When it comes to travelling as a family, airfare often makes up a significant portion of the travel budget. With rising flight prices, finding affordable options can feel challenging. Whether you’re planning an international getaway or looking to save on domestic flights, there are ways to score great deals without breaking the bank. Here are effective strategies to help you secure affordable flights for your family while keeping your vacation within budget.
Ignore the Myths About Affordable Flights
There’s no shortage of myths when it comes to booking cheap flights. Don’t fall for these misconceptions:
Booking on a specific day of the week: Contrary to popular belief, there’s no “magic day” (like Tuesday) that guarantees cheap tickets.
Fixed booking windows: There’s no universal time window that will always offer cheaper tickets.
Skip the outdated tricks and instead focus on flexibility and smart booking strategies.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Times
Flexibility is crucial when it comes to booking affordable flights for families. Major holidays, school vacations, and public holidays often come with inflated ticket prices. To save on airfare, consider:
Traveling off-peak: Flights tend to be cheaper when demand is lower. Try planning your vacation during months that are less popular for travelers.
Flying mid-week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays usually have cheaper flights compared to weekends, which are more popular.
Opting for early morning or late-night flights: These less popular flight times are often more affordable.
By adjusting your travel dates or times, you could save hundreds of dollars on flights, especially when flying as a family.
Consider Alternative Destinations
If you’re flexible with your travel destination, you can unlock cheaper flight options. Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights offer features where you can search for flights to “anywhere” and discover destinations with the lowest fares. This approach can open up a range of possibilities for families looking for affordable travel options.
If your dream destination, like Paris, is too expensive, consider nearby cities that might be just as wonderful and more budget-friendly. You could then take a train to spend a few days in Paris! Being flexible with where you go can lead to fantastic savings!
Set Up Alerts
Airlines frequently offer flash sales and discounts that are available for a limited time. To catch these deals, sign up for newsletters from airlines and flight deal websites, and set up flight alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These tools will notify you when prices drop for your chosen routes.
As many flight deals are only available for 24 hours or less, staying on top of these alerts ensures you don’t miss out on significant savings.
Fly with Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are a great way to save on family travel. While they may not offer the same amenities as traditional carriers, they can provide affordable alternatives. The safest low-cost airlines in the world in 2025 are:
Keep in mind that you may need to pay for extras like checked bags and in-flight meals. Make sure to factor these costs into your total price to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.
Don’t Always Book Direct Flights
Non-stop flights are often more convenient, but they tend to be pricier. For families, considering connecting flights can sometimes save you money. For example, you might fly to a major hub like London or Madrid and then take a budget airline to your final destination.
Check various routes and compare the total costs, including any extra transportation to get from one airport to another. Connecting flights can be a great way to reduce airfare without sacrificing too much time.
Use Multiple Search Engines
Not all flight search engines display the same results. Some may exclude budget airlines or international carriers. To find the best deals, use multiple search engines. Some of the top flight search engines include:
Skyscanner: Ideal for comparing both major and budget airlines.
Google Flights: Great for flexible date searches and exploring multiple destinations.
Using different platforms increases your chances of finding a hidden gem or a better deal for your family.
Mix and Match Airlines
A money-saving trick is to mix and match airlines for different legs of your journey. By booking flights with separate airlines, you can often find cheaper options than booking a round-trip with the same carrier. Websites like Kiwi.com specialize in finding affordable combinations of different airlines.
This method may require more effort, but it can yield substantial savings, especially when booking for multiple family members.
Book Tickets Individually
When booking flights for your family, avoid booking multiple tickets together, as airlines often show the highest price for a group. Instead, search for individual tickets for each family member and then select seats during checkout. Although this might mean sitting in different rows, it could save you a significant amount of money, and it could be a good option with teenagers and for short trips.
Consider Using a VPN to Find Cheaper Flights
Another trick to save money on flights is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Airlines and booking platforms sometimes show different prices depending on the country you’re browsing from. By using a VPN to change your virtual location, you can access flights at a lower price if you’re seen as booking from a country where fares are cheaper.
For instance, booking from countries with a lower cost of living can sometimes result in significant savings. Just ensure that you’re using a VPN service that is reliable and fast (like NordVPN, if you’re interested—check out my link for a discount!). It’s also essential to use a credit card without foreign transaction fees (like the Wise card) to avoid extra charges when making payments in foreign currencies.
Book in Advance, But Not Too Early
The timing of your booking is crucial for securing the best price. While last-minute bookings can be expensive, booking too early might not always guarantee the lowest fares. Aim to book flights around 2-3 months in advance for the best deals. If you’re traveling during peak season, such as the holidays, try to book around 5 months in advance for the best price.
Conclusion
Booking affordable flights for your family is entirely possible with the right approach. By ignoring myths, being flexible with your dates and destinations, setting up alerts, and utilizing tools like multiple search engines, you can save big on airfare. The key is planning ahead, staying alert for special offers, and being willing to explore alternative options. With these strategies, you’ll ensure that your family vacation stays within budget, leaving more money for the fun adventures ahead!
Check our Travel Toolbox to see all the tools, websites, and services we use regularly as a full-time travelling family
