Tip 1. Understand What Your Airfare Covers.

Don’t be doomed to the dreaded middle seat. You need to understand the different fares and what they don’t include. Every fare will get you there, eventually. Nowadays many airlines not only charge you for a checked bag, but will even charge you for a carry-on bag.

When you see a low advertised price, it is usually for a “basic fare.” Basic fares mean you cannot choose your seat, and often you will have to pay extra even for a carry-on bag. You may start with a basic fare then decide to pay a fee for a carry-on, and a checked bag, and an assigned seat. Before you know it you have paid more than if you had booked a higher fare class. Nowadays, even regular main cabin fares usually do not include a free checked bag, which is why you see people trying to stuff enormous carry-ons into overhead bins.

Tip 2.  The Best Way to Save Money on Airfare: Research

To save on airfare it is essential to do research. Go to Google Flights and enter your information. Once you find a flight or two that meets your needs, hit the “Track Prices” button and enter your email address. As prices go up and down, you receive alerts. Google Flights even tells if the prices are typically high or low for that flight.

If your plans are flexible, there is a grid that lets you to see the lowest priced date combinations to get the best price on your airfare.

Then double check the fare on the airline’s website.

Next book the flight. If you book directly with the airline most U.S. airlines will give e-credits for the difference if the fare comes down because they no longer charge cancellation or change fees. Just make sure the airline you select does that.

Important Note: This does not work if you book “basic economy” so be sure to book main cabin or better.

As long as you are willing to accept e-credits for future flights, you can now relax because you will get the best fare. The flight alerts make it easy. Doing this has saved us thousands of dollars. 

We set alerts for our personal travel after we have booked a flight. Be sure to only use airlines that let you rebook with no cancellation fee. If the flight price drops, we go to the airline site and adjust the fare. (Sometimes you might need to make a phone call.) Then, we have hundreds of dollars in e-credits ready to use for our next flight. Sometimes it will be better to cancel the flight, get the e-credit, and use the e-credit to book the flights at the new rate. Either way, you will end up with e-credits in your account.

Best of all, you can book that airfare now and relax in the knowledge that if the fare comes down, we can take advantage to save some money. And if the fare goes up, as it often does, you can appreciate how smart you were.

Tip 3.  Credit Card Perks Help Save on Airfare

Consider getting an airline credit card to save on airfare. Most of the major airlines offer a no-fee credit card for a year. Usually, they include free checked bags and other amenities. This alone can save you $70-$80 per checked bag per trip. It can be worth your while even if you only fly once a year. 

Tip 4. Sign Up for Airline Programs

This is an important tip to save on airfare. Even if you think you will never fly with them again, sign up for the airline’s frequent flier program. It costs nothing and you can get extra perks. For example, with Delta you will get free wi-fi on your flight and your Delta Skymiles will never expire. 

Here’s where you can sign up quickly and for free. We keep our clients frequent flier number on file so there is no need to remember them.

By the way, with most programs you can sign the kids up too. if you are paying for a seat, why not?

Click the airline to go to their page to join.

Delta Skymiles, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Jetblue, Spirit, Southwest, Icelandair, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Air, SAS, TAP Air Portugual, Emirates, Quantas

Tip 5. Taking a Cruise? How To Save on Airfare

Most cruise lines offer airfares at discount prices. Check to see what the cruise line is offering for the exact same flight you picked out earlier. Surprisingly, the cruise line price is sometimes lower.  The downside of using the cruise line is you have a bit less control over the booking. Be sure to book “flexible” or cancellable tickets if you can.

Tip 6. Understand Your Rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation has this helpful dashboard. It is important to understand them. In general, you will have fewer rights when the delay or cancellation is not controllable by the airline, like severe weather. Controllable delays within the airline’s control include maintenance or crew problems, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading, fueling, etc.

Tip 7: Travel Insurance Can Save You Money

While we strongly recommend travel protection, do not buy it from the airline, and rarely from the cruise line. Instead ask for quotes from reputable third-party insurers. And if you travel more than once a year, consider a very affordable annual multi-trip plan. You can learn more here.

Ready To Fly?

Don’t forget our tips for surviving air travel.

The post How to Save Money on Airfare 2025 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Get Huge Exchange Rates

1. Don’t get foreign currency at currency exchange windows or kiosks at airports, you will pay huge fees. Never do this!
2. Don’t answer yes when a credit or debit card transaction asks if you want to convert your payment to U.S. Dollars. It’s just another way to get more fees.
3. Avoid multiple ATM cash transactions in a day. Unless your bank is waiving your ATM fees, those fees are racking up. And don’t use an ATM without checking the surroundings and making sure no one can see your pin entry.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget to Check Ahead

1. Don’t worry about getting foreign currency for tips etc.  In almost any country, they will gladly accept USD if that’s what you have.
2. Verify your cell phone plan before traveling to any country. Know what the charges will be, if any.
3. We love our Amex, but they are not widely accepted abroad. Bring a Visa or MasterCard for backup.
4. Don’t forget to confirm your travel with your bank, so they don’t shut down your card.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget Insurance

Don’t forget travel insurance!

