Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just not the most wonderful time of the year! December often feels as though it comes straight after July – and can quickly become a very stressful end to the year if you’re planning to fly. With soaring demand and often equally soaring prices, navigating air travel in December definitely requires a more strategic approach than usual.
We’ve got Six Sanity Tips to help you save money and keep your cool this festive season.
1. Be Flexible
This comes first because it really can be a game-changer when it comes to snagging the best fares, especially during peak travel times.
Choose to fly on Off-Peak Days and Times. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are often less expensive days to fly. The days leading up to and after these holidays are usually much more expensive due to demand. Shifting your trip by a single day can sometimes result in significant savings. Play around with dates on flight comparison websites. Early morning or late-night flights are often less popular and can therefore be cheaper too. While not ideal for sleep, red-eye flights can be significantly less expensive, and airports tend to be less crowded.
Major hub airports come with a premium. Look at smaller or regional airports within a reasonable distance of your final destination. Check all nearby airports. A slightly longer drive might be worth it for the savings on airfare. Remember to factor in ground transportation costs and time when making your decision.
2. Plan in advance
You need to book early, but not too early! For December travel, aim to book around three months in advance. If you book too early, airlines haven’t finalized their pricing algorithms and might be testing the waters with higher fares. If you leave it too late, you’ll be competing with everyone else and paying premium prices for limited seats. Technology can be a handy helper here, too. Think about setting Price Alerts if you have specific dates and destinations in mind.
3. Pack Light
Budget airlines and, increasingly, even full-service carriers charge for checked luggage. If possible, challenge yourself to pack everything into a carry-on. This saves money and time and reduces the risk of lost luggage. Make sure you know your airline’s rules too, because each airline has different dimensions and weight limits for carry-on and personal items. Measure and weigh your bags before you leave home!
4. Cash in those Loyalty Programs
Now is the time to get back! If you’ve been collecting airline miles or credit card points, now might be the time to use them. December can be a great time to redeem points for flights, especially if cash prices are sky-high. Some travel credit cards also offer benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or lounge access, which can save you money and reduce stress.
5. Minimise your risk
Try to keep abreast of potential disruption. Keep an eye on news headlines, emails from your TMC, and use a travel app to get instant notifications regarding any scheduled travel changes. Remember to take our travel insurance. It can be a lifesaver if you’re faced with unexpected cancellations, delays, or lost luggage, not to mention health issues.
6. Manage your Mindset
The number one thing to take along on your December break this season is Patience! Expect crowds, longer lines, and potential delays. The festive season is busy for everyone. Arrive early at airports and give yourself plenty of time to get through security, especially if you’re traveling from a large airport. Load up on entertainment like movies, books, or podcasts for those empty hours. Stay refreshed with plenty of snacks and water, and remember that airport food and drink can be expensive.
It’s time to take a break.
With thought and planning, you can significantly reduce the financial strain and the stress associated with the festive season travel. This leaves you more energy and money for what truly matters – celebrating with loved ones. So, get planning, get packing, and make it the season to be merry!