive. Many airlines charge $25 to $50 to check a bag, depending on its size and weight. As we write in our story about 14 tips for smart travel:
Pack a few changes of quick-drying clothes in a carry-on, including a travel-sized bottle of your favorite liquid detergent so you can wash items and hang them to dry overnight.
For more tips on how to save money on air travel, check out “The Most Expensive Days and Months to Fly.”
Have you flown recently? Were you able to snag a cheap airfare? Share your experiences or money-saving travel tips below or on Facebook.
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