If something happens, you could be out thousands of dollars, all your clothes, and worse. Travel Insurance can be one of the most important things you can buy to keep your money safe. Plus, a lot of health plans don’t cover much overseas, so you can lose a lot of money getting sick or hurt on your trip!

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Don’ts appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling. And after these tips, we cover the Travel Money Mistakes-The Don’ts.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Charge it.

Credit cards are widely accepted around the world.  Here are our simple rules for using credit cards abroad:

1. Check your credit and debit cards for PIN numbers. While not common in the US, pin numbers are sometimes needed in other countries.
2. Bring at least two cards. If one gets lost, stolen or frozen due to a fraud alert, you want a back-up. We once landed in Norway for a two-week trip only to get word from our credit card company that our primary card was frozen due to a fraud attempt. Fortunately, we had brought a back-up card.
3. Check to make sure you are using a card that does NOT charge foreign exchange fees. If yours does, find another for travel. Also, do NOT use your credit card to get cash from an ATM. You will be paying big fees. Instead take your debit card for ATM withdrawals.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Your Phone

Nowadays, your cell phone is your lifeline to the world. Be sure to be careful with how you use it while traveling.

1. Put your phone in airplane mode the minute you get on a cruise ship. We have seen people charged hundreds and hundreds of dollars in cell fees because they did not.
2. Use an app like WhatsApp or Signal so you can make free VoiP calls to family and friends. Make sure your friends are on the same system.
3. Think you’ll use Uber abroad? Uber sneaks in a 1.5 percent fee for paying in dollars instead of the local currency. To avoid paying the extra cost, go into your account, open your “Wallet” and, under “Preferred currency,” select “No preferred currency.”

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Common Sense Safety

1. Stay aware of your surroundings and do not leave a bag or backpack unattended even for a few minutes.
2. Keep a picture of your passport on your phone or in the cloud in case a replacement is needed. Also, keep a picture of your luggage on your phone. If your luggage does get lost, this will make recovery easier.
3. Check the network of the ATM before you use it. Those no-name machines in hotels or corner stores often come with inflated fees and terrible exchange rates. Use one affiliated with major international banks—HSBC, Barclays, Santander, etc.
4. Know before you go. Most European countries are now almost entirely cashless cards are accepted everywhere. But countries like Egypt, Morocco, Philippines and Japan, are still cash based. If you think you may return, save those spare Euros or Pesos in an envelope for your next trip.

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Dos appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Getting the best price on air is a moving target nowadays. But with our airfare secrets, and not-so-secret insider tips, you can avoid being the one who paid too much for your airfare. To save as much money as you can, follow these tips for getting the lowest price on airfare. This advice is based on actual data from Expedia. Ignore the myths and follow the facts.

Tip 1: Research

Use a site like Google Flights that aggregates flights from many airlines. You can see different airlines and fare classes. It will tell you if fares are historically low or high. If your dates are flexible, you can see which dates will save you the most money. Also, don’t forget to look at alternative nearby airports.

Once we find the flight we booked we hit the “Track Prices” button and enter our email address. As prices go up and down, we receive alerts. Google Flights even tells if the prices are typically high or low for that flight. Finally, if your plans are flexible, there is a nice grid that allows you to see the lowest priced date combinations to get the best price on air.

Tip 2: After You Book Set a Price Alert

Most U.S. airlines now allow you to change flights without a change or cancellation fee. Avoid airlines that do not permit this. After checking the rules on your chosen airline, book your flight. Be sure you understand the fare rules and change or cancellation policy.

Then after you book set a price alert on Google flights or a similar site, so you can rebook when the price drops. Depending on the airfare and the fare class you book, you will likely receive the difference as an e-credit for a future flight.

We need to know when that fare drops and checking all the time is time-consuming. The flight alerts make it easy. When the price goes down, we go back to the airline site and rebook, getting the difference back in e-credits.

Doing this has saved us hundreds of dollars.

Tip 3: Which Days of the Week Have the Best Prices?

To get the best price on air, generally avoid flying on Mondays and Fridays when business travelers fill the skies. Expedia says the least expensive days to fly are Saturdays and Thursdays. For international flights, Thursdays are best. For domestic flights, Saturday is best.

Tip 3: When to Get the Best Price on Airfare?

We have long told people the best time to book domestic air is one to three months before the trip and Expedia’s research confirms this.

Interestingly, for international travel the best fares are found eighteen to twenty-nine days before the flight. However, waiting that long does risk the flights you want being unavailable.

For peak season dates like spring break, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, you should book three to seven months out for domestic and four to ten months for international. Many factors, such as the popularity of the flight, can impact prices. And don’t be afraid you are paying too much because you will use Tip #1.

