The Best Summer Air Travel Tips

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by ETC Team

The flowers and plants are blooming, kids are out of school, and you’re starting to see more shorts and flip-flops: Summer is here! If you’re planning to fly somewhere this summer, chances are you’re traveling on a budget. Here are some of the best summer air travel tips to help ease the stress of traveling and help you save some of your hard earned cash.

1. Flexibility Is Key

Consider flying on weekdays or less popular travel days when demand is lower. Airlines will offer discounted fares on these days. When searching for flights, always compare fare prices a few days before and after your target dates. You’d be surprised how much you can save just by flexing your departure and return dates. You should also try to book your flights in during the “Golden Window”, which is one to three months in advance for off-peak months, or three to seven months for peak times.

2. Set Fare Alerts

This is easy to do by signing up directly through your favorite airline or a price comparison website like Kayak or Google Flights. This will allow you to track the prices of your desired flights and notify you when fare prices drop. You can also set a price limit on what you’re willing to spend to help you stay on budget. Google Flights recently added a price guarantee on flights booked through it’s site so now you can receive a price difference refund if the price drops before departure.

3. Explore Different Airports

If you’re lucky enough to have access to multiple airports, this is a must-use tactic. Often times nearby airports will offer better deals on airfare, especially larger airports with bigger hubs and more airlines. You may find that driving a little further to a different airport can reduce the price of airfare as much as 15-20%. You are also more likely to find direct flights when you depart from a larger airport. A little creativity never hurts when it can lead to substantial savings.

4. Travel Light

This not only helps you skip the dreaded baggage claim area but you can avoid the checked bag fee that most airlines charge these days. You don’t need to bring two pair of jeans when one will do—easier said than done. You can also minimize toiletries because your lodging will probably have them. The oldest trick in the book is to use a smaller bag or suitcase. You can’t fill your luggage with unnecessary items if they won’t fit in the first place.

5. Reconsider Expensive Hotels

Exploring vacation rentals, guest houses or even hostels can be a great way to save on summer air travel. This will allow you to find amenities that can help you save money while on vacation. A vacation rental with kitchen or kitchenette enables you to grab food at a grocery store and avoid eating at restaurants for every meal. Chain hotels are often found in “tourist” areas where food and drink prices tend to be higher.

Tips For Smoother Flights

Clearly, a lot of factors are outside a traveler’s control. But with AAA expecting a record number of people to fly this summer season, every bit of preparation counts. The FAA is also working to address the increase in travel this year.

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

• Fly direct and early in the day – on the first flight, if possible.

The weather is generally better in the morning, Keyes said, and your aircraft should be parked overnight so you won’t be waiting on a plane. And you won’t have risk missed connections flying direct.

• Give yourself time between connecting flights

Sometimes you can’t avoid flights with connections. If you do have a connecting flight, make sure the time between connections is sufficient. Consider things like: distance between terminals, whether you’re traveling with children, and how quickly you can navigate a busy terminal with carry-on bags.

• Check the weather

This goes not just for your trip but the days leading up to your flight. Review the National Weather Service a few days before your flight for a broad overview of weather systems that could affect your plans. You can also download your airline’s app for easy flight updates.

• Know your rights

The Department of transportation has created an online dashboard outlining what carriers will provide in various scenarios.

• Have a backup plan – even if it’s a last resort.

If you’re traveling on one of the budget carriers that only flies three days a week to a destination, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan because plane issues and delays can happen. Having a plan for either continuing your trip or getting home in these scenarios can remove even a little stress in an already hectic situation.

Anything ranging from enough balance on a credit card to purchase another ticket if necessary (while you sort things out later with the offending carrier) to trading in frequent flyer miles for a last-minute ticket if stranded.

More Preparation

You aren’t the only one gearing up for a busy summer travel season. The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA is getting prepared and wants flyers to be prepared as well. Summer air travel volumes are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, and lines at airport checkpoints will likely be long.

To help travelers pass through airport security quickly and smoothly, the TSA has offered these helpful seven summer travel tips.