Catching Flight is usually the fastest and easiest way to travel, but costs can accrue quickly.
The 2016 round-trip ticket in the US reaches $ 350, but this does not include extra charges like luggage and non-free in-flight entertainment.
Chances are, you make at least some travel mistakes that hit your wallet hard.
Some additional costs may not seem like a big deal at the time, but the price is accelerating as they multiply over several trips or in a family of four.
It takes some smart thinking, but air travel does not have to break the bank.
There are many ways to achieve your goals safely and healthily without spending more than necessary.
Jet out of town at the lowest price possible by keeping this travel mistake to avoid your radar.
The Right Time to Book Your Trips Plans
# 1. Failed to consider alternative airports
Many medium-sized cities have only one airport, so you have no choice as to where you will fly in or out.
Many major cities have several airports, so be sure to check each rate before booking your flight.
The amount you can save depends on your point of origin.
Jet Blue flies to Los Angeles International (LAX) and Long Beach, but choosing to land on the latter can save up to $ 50 to $ 100 per ticket, according to Travelzoo.
Some major metropolitan areas with several airports include Chicago, New York and the Bay Area. Keep airports flying by aircraft on your radar, and remember that some operators only fly to certain airports.
For example, Southwest just flies to Chicago's Midway.
Of course, it is wise also to ensure transportation to your destination from an alternative airport does not replace your savings. Stretch your buck as far as it can go by calculating the total cost of your trip before booking.
# 2. Focusing only on nonstop flights
Exclusive search for endless flights is one of the most common travel mistakes many people make.
They are obviously faster and easier, but working on your way can reduce your ticket costs if you have spare time, put more money into your pocket so you can shop at the destination.
Actually, passing endless flights can sometimes save $ 100 to $ 200, according to Travelzoo. If you are traveling as a family of four, this will mean savings of $ 400 to $ 800 - enough funds for an extra day or two.
If you're worried about your luggage getting lost on an airplane, do not stress. Only 2,16 exemplary bags with no handling per 1,000 travelers were reported in February 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and this dropped from 2.64 samples per 1,000 travelers reported in February 2016.
Think of a stop as an adventure. Sometimes you have a choice of stops at the same price, so choose a city you've never visited.
It is true you will not leave the airport, but at least you can say that you have passed the airport.
# 3. Not Flexible With Your Trip Date
The cost of your airfare also depends on the day of the week you fly, FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney told the New York Times.
He says you can save 10 percent to 40 percent per ticket by flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays.
Heavier traffic on Sundays, Fridays, and Mondays - Thursdays is neutral - and airlines offer cheaper rates to fly on a day of the week with lower traffic.
Let's say you trip commuting from Los Angeles to New York in August 2017.
A recent search that indicates, costs can run as low as 200 buck from LAX to LaGuardia on Tuesday, August 15, and also for a return journey on Wednesday, August 22, totaling 400 buck.
Flying the exact same route on the same airline but changing the days just a little difference makes a huge price difference.
The cheapest ticket from LAX to LaGuardia on Monday, August 20 is $ 291, and that's another $ 291 to fly back on Friday, August 24, totaling $ 582.
In this example, you can save $ 182 just by being flexible with your travel dates.
# 4. Packing More Than You Need
It really pays to pack the light, unless you fly to Southwest where each passenger gets two bags containing free.
Although it sounds a bit crazy, other big airlines charge you to check your luggage.
U.S. based carrier collecting more than $ 4.1 billion in baggage fees by 2016, according to the Transportation Statistics Bureau (last updated in May).
American Airlines collected most of the cost of baggage with revenues of more than $ 1.1 million, followed by Delta with more than $ 800 million and United over $ 690 million.
American Airlines, Delta, and United all charge $ 25 for the first check bag and $ 35 for the second for domestic travel.
If you fly with one of these airlines and carry two suitcases with you on your vacation, you will pay $ 120 round trip just for your flying bags.
If you have a family of four and everyone checks two bags, you will pay $ 480 just to haul your luggage.
It is best to pack everything you need into a handbag whenever possible. Except for some airlines, others allow passengers to bring two personal items for free.
You may have to wash your clothes at your destination, but it's much cheaper than paying an extra check bag.
# 5. Buying Airplane Food
Shows for a hungry flight it used to be perfectly received because your ticket comes with free food, but not so much lately.
Even snacks no longer exist in some airlines, make this the easiest travel mistake to avoid.
Bringing your own food into the boat ensures that you will pay a reasonable price for something that is really tasty.
This requires some extra planning, but a glimpse on the airplane menu might eat food to place a permanent spot on your packing list.
For example, you can get a $ 5.99 order from Chobani Greek yogurt and fresh fruit or cheese burgers for $ 11.99 on selected United flights.
You can buy all the bread, a bottle of peanut butter and a bottle of jelly for less than $ 6 and pack a lunch. Satisfy your hunger without paying high markup to the sky by taking a short trip to Wal-Mart before your trip.
# 6. Passing through Frequent Flyer Miles for Kids
One of the biggest travel mistakes parents make do not create frequent flyer accounts for their children.
Some operators, such as Delta, may ask you to fill out a special form to create an account for your children. JetBlue even offers a Family Pooling account where two adults and five children can share points.
Creating a frequent flyer account for your kids and taking down numbers can be a hassle - especially if you are not loyal to one airline - but this is worth the savings.
The number of points you will get will obviously depend on how much you travel, but at $ 349 for an average US round-trip ticket in 2016, about $ 700 you do not need to pay if your two children earn income enough points for free flight.
Recognize The Dirtiest Place on The Plane When You're on Trips
# 7. Paying for Inflight Entertainment
Air travel can be a bit tedious unless you have a way to pass the time. Some airlines offer free in-flight entertainment, but be prepared to swipe your credit card to others.
All in-flight entertainment is free on American Airlines (although options vary from airplane and plane type).
But if you fly United Economy, DirecTV + Hit Movies can be purchased for $ 5.99 on flights of less than two hours and for $ 7.99 on flights lasting more than two hours.
The airline offers free streaming to private devices on certain flights, but this is not offered on aircraft with DirecTV.
Thinking ahead can help you save big. Google Play offers several free movies and TV shows, so download them to your device before leaving home.
If you have a Kindle, use it to check out books from your local library for free and take time to relax with a good read.
Even reaching a magazine from an airport terminal can be cheaper than buying in-flight entertainment. It can only save you a dollar or two, but it still adds some family members or some trips.