Tip 4: Get The Best Price on Air for a Cruise

We have seen hundreds of people on a single cruise miss it because a storm blanketed the nation on the day the cruise began. That’s why we always recommend you fly in a day or two before the cruise starts rather than the day of the ship’s departure.  Trust us, it relieves the worry of missing your cruise departure and you can start your cruise relaxed and happy.

Given the recent performance of certain airlines, it makes more sense than ever. In fact, Expedia says that flight cancellations doubled in 2024!

Think about all the people who missed their cruises when Southwest melted down. Last summer’s Crowdstrike fiasco ruined the travel plans of people all over the world. It’s worth it to go a day early and spend the night in a nearby hotel. Travel agents keep lists of hotels that have shuttles to the cruise port.

Once you know which flights you want, check to see how much the cruise line’s airfare price is. More and more, cruise lines are offering great prices on published fares. Even if it is the same, most cruise companies guarantee they will take care of you if your air goes awry, and you miss the boat. However, some of the cruise line air programs are easier to use and more flexible than others. Some cruise lines, especially those offering “free air” may put you on an undesireable itinerary with many layovers.

Tip 5: Ask Your Travel Agent to Look For Consolidator Fares

Consolidator fares are somewhat like wholesale. They are regular seats on regular flights that still earn frequent flier miles. Basically, the airlines sell some of these seats in bulk to the consolidator who offers them through travel agents. The savings are more common on international than domestic flights. At times our clients have saved thousands of dollars on airfares by using a consolidator. Ask your travel advisor to check for you.

Tip 6: For Getting the Best Price on Air –Nonstop Charter Flights

If you are going to popular vacation spots, especially in Mexico or the Caribbean, there are travel companies who offer great resort and air packages with charter non-stop flights. These are available for popular destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, and Riviera Maya. Packages with nonstop charter air are possible out of airports such as Chicago, Lansing, Cleveland, Detroit, and more. Ask your travel advisor to research this option for you.

Tip 7: Know Your Rights

While it does not cover everything, the Department of Transportation has done a good job of pushing airlines to agree to provide you more rights when you fly. Check out the Airline Customer Service Dashboard.

Tip 8: Sign Up for the Airline’s Frequent Flyer Program

These programs are free to join. For airlines like Delta, your miles never expire and you get extra perks like free wi-fi on many flights. Most airlines offer similar programs.

More facts from Expedia:

• August is the cheapest month to travel, February and March are the most expensive.
• Booking on a Sunday can keep more in your wallet.
• Average ticket prices were down in 2024 from the year before. Because new flights are coming online, it is expected that average costs will decrese more in 2025.
• The difference between premium and economy has come down. It’s more affordable than ever to upgrade.
• Avoid crowds by traveling during quiet periods. Tuesday is the quietest day of the week to travel, and February is the quietest month.

What More Great Travel Tips?

Read our 16 Tips for Surviving Air Travel.

Sign up to receive a weekly email with our travel tips and inspiration.

The post Airfare Secrets: Getting the Best Price on Air appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

It’s early in the morning, you need to get to Grandma’s house before the cousins or you’ll never hear the end of it. You can’t even remember if you packed a toothbrush, and the security line is 5 miles long. You’ve overpaid for your ticket last minute and you know that you’ll get no sleep on the plane based on the number of crying babies surrounding you now. Don’t let this nightmare become a reality when you travel for this Thanksgiving Day!

Holiday travel is famous for being terrible!

Breaking the Bank on Air

Airlines have continued to raise prices, and there is always a Thanksgiving Day travel price hike. While the airlines will set the prices, there are a few ways to get the cheapest option available.

Don’t be choosy about the airline. I know you have a stockpile of frequent flyer points (we do too!), but because of the way airlines manage their flights, some routes can be hundreds of dollars cheaper with different airlines! It always pays to check.

Look it up on Google Flights and Get Notified. Set your dates in and ask Google Flights to update you when the price drops. Air rates fluctuate quickly, so snag a good price when you see it!

Fly Early or On Thanksgiving Day. For Thanksgiving Day travel, everyone is trying to get in and out on the few days before and after the day itself. If you can fly a few days earlier and make a little vacation of it, consider doing that! Also, Thanksgiving Day itself tends to be very quiet, because everyone has already been through the travel nightmare.

Don’t let the airlines rake you over the coals.

Simple Things Add Up

Even something as simple as wearing slip on shoes for the security checkpoint can help save your sanity. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to streamline the process for yourself. Put your laptop in an easy to remove place and have a pocket dedicated to tickets and IDs. Throw some of your favorite snacks into your carry-on days before the trip as a welcome surprise. But no liquids, of course.

If you fly much at all, it’s worth it to get TSA Precheck. This lets you get into a faster security line. It costs very little and can make the experience so much better. And you get to keep your shoes on!

