Air Travel Tips

The experts at AAA Travel have some air travel tips to help you make the most of your time and money when booking your next flight.

• Consider the full cost of airline travel before booking your ticket. Most airlines charge extra for checked bags and on-board food and beverages. Some also charge for seat selections and early boarding privileges and a few even charge for carry-on bags. This can add substantially to the fare price. Also consider change or cancellation fees in the event you need to alter your travel plans. These are often higher than the original cost of the ticket.

• Book in advance, but not too early or late. Typically, the best deals on domestic airfares can be found between three months and 30 days in advance. Last-minute flights often come with steep prices, so plan in advance. Airfares vary widely based on time of year, destination and airline, so be sure to check with a travel agent, who can often find the best deals and itineraries. If you’re planning to travel during the holidays or to attend large sporting events (for example, a football game, the World Cup or Olympics), book early. When traveling during the holidays, lower airfares can typically be found on the day of the holiday (i.e., flying on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day).

• Work with a travel agent. They review airfares every day and know the best days to travel and how to access the best fares. Eighty-five percent of adults find value in working with a travel counselor, with saving time and money among the top benefits. Travel agents can also provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong, and new air travel arrangements need to be made quickly.

• Despite falling fuel prices, AAA does not expect airfares to decline in 2015, as demand for air travel continues to grow. Airlines’ passenger capacity, or load factor, remains very high, so it is expected that domestic airfares will remain relatively flat in the near future.

• Consider selecting a package vacation. This is when an airline or tour company bundles your airfare, hotel and car rental together. Many times, these companies sell large volumes of packages and can pass those savings on to customers. A qualified travel agent, such as those at AAA, can help you select the best vacation deal for your family.

To book your next trip call a AAA Travel professional toll-free at 1-800-222-1469, book online through AAA.com/Travel or stop by your local AAA office.