Traveling – the clue is in the title. To get from A to B, you have to hire a car, jump on a bus or hop on a train. Or, more commonly, you’ve got to board a flight. Flights are the easiest thing in the world, most of the time, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get better. When you’ve got twelve hours to waste, it’s essential to book a ticket with an airline that is perfect. Also, don’t forget about deplaning on the other side.
As a frequent flier, there are hacks which you can take advantage of on a regular basis. Here are four to remember for your next trip.
Miles Cheaper
Air miles aren’t a secret, yet it’s incredible the number of people who leave them on the table. With the right amount, it’s possible to trade them in for a variety of upgrades. For example, you can get more legroom, a better meal and entertainment system, or a bump up in class. Airline miles are the currency of the sky. And, you don’t need a credit card or a program to collect them. If you’re traveling and want a novel experience, you can buy them online with certain providers.
No Refunds?
Airlines like to say they can’t offer a refund, particularly if it’s a budget company. The good news is that there is a way around this unconstitutional policy. All you have to do is use the American version of Expedia. On their website, there are flights which have a 24-hour refundable option that travelers can apply to their benefit. For one thing, it gives you flexibility in case you find a cheaper flight and change your mind. Secondly, it means you don’t have to commit to a return. Book a trip, refund it, and use the confirmation email as proof of onward travel at immigration.
Honorable Prices
Companies make mistakes, and when they do, they have a decision to make. They either revoke the error or they honor the price. Airlines tend to do the latter unless it’s a colossal mistake which costs them thousands of dollars. Even then, there’s a chance that the early bird will catch the worm. A glitch in Cathay Pacific’s tech ended up selling first-class seats for $700 – they should have cost customers $1,600. So, keep an eye out for error fares and snap them up as soon as possible before they are corrected. Secret Flying can help.
Aisle Seat
There aren’t many flights that are empty due to the rise in demand in the last couple of decades. Still, some are a lot less full than others and these are the ones you want to board. Why? It’s because there is a lot of extra space for your comfort. If you have three seats to yourself, there’s no reason to rest your head against the window and hurt your neck. Instead, you can lounge around and read a book as if you were at home.
The trick is to choose out of season flights, such as midweek in the autumn, and to check the seat map for the best options.