Also, check the benefits on your credit cards because many will rebate you the money you spend on TSA or Global Entry if you purchase it using that card. By the way, if you ever fly internationally, Global Entry makes return to the U.S. a breeze. Global Entry only costs $15 more than Precheck, and TSA Precheck is included.

Think Outside the Box

Thanksgiving Day travel is a uniquely American problem. Other countries celebrate Christmas, but Thanksgiving leads to lots of travel within the United States. I know it’s tradition to have the casserole out of Aunt Carol’s weird ceramic cow bowl, but it’s a golden opportunity for international travel.

Find a place outside of the US where everyone could meet up and have a dinner together in Italy or Spain. Sure, it’s not traditional, but you can find some great deals and opportunities for international travel when almost every other American is cramming into a single house for Thanksgiving. And Spanish ham is amazing!

Nearby Canada celebrates Thanksgiving but in October, so maybe spend the U.S. Thanksgiving in Toronto or Quebec. Poutine goes great with turkey.

Use Technology

While we’re thinking outside the box. Consider skipping the problems of Thanksgiving Day travel altogether. There are many ways to connect over the internet, and a webcam is a lot cheaper than an airline ticket!

Create a menu with recipes and have everyone make a smaller portion at home, then connect with everyone in an online call. Plus, you won’t need to pretend to like Aunt Karen’s veggie dip with cottage cheese and marshmallows.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post Don’t Be a Turkey: Thanksgiving Day Travel 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Everyone wants to get the best price on air. It’s a moving target nowadays, but with these insider tips, you can avoid being the one who paid too much for your airfare. As travel has soared, so have airfares. To save as much money as you can, follow these tips for getting the lowest price on airfare.

Tip 1: Research

This is easily done if you use a site like Google Flights that aggregates flights from many airlines. You can see different airlines, fare classes. It will tell you if fares are historically low or high. If your dates are flexible you can see which dates will save you the most money.

Tip 2: Set a Price Alert

Most U.S. airlines now allow you to change flights without a change or cancellation fee. Avoid airlines that do not permit this. After checking the rules on your chosen airline, book your flight. But then set a price alert, so you can rebook when the price drops. Depending on the airfare and the fare class you book, you will likely receive the difference as an e-credit for a future flight.

To research airfare prices, after we book with the airline website, we use Google Flights and enter our flight information. Once we find the flight we booked we hit the “Track Prices” button and enter our email address. As prices go up and down, we receive alerts. Google Flights even tells if the prices are typically high or low for that flight. Finally, if your plans are flexible, there is a nice grid that allows you to see the lowest priced date combinations to get the best price on air.

We set alerts for our personal travel after we have booked a flight. That’s because we use airlines that let us rebook and give us e-credits for the difference if the fare comes down. But we have to know when that fare drops. The flight alerts make it easy. Doing this has saved us hundreds of dollars.

Tip 2: Which Days of the Week Have the Best Prices?

To get the best price on air, generally avoid flying on Mondays and Fridays when business travelers fill the skies. Look at fares for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Sundays. 

Tip 3: When to Get the Best Price on Airfare?

Historically the best price on air is one to three months before the trip for domestic US flights and two to eight months for international flights. For peak season dates like spring break, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, you should book three to seven months out for domestic and four to ten months for international. Many factors, such as the popularity of the flight, can impact prices. And don’t be afraid you are paying too much because you will use Tip #1.

Tip 4: Get The Best Price on Air for a Cruise

We have seen hundreds of people on a single cruise miss it because a storm blanketed the nation on the day the cruise began. That’s why we always recommend you fly in a day or two before the cruise starts rather than the day of the ship’s departure.  Trust us, it relieves the worry of missing your cruise departure and you can start your cruise relaxed and happy.

Given the recent performance of certain airlines, it makes more sense than ever. Think about all the people who missed their cruises last year when Southwest melted down. It’s worth it to go a day early and spend the night in a nearby hotel. Travel agents keep lists of hotels that have shuttles to the cruise port.

Once you know which flights you want, because you followed our advice and used Google flights, check to see how much the cruise line’s airfare price is. More and more, cruise lines are offering great prices on published fares. Even if it is the same, most cruise companies guarantee they will take care of you if your air goes awry, and you miss the boat.

Tip 5: Ask Your Travel Agent to Look For Consolidator Fares

Consolidator fares are somewhat like wholesale. They are regular seats on regular flights that still earn frequent flier miles. Basically, the airlines sell some of these seats in bulk to the consolidator who offers them through travel agents. We use reputable consolidators. At times our clients have saved thousands of dollars on airfares, especially on international flights. Ask your travel advisor to check for you.

Tip 6: For Getting the Best Price on Air –Nonstop Charter Flights

If you are going to popular vacation spots, there are travel companies who offer great resort and air packages with charter non-stop flights. These are available for popular destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, and Riviera Maya. Packages with nonstop charter air are possible out of airports such as Chicago, Lansing, Cleveland, Detroit, and more. If you thinking of an all-inclusive resort, ask us to check on this money saving option.

