On my last trip to France, I booked my cheapest flight ever!
Who doesn’t click on Flash-Sale flights? Maybe 10 years from now I can fly the way I want business class, but for now… I’m on a shoe-string budget.
Being that I travel to France frequently, I always troll the seasonal sales.
End-Of-Summer Holiday
Before you click *BOOK NOW*, keep reading…
Always check your essential travel documents, visas, and expiration dates.
Seat Fees
I always notice this one when I click through to buy the flight. Most of the time, the best seats require a fee to be reserved. Think:
-window
-aisle
-closer to the front of the plane
-closer to the bathrooms
Want to avoid this?
Check each airline’s list of fees. You can find a great table that summarizes this on Kayak.com
Baggage Fees
I own and always travel with a Luggage Scale
If you’re swooping on Basic Economy fares, it is really important to understand baggage fees.
NOT ALL CARRY ONS ARE CREATED EQUAL
You could be charged $25+ (each way)
Typically in Europe and on economy airlines, the carryons need to be smaller than U.S. domestic flights. I recently invested in a Hardside Spinner Luggage, 20″
Fun Fact:
If you’re flying in the US, Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America do not have carry-on fees with any of their fares
This one became an issue for me, in the past two years. It’s smart to be wary of airlines that are offering sales due to financial/worker issues, it could lead to cancellations.
The French, and Air France, are NOTORIOUS for going on strike.
This year, RyanAir has a number of issues which resulted in massive cancelled flights.
Before my first flight to France, two-way flights are always cheaper. I booked this one exactly around my study abroad. I’m making 1-4 for the 14 hour long haul flight.
Wanderlust? Here’s $40 on Airbnb
Where is your Connecting Flight?
In most cases, nonstop flights though costly are my favorite. I don’t like overcomplicating things.
But this past trip to France, I really chose bare bones everything. If you’re willing to take a connecting flight or book each leg of the journey separately, you can really save some money.
But before you book it, QUADRUPLE CHECK THE DETAILS. I always feel a little crazy, but it’s worth it.
For example, in Paris, many flights will be between CDG and ORLY. Lots of people pay extra fees for cabs, Ubers, or stress about the airport shuttle.
Another example, is say New York City. No one switches between LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark (EWR) airports. Why? They know NOT to take the chance with NYC rush hour and traffic.
Don’t Make Stupid Mistakes or Rush
Is the Airport Correct? Check the abbreviations and if there are multiple airports in the area. Is there a similarly named airport in another country? Paris, Texas and Paris, France are very different places. It might sound like a no-brainer, but in the excitement of a flash sale, it can be easy to confuse airports.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Does the flight seem too good to be true? DOUBLE CHECK THE CANCELLATION POLICY. Under regulations by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, airlines must have a 24-hour, risk-free cancellation policy- if the flight departs or arrives in the United States.
Pay attention to the company’s practices. Also wait a few weeks before adding on more prepaid options, to verify that the ticket is valid.
Have you had an experience with hidden fees? What’s your best travel deal?
Don’t Let Them Nickel & Dime Us !
Sheel
This post is a godsend. I always have travel on my mind but the flights are what make me hold back. Saving this post for when I book my next trip!
Jenna Gaidusek
So Smart and helpful!!! LOVE IT!
Tiffany
Wow! Such great tips!! http://differenttypeofdope.com/budget-beauty-tj-maxxs-best-beauty-finds/