Festive Flights Too Expensive? 7 Ways To Plan Your Year-End Trip On A Budget

Opened a flight booking app recently? That jump in prices is hard to miss. From booking early to picking offbeat destinations, here is how you can plan a pocket friendly New Year trip even when flight prices are soaring. Every year, as soon as the festive season, wedding dates and year-end holidays come closer, airfares shoot up. Delhi to Goa, Mumbai to Jaipur, Bangalore to Delhi almost every popular route costs more in December. But an expensive ticket doesn't have to mean cancelling your plan, you just need to book a little smarter.

How To Plan Your Year-End Trip On A Budget

Flight tickets are getting costlier this festive season. Here are easy tips and hacks to book cheaper flights and plan your year-end trip on a budget.

1. Book Your Year-End Flight Tickets As Early As Possible

This is the oldest trick but it works. The closer you get to Christmas and New Year, the higher the fare goes. Last 2 weeks of December are always the peak.If your leave dates are already fixed, book now. Don't wait for a magical price drop. And set a fare alert on MakeMyTrip, Skyscanner or Google Flights - you will know the second prices dip.

2. Choose Cheaper Days And Timings To Fly

Fridays and Sundays are expensive. Everyone wants to fly then. If you can, try Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays. Flights at 6 am or after 10 pm are also cheaper because most people skip them. Even shifting your trip by one day can save Rs 1000-2000. Use the calendar view on any booking app to spot the cheapest date instantly.

3. Compare Prices On Different Apps And The Airline Website

We all do it. Open one app, see a price, book it. Check at least 2-3 apps and then check the airline's own website too. IndiGo, Akasa, SpiceJet often give free meals, free seat selection or slightly lower fares on their own site. One more thing - if you are searching again and again and the price keeps rising, open an incognito tab and search. It does help sometimes.

4. Consider Connecting Flights And Nearby Airports

Yes, direct flights are easy. But they are also the most expensive during peak season.A flight with a 1-2 hour layover can be much cheaper. Also check fares from a nearby airport. For example, if you are in Delhi, check Hindon as well. Just make sure to add the cab fare to that airport before you decide.

5. Use Bank Offers, Credit Card Deals And Wallet Cashback

Festive season means offer season. Almost every bank, credit card and UPI app has flight offers running in December. Before paying, check if there's any coupon on the travel app or any cashback on your card. Make sure you check if you have any reward points or air miles lying unused. 

Combining an app offer with a bank offer is the easiest way to bring down your ticket cost.

6. Pack Light And Skip Costly Add Ons

Many low cost airlines charge extra for check in baggage, and the fees add up fast. For a short break, a cabin bag may be enough. If you do need to check in luggage, add it while booking because it costs more at the airport. Skip paid seats and meals unless you really need them, and carry your own snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security.

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7. Pick A Less Crowded Destination For Your New Year Trip

Goa, Manali and Jaipur are lovely, but everyone heads there in December, which pushes up flights and hotels. Try offbeat places with a similar feel. Gokarna can be your Goa, and Kasol, Mukteshwar or Chopta can stand in for Manali. Cheaper stays and thinner crowds often make up for a pricier ticket.

Smart Flight Booking Hacks To Get Cheaper Tickets

A few small tricks can make a big difference to the final amount.

• Turn on notifications for airlines on Instagram - flash sales come there first.
• Check airline apps, not just portals. Many app-only codes work only there.
• Always pick a fare that allows free date change or cancellation. You can lock a good price now and change later if needed.
• Look for flight plus hotel combos. They are often cheaper than booking separately.
• Travelling with 3 or more people? Call the airline for group fare.
• If you are a student, senior citizen or from the armed forces, ask for special fares. Many airlines give it but don't advertise much.

ALSO READ- Planning Christmas Travel? The Exact Window To Save Up To 20% And Where To Go

Final Word: Plan Your Full Trip Budget Before Booking The Flight

Before you pay for the flight, do a quick math. How much for hotel, food, local cabs, sightseeing? A cheap flight makes no sense if you have no money left to enjoy there. Fix a budget for each part and keep Rs 2000-3000 extra for emergencies. Yes, flights are pricey this year.  But if you book early, stay a bit flexible with dates and use offers smartly, your New Year trip can still happen - without that post-holiday bank balance shock.

Disclaimer: This article is for information and general travel planning purpose only. Flight fares, offers, bank discounts and baggage rules keep changing and may vary depending on route, date, airline and booking platform. Please check the final price, terms and conditions on the respective airline website or app before making any booking. 

(Image Credits: Pinterest)
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