Airlines are always changing their rules, but if you use these tips for getting the best price on airfare, you have upped your chances of saving some money. That means more margaritas!

Tip 7: Know Your Rights

While it does not cover anything, the Department of Transportation has done a good job of pushing airlines to agree to provide you more rights when you fly. Check out the Airline Customer Service Dashboard.

Tip 8: Sign Up for the Airline’s Frequent Flyer Program

These programs are free to join. For airlines like Delta, your miles never expire and you get extra perks like free wi-fi onboard many flights. Most airlines offer similar programs.

What More Great Travel Tips?

Read our 16 Tips for Surviving Air Travel.

Interested in other travel value? Think about this.

Sign up to receive a weekly email with our travel tips and inspiration.

The post Our Secrets for Getting the Best Price on Air appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We work with travel suppliers who offer packages with all-inclusive resorts and with non-stop chartered flights to and from Cancun, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.  You save time and money.

Save time and money on your next beach vacation

Direct Flights

For people in the Midwest, there are direct flights from 13 locations including Columbus in Ohio, Lansing in Michigan, and Rockford in Illinois. You won’t need to worry about having a four-hour layover or losing your luggage when changing planes. The average flight time is four hours each way and most flights arrive at the destination before noon, so you have time to enjoy the resort the day you arrive.  Many returning flights leave after 12 p.m. so you have time to enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your resort before heading to the airport. And best of all, these direct flights are available from major airports across the U.S.

Resorts For Every Budget

You have a variety of resorts to choose from. You can find resorts available for about $2,000 a week for a couple all the way up to beautiful exclusive resorts that can cost upwards of $10,000. There are both family-oriented resorts as well as adult-only ones available. Of course, resorts with direct beach access are a premium. All resorts have some form of upgraded room categories for an added cost that include butler service or exclusive beach areas. Many have the much-loved swim-up suites!

And many packages will include transfers to and from the airport and other perks such as a champagne breakfast or discounts on services. You can always add private transfers to and from the airport, rent a car for a day or 2, and pre-book excursions as well.

Cancun is waiting

Groups Get More Perks

Many of these all-inclusive resorts will offer resort credit and other perks for groups of 12 people or more (six room minimum). In some cases, each room will receive resort credit even if members of your group fly in from different airports. There are resorts that will still apply credit to the room if a couple needs to arrive a day later or leave a day earlier than the rest of the group.

A Personal Example

I want to go to Cancun in January. I’m starting with my sister in Wisconsin. There are no direct flights unless I want to drive 2 hours to O’Hare in Chicago. I could catch a flight in Milwaukee at 5:30 a.m. but transfer in O’Hare where I have a three-hour layover. Or I can catch a 7 a.m. flight with a layover in Atlanta arriving in Cancun at 3 p.m.

Fortunately, there’s a better option.

I can book a 5-day non-stop vacation to Cancun from Milwaukee. Leaving Milwaukee at 6 a.m., I will arrive in Cancun about 11 am. I can be on the beach by lunchtime. My flight back home 5 days later leaves Cancun at noon, and I would be home by 3 p.m.

I choose the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa with an Allure Junior Suite with an ocean view. I’m receiving perks including in-room champagne breakfast, 25% spa discount per person and shared transportation to and from the airport.  I’ve also received a bit of a discount on the room.

My cost before travel insurance (which I will definitely purchase) and checked baggage fee would be about $1,650 per person. How can I beat that? My 5-day weekend in Seattle last year cost much more than this for just flights and hotel.

If I don’t like this resort, there are many others that I can choose. 

A standard room at Riu Lupita for 2 people (including airfare) costs about $1,000 per person before luggage fees and travel insurance. Or I could choose a Junior Suite at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen for $2,500 per person.

Ready To Plan?

If you are considering an All-Inclusive Vacation, give us a call or email karen@farfarawaytravels.com. We will be happy to provide options for you.

Looking For other Tips for Saving?

Our Airfare Secrets

Two For One

Surviving Air Travel

The post Save Money and Time on Your All-Inclusive Vacation appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Tip 1. Understand What Your Airfare Covers.

To save on airfare understand the different fares and what they don’t include. Some fares not only charge you for a checked bag, but also will charge you for a carry-on bag. They often will not let you choose a seat in advance, which can doom you to the dreaded middle seat.  When you see a low advertised price, it is usually a “basic fare.” Basic fares mean you cannot choose your seat, and often will have to pay extra even for a carry-on bag. You may start with a basic fare then decide to pay a fee for a carry-on, and a checked bag, and an assigned seat. Before you know it you have paid more than if you had booked a higher fare class. Nowadays, even regular main cabin fares usually do not include a free checked bag, which is why you see people trying to stuff enormous carry-ons into overhead bins.

