5 Hacks For Scoring Cheaper Plane Tickets

If you have Capital One Shopping, you may already know about dynamic pricing. Basically, some websites change their prices based on the time, location, demand, etc. of your search. It’s why Capital One Shopping is so handy for price comparisons on Amazon.

Similar to Amazon, airlines use these tactics to determine the price you pay for a flight. But there are a few methods you can use to navigate a better deal for your next vacation.

1. The 54-day rule and price tracking

Since we know that airfare changes all the time, it only makes sense to search flights at various times. In Cheap Air’s 2017 study of more than 900 million flight fares, they found that on average the best time to book domestic is 54 days before your flight.

But there’s no guarantee. So search flights far in advance, and use price trackers like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best time to book.

2. Clear your cookies

Airline websites use cookies to track your search, and clearing those cookies and your history may decrease the price. Plus, it’s pretty much effortless.

3. Use Capital One Shopping’s coupon codes

Did you know that Capital One Shopping works on travel sites too? Travelocity, Expedia and Marriott are just a few of the sites we offer coupon codes for.

4. Fake your location

Google’s ITA Matrix is the search engine that powers Kayak and other flight search services. But the real show stopper here is its ability to change the currency and point-of-sale city you’re searching in so that you can find cheaper international deals. It’s hack-y, but it works. This writer saved $100+ on a flight to Colombia doing just that.

Note: Be aware of your credit card’s policy and fees associated with international purchases. Many times, you can find savings despite a 3% transaction fee. That brings us to our next tip, travel credit cards.

5. Maximize credit card perks

If you’re new to travel credit cards, it can be a daunting task to find the best fit. The Points Guy does a great job breaking down different cards and their rewards. Research and consider how much you actually travel and what you spend. After all, the best way to maximize those perks is to use the card itself.

What’s better than going on vacation? Going on an affordable vacation. Consider using these tips before your next trip.