Black Friday is once again upon us, and it’s not just for deep discounts on the latest TVs and video game consoles. Airlines also offer amazing deals on flights to make your next vacation merry and bright.

With all these deals, it can sometimes be a little confusing trying to determine if you’re getting the best offer or if you should wait for something better to come along. While navigating the panoply of Black Friday deals might seem insurmountable, there are a few things that you can do to check if such deal gives the biggest bang for your buck come vacation time.

Here are some pointers that travelers should keep in mind when shopping for cheap flights this holiday season so that you get the best deals this Black Friday

Research Ahead of Time

Before the big day itself, it is important to research the average fare for your destination. Online tools like Transtats — a website operated by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics — can give you a good idea of the average cost airlines charge for flights to your desired vacation spot. When researching fares, it is also important to remember to account for taxes and security fees, which can have a huge impact on the final cost.

Be Flexible with Dates

You’ll quickly find that you can get the best Black Friday deals if you remain flexible with your departure and return dates. Like most industries, the airlines offer prices based on demand, which often means that Friday and weekend flights are the most expensive. Scheduling your flight for the middle of the week can score you a better deal than a flight later in the week, compounding the savings you get from Black Friday.

Check out Hidden Gems

Tourist hot spots like Hawaii and Disney World will always offer amazing experiences, but the world is full of almost-secret treasures just waiting to be explored by travelers with a thirst for culture and adventure. So why not use Black Friday savings to explore some of these lesser-known destinations?

In addition to not having to navigate crowded streets and endure long lines at airports, destinations off the beaten path typically cost less than more popular locales with legions of tourists from around the world. In checking out these underappreciated paradises, you might even find your new favorite vacation spot.

Don’t Forget Smaller Airports

Although it might seem logical to arrive at your destination’s main airport, choosing a smaller one nearby can often mean major savings. Many low-cost airlines operate from smaller transit hubs outside of most major tourist destinations, giving you the chance to save money while enjoying all the amenities of your getaway. Flyers who enjoy a quieter, more subdued travel experience will also appreciate the minimal crowds at smaller airports.

If you are traveling to a major city, remember to consider airports that service smaller, neighboring cities within driving distance of your main destination. Most major metropolitan areas are expensive to fly to, but airfare to smaller cities in the region is often more economical. Most airports also allow for easy access to public transportation and car rental agencies, putting your primary destination within easy reach.

Don’t Forget Red-eyes

Love them or hate them, red-eyes — that is, flights that leave late at night and arrive in the early morning — provide their own advantages for those hoping to save money. Since very few people like to fly on red-eye flights, they are usually cheaper than departures that leave later in the day. Additionally, arriving at your destination this way means that you will have more hours of the day to explore your vacation getaway.

Remember You Can Cancel

Oftentimes travelers hesitate when seeing limited time deals. Whether it be doubt that the offer is truly good or concerns that their family will not enjoy the destination, prospective vacationers often feel hesitation when the discover a potential deal. In moments like this, experts remind travelers that most airlines allow for free cancellation within 24 hours of booking their flight. As such, if you see a great deal on airfare on Black Friday, grab it before it’s gone and then examine it more closely over the next few hours. If it’s a deal that works for you, you just saved on your next vacation. If the deal isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, you can cancel without any harm. As always, be sure to check your airline’s cancellation policies before booking your flight.

Consider a Long Layover

Trips with long layovers — stopovers of over 8 hours in length — provide many advantages for travelers. Apart from helping you to save hundreds of dollars in airfare, long layovers also provide the opportunity to explore another city during your trip. Instead of waiting around at the airport for hours on end, you can get to know a little bit more about the city you are in by doing things like visiting an art museum or checking out the region’s local cuisine.

Don’t Stick to Just One Airline

More often than not, travelers tend to stick with one airline to maximize their accumulation of frequent flyer miles. While this approach is logical, it also precludes you from combining the best deals on different legs of your trip. When booking your flight this Black Friday, try researching airfares to your destination across multiple carriers.

Booking a flight with a layover and then jumping aboard a connecting flight from another can sometimes save you money compared to sticking with just one airline. When using this approach it is important to remember to give yourself extra time to make your connecting flight in case your originating flight gets delayed.

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Steer Clear of Direct Flights

Direct flights are prized for the ease they bring to travel, but they’re often incompatible with flyers looking for a deal. Although far shorter than flights with a layover, direct flights are expensive, forcing you to pay elevated ticket prices for the luxury of getting to your destination in just one sitting. With a little bit of research, you could find that making a connection can save you a bundle. You might, for instance, save money by getting a layover at a smaller airport in their primary destination’s vicinity and then hopping aboard a cheaper flight to take you the rest of the way. Regional carriers are especially economical options for travelers on long-haul flights.

Other Tips

Use fare comparison tools: There are numerous websites and apps, such as Google Flights, that allow you to compare fares across various airlines. Using these tools can help you quickly identify the best deals available.

Set up fare alerts: Some platforms allow you to set up alerts for specific destinations, so you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop.

Check airline social media pages: Some airlines offer exclusive discounts on their social media platforms during Black Friday, especially flash sales which might not be advertised elsewhere.

Loyalty programs and points: Consider using frequent flyer miles or credit card points to reduce your travel costs further. Some loyalty programs may even have special promotions or multipliers on Black Friday.

Bundle it up: Look into package deals that combine flights, accommodations, and sometimes even car rentals. Websites often offer these bundles, which can save you more than booking each component separately. Alternately, you could…

Consider booking accommodations separately: While bundling can save you money, sometimes you might find better deals by booking your accommodation separately, especially through short-term rental platforms or by taking advantage of hotel loyalty programs.

Seek out promo codes: Before finalizing your booking, do a quick search for promo or discount codes. Sometimes, these codes can offer significant savings or additional perks.

Book for off-peak hours: Historically, airlines tend to offer discounted fares during off-peak hours. Try booking very early in the morning or late at night.

Remember Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday: Don’t forget that the deals don’t end on Black Friday! Many travel companies offer additional deals on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the weekend.

Lastly, remember to always read the fine print, especially regarding cancellation policies and fees. It’s important to know what you’re committing to before you finalize your booking. Safe travels and happy deal hunting!

FAQs:

Q: How early should I start monitoring Black Friday travel deals?

A: Begin checking at least two weeks in advance. Some companies tease deals early, allowing you to prepare and prioritize.

Q: Can I find deals on accommodation and tours on Black Friday too?

A: Yes, many hotels, resorts, and tour companies also offer Black Friday discounts. Check their websites and booking platforms.

Q: Do Black Friday deals only apply to flights departing soon after purchase?

A: Not necessarily. Some deals might be for immediate travel, while others can be for dates several months out.

Q: Are baggage fees discounted during Black Friday?

A: Typically, baggage fees remain consistent. However, always check individual airline promotions as there can be exceptions.

Q: Do travel insurance providers offer Black Friday discounts?

A: Some might! It’s worth checking with major travel insurance providers to see if they have special promotions.

Q: Is there a risk of overbooking on Black Friday travel deals?

A: Overbooking can occur any time, not just on Black Friday. Always confirm your reservation and check in early.

Q: What if I miss a Black Friday deal? Are there other sale days for travel?

A: Absolutely! Watch for Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals, as well as sales during holiday seasons and other promotional periods.

Know any other ways to score great deals this Black Friday? Let us know in our comments section below!