Below are a couple search methods I always utilize when I’m ready to start booking my flights. Please understand there are multiple ways to do this; the two below have proven to work best for me. I will update this page as my methods and resources evolve.
Skiplagged
This website provides an alternative flight plan for *onebag, carry-on only passengers. In the example below for an Atlanta (ATL) to Dallas (MCO) flight, Skiplagged includes in your search flights using your destination as a connecting or layover flight. They refer to this as a “hidden-city”.
I first used this website in November 2019 for a trip from San Francisco (SFO) to Mexico City (MEX). I booked my flight with less than 30 hours until departure using a route from SFO to Guadalajara (GDL) that included Mexico City (MEX) as a layover. My flight was almost 40% cheaper than the direct flights yielded in my search (181 USD vs 450 USD).
There are times where your destination can be part of a multi-leg journey (+3 stops). Be mindful of the total duration of travel between your departure airport and your destination airport.
*Please be advised that you must be comfortable with carry-on only travel using this method. I am unsure if airline agents can tag your luggage for only a portion of the journey.
Further, while not explicitly known you could be stripped of loyalty rewards if you utilize this method often. Read: Advanced Flying – Skipping the Last Leg via WikiVoyage
Edit 16Jul2023: Use this method at your own risk. This story may not be a regular encounter but it’s worth a read.
Flight Aggregator Price Alerts
If you already firmed both your travel dates and destination, then set price alerts for your air fare! Below is an example from Skyscanner. Google Flights can track prices for you as well. My recommendation is to use more than one to compare search results.
Remember the website will yield aggregated flights and prices at the time of execution. However, once price alerts for your search are activated, Skyscanner will typically alert you when the price has changed via e-mail, the browser, or your mobile app. Let the service do the work for you.
To access your current price alerts in the browser, head to your account; in the mobile app it will appear on the home screen. Alerts will remain in your account until deleted or expire when the departure date has been reached.
Tip: set multiple price alerts if your exact dates aren’t known. It’s typical some long haul flights are only 2-3x a week.
Caution: Booking via Travel Agent vs. Directly through Airline
Sometimes your flight aggregator search will provide a search result through a travel agent website. Booking with a travel agent means some customer service inquiries such as flight changes are fielded through the travel agent instead of through the Airline directly.
I have noticed that once the travel agency sends you your official trip booking confirmation, you can start to manage the flight through the airline website.
Do not blindly book your flight through the travel agent website without reading the fine print. Similar to budget airline fee-for-use services, a travel agency website may request that you pay extra to manage your booking.
Flexible Fare
Most airlines are removing change fees between certain legs of travel through 31Dec2020 for up to one year past the original departure date. It may be in your favor to leverage those monthly low price deals this year and change travel dates for better weather!
Pay particular attention to the these terms prior to booking.
You will only be as successful as you allow your search to be. Give it a try!
Resources mentioned in this post:
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