Guide to Find the Best Airfare Deals: Fly Smart, Save More

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Ready to jet off with the whole family without breaking the bank? We've got you covered with expert tips on how to find the best airfare deals!

In today’s issue:

• Tips: Guide to Find the Best Airfare Deals

• Trips: Destinations for Your Fall Adventures 🍂 

• Inspire: Share Our Newsletter 🥰

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Tips: Guide to Find the Best Airfare Deals

There are two things that we hear hold back a lot of parents:

• Time: Taking the time to find the best deal before booking a trip can feel like a full-time job.

• Money: Nowadays, finding the best deal can be really tricky. With airline prices going up, it makes you wonder if there even are deals anymore?!

We hope that the following advice may help simplify your travel planning and save you both time & money. We know it's a bit of a read, so when you get some time throughout the day, re-read it so you can take advantage of everything we highlight below:

1. Book at the Right Time

Timing is key when it comes to finding the best flight deals. On average, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is about 1 to 3 months in advance, while international flights should be booked 4 to 6 months ahead of time. If your travel dates are flexible, try setting up alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to track fare changes over time. These tools will notify you when prices drop or increase, helping you grab the best deal.

2. Flight Deal Notification Apps

Our favorite flight deal notification app is FareDrop— they send flight deals up to 80% off directly to you’re phone and/or email based on travel preference. After signing up for a free account and setting up your home airport, FareDrop becomes your personal travel agent, serving up amazing deals for both domestic and international flights. We believe it’s a must-have for family adventures and the best part? You can test it out completely free of charge and upgrade for more features— Sign up here.

3. Leverage Existing Memberships

You might already have hidden travel discounts waiting to be used! Many popular memberships that you may have already, like Costco, Sam’s Club, and AAA, offer exclusive travel benefits, including discounted flights, vacation packages, and even rental cars.

4. Use Fare Comparison Tools

Before you hit that “book now” button, make sure you’ve compared prices across multiple platforms. Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak are great tools to compare fares from different airlines, aggregators, and even travel agencies. Sometimes, you’ll find that booking directly with an airline provides the best deal, but other times, third-party sites offer incredible savings.

5. Fly on Off-Peak Days and Times

Airfare is often cheaper on weekdays, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Flying early in the morning or late at night can also lower costs, as fewer families choose these less convenient times. And while flying during peak holiday seasons can be pricey, you can still score deals if you plan ahead or opt for less popular travel dates. Flexibility is key to cutting costs.

6. Consider Alternative Airports

If you're not tied to a specific airport, expanding your search to nearby airports can sometimes result in major savings. For example, if you’re flying into New York, check prices for both JFK and LaGuardia, or consider Newark in New Jersey. Driving an extra hour could save your family hundreds of dollars on airfare.

7. Look for Family-Friendly Discounts

Some airlines, like Southwest, allow children under two to fly for free on a parent's lap. Others, like JetBlue, offer discounts for kids. Check each airline’s policies for family perks or discounts before booking, and always factor in the total cost (including checked bags, seat selection, and snacks) to see which deal truly offers the best value.

8. Avoid Hidden Fees

Booking airfare for the whole family can seem affordable at first—until hidden fees start piling up! To make sure your budget doesn’t take a hit, here are a few common fees to watch out for and how to avoid them:

• Baggage Fees: Check baggage policies before booking; airlines like Southwest offer free checked bags. Pro Tip: Some credit cards offer free checked bags— learn more here.

• Seat Selection Fees: Book early or choose airlines like JetBlue that offer free seat selection.

• Resort Fees: Watch for hidden hotel fees; use Hotels.com or Expedia to see them upfront.

• Rental Car Fees: Compare rates and skip extra insurance if covered by your credit card or personal policy— learn more on car rentals here.

• ATM & Exchange Fees: Use no-foreign-transaction-fee cards like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture abroad. Don’t be surprised by how much these fees add up once you return home and review your statement.

Trips: Destinations for Your Next Autumn Adventure

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is a charming mountain town with stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. It's a great place for families who love hiking, camping, and exploring nature.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is a vibrant city with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful lake views. It's a perfect destination for families who enjoy arts and culture, as well as outdoor activities like biking and kayaking.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and volcanoes. It's a great destination for families who love outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. And with its natural beauty and diverse attractions, it's a great place to explore without breaking the bank on flights.

Inspire: Share with Family & Friends

Don’t forget to share our newsletter with your family & friends! Once you refer, you’ll receive our FREE Gear for Outings & Adventure Guide. 💜 

Looking for More? Links We Love ❤️

• Here’s how a mom of three budgets their family travel— Read Here

• 5 kid-friendly destinations for foodie families 😋 

• Discover vibrant foliage, exciting festivals, and endless family fun at these fantastic fall vacation spots across the U.S.

With a little planning and research, you can find affordable flights for your family's next vacation. By following these tips and using the resources we've provided, you can save money and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Happy Travels,

The Traveling Parents Team

P.S: Be sure to follow us on social media and share your family's travel experiences with #parentstraveleasy

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