Tip 2.  The Best Way to Save Money on Airfare: Research

To save on airfare it is essential to do a little research. Go to Google Flights and enter your information. Once you find a flight or two that meets your needs, hit the “Track Prices” button and enter your email address. As prices go up and down, you receive alerts. Google Flights even tells if the prices are typically high or low for that flight. Also, if your plans are flexible, there is a nice grid that allows you to see the lowest priced date combinations to get the best price on air.

Then double check the fare on the airline’s website.

Next book the flight. If you book directly with the airline most U.S. airlines will give e-credits for the difference if the fare comes down because they no longer charge cancellation or change fees. Just make sure the airline you select does that. Important Note: This does not work if you book “basic economy” so be sure to book main cabin or better.

As long as you are okay with accepting e-credits for future flights, you can now relax because you will get the best fare. The flight alerts make it easy. Doing this has saved us thousands of dollars. 

We set alerts for our personal travel after we have booked a flight. Be sure to only use airlines that let you rebook with no cancellation fee. If the flight price drops, we go to the airline site and adjust the fare. (Sometimes you might need to call.) Then, we have hundreds of dollars in e-credits ready to use for our next flight. In some cases, it will be better to cancel the flight, get the e-credit, and use the e-credit to book the flights at the new rate. Either way, you will end up with e-credits in your account.

Best of all, we can book that airfare now and relax in the knowledge that if the fare comes down, we can take advantage to save some money.

Tip 3.  Credit Card Perks Help Save on Airfare

Consider getting an airline credit card to save on airfare. Most of the major airlines offer a no-fee credit card for a year. Usually, they include free checked bags and other amenities. This alone can save you $70-$80 per checked bag per trip. It can be worth your while even if you only fly once a year. 

Tip 4. Sign Up for Airline Programs

This is an important tip to save on airfare. Even if you think you will never fly with them again, sign up for the airline’s frequent flyer program. It costs nothing and you can get extra perks. For example, with Delta you will get free wi-fi on your flight and your Delta Skymiles will never expire. 

Here’s where you can sign up quickly and for free. If you are one of our clients and you send us your frequent flier numbers, we keep them on file for you so you don’t need to remember them.

By the way, with most programs you can sign the kids up too.

Click the airline to go to their page to join.

Delta Skymiles, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Jetblue, Spirit, Southwest, Icelandair, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Air, SAS, TAP Air Portugual, Emirates, Quantas

Tip 5. Taking a Cruise? How To Save on Airfare

Most cruise lines offer airfares at discount prices. Check to see what the cruise line is offering for the exact same flight you picked out earlier. Surprisingly, the cruise line price is sometimes lower.  The downside of using the cruise line is you have a bit less control over the booking. Be sure to book “flexible” or cancellable tickets if you can.

Tip 6. Understand Your Rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation has this helpful dashboard. It is important to understand them. In general, you will have fewer rights when the delay or cancellation is not controllable by the airline, like severe weather. Controllable delays within the airline’s control include maintenance or crew problems, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading, fueling, etc.

Tip 7: Travel Insurance Can Save You Money

While we strongly recommend travel protection, do not buy it from the airline, and rarely from the cruise line. Instead ask us for quotes from reputable third-party insurers. And if you travel at least one hundred miles away from home more than once a year, consider a very affordable annual multi-trip plan. You can learn more here.

Ready To Fly?

Don’t forget our tips for surviving air travel.

The post How to Save Money on Airfare 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Looking for the way to get the best airfare prices? Check out our 6 Insider Secrets for Getting the Best Airfare.

Tip 1: Don’t Fly!

If you can, drive! Seriously, if your destination is a day’s drive or less, it may be the better alternative. Besides, a road trip can be fun.

Tip 2: For a Better Air Travel Experience, Use the App

Download and use the app for your airline. With it you can get your boarding pass, change seats, track your bags, see your incoming plane, and change a flight. Best of all, if your flight is cancelled or you miss a connection, you can often rebook from your phone. It beats waiting in the long line to talk to an agent. Good use of the app can be one of your strongest tools for surviving air travel.

Tip 3: Leave Early

Fly MUCH earlier than you need to – a whole day early if it’s important!! Remember, airline meltdowns have caused people to miss weddings, funerals, cruises, international connections, and graduations. If you must be somewhere, spend the extra money and go a day or two early.

Tip 4: Take that 6 a.m. Flight (Ugh!)

Fly the first flight in the morning so you have all day to be rebooked if things hit the fan. Yes, that means it might be a 3:00 a.m. wake-up, but morning flights cancel less often.

Tip 5: Watch the Weather

Remember, a single storm can shut down a whole airport. If severe weather is expected, you can often rebook to another flight. Check your airline’s website to see if a “weather waiver” is in effect.

Tip 6: Longer Layovers

In the past, a one-hour layover was sufficient at many airports. That 1-hour layover is no longer enough for 2023 air travel because so many flights run late for so many reasons. Look for layovers of at least two hours.

