Expert: Flyers can save 50 percent by adding one stop
Jul 18, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
PHOENIX — Airfare and extra fees continue to rise, but there is a way to save money on your next flight.
You just have to be willing to sacrifice flying non-stop.
“If you basically add a connecting flight into your trip you can save up to half,” said Rick Seaney, CEO of travel site FareCompare.com. I’ve actually seen more than half savings, especially at the last minute.”
As a rule, Seaney recommends searching for these connecting flights 30 to 45 days before your departure date.
“You generally will see a 10 to 50 percent break in flights compared to the convenient ones.”
Seaney looked up a trip from Phoenix to Washington, D.C. in mid-August to prove his point. Currently, it’s running about $470 round trip, but Jet Blue has it for $360 with a connection in Boston.
He also suggested flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday for the best airfares, and also waiting for a magical date to book your next trip.
“People that are getting on flights on Aug. 24 are going to pay about 30 percent more than those getting on Aug. 25. That almost exactly corresponds with kids going back to school,” Seaney said. “All the carriers have dropped their prices pretty dramatically for departures on or after Aug. 25.”
Seaney said now is also the time to start shopping for Thanksgiving travel.
