Big Ole Jet Airliner

Tip Of The Day: How to save on airline travel this holiday season. And no, one of the tips will not be “drive there instead.”
Read it here first, and then watch it tonight on Fox 9 News at 5 PM.

Tip For Tomorrow: Mid-week updates a-go-go! Cool upcoming shopping events, a product review (make-up this time, not hair care), and reasons why I’ve bought what I’ve bought when I bought it. Got that?

Further Elucidation Of My Cheap Deal: Sorry about my absence yesterday. After posting non-stop for a month, including throughout a major family holiday, I had to take a day off and rest my weary fingers. I promise I will never desert you on a Monday again.

Today’s scintillating frugal post is all about air travel – how to book flights, where to do your airline research, and the like. Sadly, I have no tips on how to survive your relatives once you’ve reached your destination. That’s what your therapist is for. And vodka.

Practical Tips On Airline Travel for an Impractical World:

1. Book early, at least 21 days in advance. Airlines raise their prices on the 14th day, the 7th day and the 3rd day before the flight takes off, so waiting for a better deal could actually backfire IN YOUR FACE. WHICH WOULD HURT.
Also, book an early flight. Early morning flights cut into one’s much-needed beauty sleep, and Lord knows I need all the help I can get, but flying REALLY early in the morning is REALLY cheap(er). Plus, it gives you an excuse to avoid your family and go straight to bed when you arrive at the family abode.

2. Fly on the weekdays, NOT the weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly; Friday through Sunday flights are more expensive.

3. Avoid traveling on peak dates, like the day before or after Christmas and New Year’s. Adding on at least one extra day, like flying on the 22nd instead of the 23rd, could save you cash.
Granted, between not flying on the weekends, and not flying on the peak dates, you’ll end up leaving the Monday before Christmas, and not being able to return until the Monday after New Year’s Day. Ah well, do what you can.

4. If you’re flying to a major metropolitan area, like New York City or Washington DC, extend your airport search to include the less popular, and less traveled, airports. You’ll find better deals at these smaller airports, and you’ll have access to alternative, budget airlines. Plus, you’ll get to see the sights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Like Newark, NJ.

5. To search for the best prices, use an online comparison site like Farecast or Expedia. They’ll show you the different flight options from all the available airlines, and how much they cost.
However, don’t actually book your flight on the comparison site – they tend to soak you for their services. Instead book your flight on the airline’s site. Many airlines, like Northwest, promise the lowest fares available on their web sites.
Also, don’t call to book your flights. Some airlines charge extra if you book over the phone – not a lot, but every bit counts during the holiday season. That cash you save could be the difference between an extra bottle of wine at Christmas dinner, or World War Three.

6. Pack light. Most airlines now charge for checked baggage – and the more luggage you have, the more it costs you. Which is true for all sorts of baggage, when you think about it.
Either ship your bulky presents in advance, shop for your gifts when you get where you’re going, or give gift cards. They’re easy to pack, easy to wrap, and don’t take up a ton of space in your suitcase.
Or, tell everyone that the gift of your glorious attendance at the holiday festivities is all the present anyone could ever want. I’m sure that will go over SO WELL.

Question Of The Day: Where will you be, come December 25th?