Tip 7: Avoid New York

We love visiting New York but you should avoid connecting at any New York area airport, especially Newark. In recent years, there is a 50/50 chance your flight will cancel or you will miss your connection. And if you get stuck there for an extended period, expect the restaurants to be expensive and the airline clubs jammed with people. For all these reasons, we try to avoid EWR, JFK, and LGA.

Tip 8: Be Nice!

One of the most important tips for air travel is to be nice! People are less likely to want to help you if you are mean to them. Tensions are high. You are frustrated and staff are exhausted. Besides, the delays are usually not their fault. A “please” and a sympathetic word can do wonders to get you the help you need.

Tip 9: Use Your Carry-On

If you can manage it, don’t check a bag—if you experience multiple cancellations a checked bag may not make it with you anyway. On the other hand, make sure your carry-on fits the airline’s size policy.

Don’t be the person who holds up the whole flight because you can’t figure out how to make your too-large carry-on fit in the overhead. We don’t like that person. In fact, we usually bring a carry-on that fits under the seat in front of us so we don’t have to fight for overhead bin space.

Tip 10: Buy Travel Insurance

If you don’t want to risk missing out on your dream cruise, make sure to protect your investment with travel insurance. But generally, it is not a good idea to purchase it from the airline as you can get better coverage for your whole trip from a third-party insurer.

Think carefully about how much money you have spent on your non-refundable trip and consider purchasing travel insurance to cover it. Airline and cruise company insurance can be more expensive than purchasing from a third-party provider. A knowledgeable travel agent can help you find the best insurance for your needs and budget.

Also, if you travel more than once a year, annual multi-trip plans can be very cost-effective. That’s what we use.

Tip 11: Get the Best Seat

For 2024 air travel, on most airlines if you buy the cheapest seats (usually called basic economy) you have no right to sit in specific seats. Read the rules when you purchase your ticket. If sitting together is important, buy the ticket that lets you do that.

Do not expect strangers on a crowded plane to change seats with you, especially if they paid for that window seat. And if you do need to ask, ask nicely. You have no right to demand someone give up their seat and you certainly have no right to plop yourself down in that seat without permission.

Tip 12: Buying Your Air from Third Party Sites

If a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seats, who do you think is the first to be bumped? It will not be the people who bought directly from the airline, it will be those who bought from a third-party site like Kayak, Expedia, etc.

Tip 13: Bring a Sweater

Planes are often cold. Even if you are heading for a sunny beach Layering is your friend. They will NOT turn the plane’s temperature up just for you! We always carry a Pashmina.

Tip 14: The Restroom!

Although this should seem obvious, we see people on many flights ignore this advice. Wear shoes to the restroom because you don’t know what liquid is on the floor. Also, don’t leave debris in the restroom. And, put trash in the receptacle and use a towel to wipe the sink.

Tip 15: Thank the Staff

A thank you note or a $5 gift card can brighten their day beyond measure. We know people who take small boxes of chocolates to give to deserving staff.

Also, if someone goes out of their way to help you, write down their name and send in an email note of praise to the airline. It matters as sometimes they will get perks or promotions because of your praise!

Tip 16: The BEST Tip for Air Travel

We saved the best tip for last. And shockingly few air travelers are aware of this important tip.

Last year when air travel melt-downs frustrated tens of thousands of travelers, the U.S. Department of Transportation stepped in. Not only did they tighten some rules, the got most of the U.S. domestic airlines to agree to provide you certain benefits if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Just visit the Airline Customer Service Dashboard and enter the specific airline. Then you can see what your airline has promised you if bad things happen.

Finally, you can use the comprehensive dashboard to compare airlines.

Secret Tip 17: The Coolest Secret

This one is so cool we made it a secret number 17. Take a European style two prong plug even if you are not going to Europe. What???

The reason is because the power ports on the plane can fit a variety of plug types and the U.S. ones tend to get worn down the most either because they’re used the most or Americans are more impatient in their handling of cords. But the European sockets are nice and tight. The sockets on most planes will work with either type, but the European ones actually work!

Want to know more about our airfare secrets and hacks? Check out the secret to visiting two destinations for the airfare for one and our 6 tips for getting the best airfare deal.

The post 16 Tips for Surviving 2024 Air Travel appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

After last year’s devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has plummeted. This includes the islands not affected by the wildfire. While it is understandable people are uncomfortable about going, Hawaiians are urging vacationers to return.

This is the year to visit Hawaii as crowds and prices are down significantly. And you will be helping the Hawaiian economy recover.

However, there is much to know about planning a trip to Hawaii and many choices. We share our best Hawaii vacation tips.

Tip 1: Hawaii Vacation Tip: Don’t Try To Do Too Much!

