Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but the cost of airfare and the hassle of navigating the airline industry can sometimes dampen the excitement. Fortunately, with a few savvy strategies, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses and even score those coveted upgrades to premium classes. Here’s how you can hack your way to discounted airfare and travel upgrades.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save on airfare is to be flexible with your travel dates and times. Airlines often price flights based on demand, meaning that flying on a less popular day or time can result in significant savings. Here’s how you can take advantage of this:

Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly. Avoid weekends and Monday mornings, which are peak travel times.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons—just before or after peak tourist seasons—when demand is lower. Not only will you find cheaper flights, but you’ll also enjoy less crowded destinations.
Be Open to Red-Eye Flights: Late-night or early-morning flights are typically less expensive because they’re less desirable. If you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of sleep, you can save a lot.

2. Use Flight Comparison Tools

There are a multitude of flight comparison websites and apps that can help you find the best deals. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to compare prices across different airlines and travel dates. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Set Price Alerts: Many of these tools allow you to set alerts for specific routes. You’ll receive notifications when prices drop, so you can book at the optimal time.
Explore Everywhere: If your travel plans are flexible, use Skyscanner’s “Explore Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest destinations from your airport. You might discover a new place to visit at a bargain price.

3. Book at the Right Time

Timing is crucial when it comes to booking flights. While there’s no exact science, certain trends can guide you to better deals:

Book in Advance, But Not Too Early: Generally, the best time to book domestic flights is between one to three months before departure. For international flights, booking four to six months in advance is often ideal. Booking too early or too late can sometimes mean higher prices.
Look for Deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Airlines often release weekly deals on these days, so keep an eye out for promotions that can save you money.

4. Leverage Frequent Flyer Programs and Credit Card Points

Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards can be your best friends when it comes to scoring discounts and upgrades. Here’s how to maximize these rewards:

Join Airline Loyalty Programs: Even if you don’t fly often, it’s worth joining an airline’s loyalty program. Over time, you’ll accumulate miles that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other perks.
Use Travel Credit Cards: Many credit cards offer significant rewards for travel-related purchases. Look for cards that offer signup bonuses, points for every dollar spent, and no foreign transaction fees. Some even offer complimentary upgrades or access to airport lounges.
Redeem Points Wisely: Be strategic about how and when you use your points. Sometimes, using points for upgrades can offer more value than using them for a full ticket. Keep an eye on your points’ expiration dates, and look for opportunities to maximize their value.

5. Take Advantage of Error Fares

Error fares occur when airlines mistakenly list flight prices far below the norm. These mistakes can happen for a variety of reasons, such as technical glitches or human error. Here’s how to capitalize on them:

Monitor Deal Websites: Websites like Secret Flying, Airfarewatchdog, and The Flight Deal specialize in finding and sharing error fares. Subscribe to their alerts or follow them on social media to stay updated.
Book Quickly: Error fares don’t last long, so if you find one, book it immediately. Most airlines honor these tickets, but be aware that they can sometimes be canceled, so wait a few days before making any non-refundable travel arrangements.

6. Utilize Stopovers and Open-Jaw Tickets

Stopovers and open-jaw tickets can offer great opportunities for discounted travel and extra destinations:

Stopovers: Some airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers in their hub cities. This allows you to explore an additional destination at no extra cost. For example, Icelandair offers stopovers in Reykjavik on flights between North America and Europe.
Open-Jaw Tickets: An open-jaw ticket allows you to fly into one city and return from another. This can sometimes be cheaper than booking separate one-way tickets and can add flexibility to your travel plans.

7. Bid for Upgrades

If you’re looking to upgrade your seat to business or first class without paying full price, bidding for an upgrade can be an excellent option. Here’s how it works:

Check If Your Airline Offers Bidding: Some airlines, like Delta and Qantas, allow passengers to bid for upgrades after booking their flight. If your airline offers this option, you’ll typically receive an email invitation a few days before your flight.
Bid Strategically: Do some research to see what others have paid for upgrades on similar routes. Bid an amount you’re comfortable with, keeping in mind that you’ll only pay if your bid is accepted.

8. Join Airline Newsletters and Follow on Social Media

Airlines often announce flash sales and special promotions via their newsletters and social media channels. By staying informed, you can take advantage of these limited-time offers:

Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to your favorite airlines’ newsletters to get the latest deals delivered directly to your inbox.
Follow on Social Media: Airlines frequently post flash sales or exclusive deals on their social media platforms. Following them on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram can keep you in the loop.

Conclusion

Scoring discounted airfare and upgrades doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of flexibility, the right tools, and strategic planning, you can make your travel dreams more affordable and comfortable. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these hacks can help you get the most value out of your journeys. So, the next time you plan a trip, remember these tips and watch as your savings—and comfort—soar.