Airfare Keeps Going Up. Here Are Some Tricks to Finding Cheap(er) Tickets

As a general Typically, global instability leads to rising prices, and boy, the world is in a daze right now. Airfares haven’t escaped the tumult: U.S. airfares are up 14.9% from a year ago, according to NerdWallet, largely due to soaring fuel prices linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by blockades, bombs and blockades.

Even though the mid-term outlook for the airline industry isn’t great, there are still some smart and smart ways to save a little money when traveling this summer. These are tips I’ve learned from covering transportation for more than a decade and speaking with airline industry experts over the past couple of months. Some are tailor-made for this strange period in history; some are persistent. For those who are particularly sensitive about spending hard-earned money right now, this may all be worth investigating.

Come on! Come on! Come on!

Move quickly! Airlines have warned of significant price changes since fuel prices were first raised in early March. These companies are particularly sensitive to rising prices, as fuel alone represents more than a quarter of their overall costs. They are therefore talking about reducing routes and regular flights. This gives flyers a little less wiggle room. Usually, experts recommend booking domestic flights four to six weeks before departure time and international flights around three months. Today, “it’s a little late to book summer trips,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at the flight deals website Going. She recommends starting to allow three to seven months for domestic travel and four to 10 months for international travel.

Another reason to get that credit card information ready quickly: Airline consolidation could be on the horizon. Less competition means higher prices. Spirit Airlines would have offered the American government financial participation to avoid a possible liquidation. JetBlue and Alaska Airlines said their financial situations were not as dire, but warned of trouble ahead.

Go where everyone else goes

Speaking of more competition, the most popular routes are the ones that are most likely to keep their prices low. Consider postponing a vacation to that remote secret spot or seasonal hot spot until next year, and instead choose a more popular destination served by multiple airlines. In the United States, high-competition routes include New York to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to San Francisco, Atlanta to Orlando, and Las Vegas to Los Angeles. If you’re not near one of these major centers, a trip by train or car to the most convenient one nearby could save you a lot of money.

Be flexible

If you want to take A travel, but are less discerning about where price-sensitive travelers can connect to a search website like Google Explore. Explore lets you enter your departure airport and a rough timeline (“one week in the next three months” or “two weeks in August,” for example) and compare destinations based on price. Miami to New York in mid-May looks pretty attractive; so is a weekend trip from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in June.

Pack strategically

All major U.S. airlines have attempted to absorb rising operating costs by raising baggage fees. Costs get especially high the more bags you check: American Airlines and Delta’s fees increased from $150 to $200 for a third checked bag (both increased prices for the first and second bags by $10 each). So consider skipping that third swimsuit or rolling your clothes to save space (instead of folding them). If you’re looking for a better carry-on, WIRED has some top picks here.

Check your rewards

If you already have a credit card in your wallet, it’s worth checking to see if it has any benefits that could save you money at the airport. Benefits include: travel insurance, free or cheaper checked bags, airport lounge access, and waiver of foreign transaction fees. Every dollar saved counts!

Don’t expect holiday discounts

Bargain hunters make a big mistake when they expect airlines to function like their local retail store by cutting prices during holiday periods. The opposite is probably true, Nastro says. “It’s a continuous cycle that people go through, where they wait too long and just accept higher rates,” she says. To reiterate: book your summer trip now!

Don’t steal at all

Another way to avoid higher airfares is to avoid planes altogether. Consider a train or bus trip instead. WIRED has put together a list of the best places to look for cheap fares online here. Enjoy the savings and avoid uncomfortable air pressure during takeoff and landing: win-win.