There are many Hawaiian Islands and first-timers often try to do too much.  We suggest planning to visit no more than one or two islands during a one-week vacation.  Remember, if you are flying between islands, you will spend at least a half day packing, unpacking, transferring between the airport and resort, enduring security checks, etc.—even though the flight itself may be only 30 minutes. We do not consider wasting a half-day an effective use of our precious vacation time and neither should you. Not sure which island to choose? Our guide to the best island for you will help.

Having said that, inter-island flights and ferries can be inexpensive. So, if you have time and inclination, indulge.

Tip 2: Hawaii Vacation Budget Tip: Food

Hawaii can be an expensive place to visit. However, we have some enjoyable ways to save money!

First, food. At some high-end resorts, two people can easily spend $100 on breakfast. If that is beyond your comfort level, we have some money-saving meal tips.

Let’s start with dessert. Shave ice is a refreshing treat that is usually not expensive, and you can find it almost everywhere on the islands. For an inexpensive lunch, learn to love the plate lunch. They are very filling. Typically, you will get white rice, macaroni salad and choices of a meat. Spam is a popular choice for Hawaiians, but you can also get things like ground beef patties, chicken katsu, or teriyaki. A Hawaiian tradition, there are many inexpensive options for this very filling meal.

Poke is amazing in Hawaii as the fish is so fresh. We think the best poke place in the world is a little takeout window in Hilo. You can spot the Poke Market by the line of locals on the street.

Tip 3: Hawaii Vacation Budget Tip: Souvenirs

• The Hilo Farmer’s Market on the Big Island has been rated one of the best in the country. It is open daily but the biggest days are Saturdays and Wednesdays. You will find plenty of inexpensive souvenirs, jewelry and the like. There will be food trucks too.
• The Hawaii Farm Bureau maintains a good listing of the various markets on all the islands. Often you can find jewelry or other Hawaiian-made items for sale.
• Save money on that obligatory Hawaiian shirt by buying it from a resale shop. Aloha shirts are plentiful in Hawaii’s charity resale shops and with a little careful shopping you can buy one for a fraction of the prices in the retail stores. We have bought beautiful high end silk shirts with shell buttons and designer name brands for under $10.

Tip 4: Prepare for Your Hawaii Vacation

Flights from the mainland are LONG. Plan to rest a bit after you arrive. And speaking of arrival, if you want that beautiful lei greeting you’ve dreamed of, speak to your travel agent as these must be arranged in advance.

Of course you will want to do a luau. Most resorts will offer one. We think one of the best is at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.

Whenever you go, know that luaus can run late so schedule yours on a night when you can sleep in the next day.

Tip 5: Special Things to See and Do

We think it is worth it to splurge on a helicopter tour. They are memorable! On the Big Island, we especially recommend those that fly over Kilauea or Mauna Loa, especially if there is volcanic activity.

However, we don’t recommend taking very young children on the helicopter rides. When we took ours, they fell asleep within minutes of taking off! I spent most of the ride thinking of how much money I wasted on them.

Do you want to whale watch? Of course you do! The best months to visit if you want to whale watch are January through March. However, you may see a few between November to May. We were there last year in late March and only saw one, so if this is important to you, we suggest January or February. Whale watching tours are available from all the islands.

Tip 6: Hawaii Vacation Budget Tip: Free!

Let’s start with beaches. Most beaches in Hawaii are free and accessible year-round. 

Free entertainment is there if you know where to look. In Honolulu, the Royal Hawaiian Center provides free hula demonstrations, ukelele lessons, and free classes for kids. Kona’s Holualoa Kona Coffee Company offers free tours.

Bring your National Park Pass because Hawaii has eight national parks and monuments. If you are visiting the Big Island, Volcanoes Park is a must. Of course, Oahu’s Pearl Harbor is a National Monument where visiting the grounds and museums are free.

In Honolulu there is The Kuhio Beach Torchlighting and Hula Show, a free event. It takes place on the only authentic hula mound in Waikiki, near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Most Fridays, the Royal Hawaiian Band normally puts on free performances.

Tip 7: Another Hawaii Vacation Option: Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship permitted to sail between the Hawaiian Islands without stopping at a foreign port. Other cruise lines have Hawaiian cruises from Los Angeles and other ports but be prepared for many “at sea” days. If you like at-sea days (we do!), it can be a delightful way to get a taste of several islands.

Tip 8: When and How to Book

While Hawaii is wonderful year-round, prices tend to be a bit lower during the shoulder seasons of Mid-April to June and September to mid-December. Your best bet is usually to purchase a Hawaii vacation package that includes air and resort for a package rate. There are several reputable suppliers offering excellent packages.

Don’t Do This

Remember that if you do not want bad luck, do not take lava rocks off the islands as it angers Pele, the goddess of the volcano. The Hawaiian government actually receives hundreds of packages each year from people returning lava rocks in an effort to undo the curse!

Do This

If you toss a flower lei into the sea—tradition says you will return!

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel tips and information every week. You can see them all here.

The post 2024 Is the Year to Visit Hawaii appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.