Paying too much for flights? Experts reveal 8 key hacks on how to save without compromising comfort

Tired of expensive airfares? You’re not alone. Scroll down to check out the experts' hacks on how to find cheaper flights without sacrificing comfort.

We often think that comfort travelling always comes at a price. Though it’s true, but not always. Affordable travel and a comfortable journey are no longer mutually exclusive. As travellers become more deliberate in how they plan and book, a handful of smart habits can make a meaningful difference to both the fare and the experience. Mr Bernard Corraya, General Manager, Wego India, shared some smart hacks that can help you save while booking comfortable flights.

Smart flight booking is about about planning with flexibility, timing, and the right tools in hand. (Unsplash)

Mr Bernard Corraya said, “Smart flight booking is less about sacrifice and more about planning with flexibility, timing, and the right tools in hand.”

1. Set fare alerts

A lot of booking apps come with notification options that alert you about the airfare. Mr Bernard Corraya advises setting fare alerts as early as possible because prices shift several times a day. These alerts will help you track drops without the need to repeatedly check and act quickly when the reasonable fare appears.

2. Stay flexible with travel dates

It’s no surprise that most people plan their travels on weekends, and hence the price surge. According to Corraya, staying flexible with your travel dates and planning midweek departures tends to offer better value than weekend travel.

Midweek departures tends to offer better value than weekend travel. (Pexel)

3. Compare nearby airports

If you stay in a city that has multiple airports, Corraya recommends comparing the prices of the destination from different airports. “Flying from or into an alternative airport can reduce costs meaningfully, particularly on busy regional routes where multiple hubs serve the same destination,” highlighted Corraya.

4. Book within the right window

Corraya highlights that making bookings too early or too late can both work against the traveller. He rather mentions that timing matters when balancing price, seat availability, and convenience.

5. Watch for peak season

School holidays, long weekends and festivals are some of the peak travel times when it’s obvious to experience a high surge in airfare. Corraya suggests booking before demand builds, which usually offers more choice at better prices.

6. Consider stopovers

Stopovers are one of the most underrated travel hacks that save a lot of money. Corraya recommends considering short and well-timed layovers. This lowers the fare without adding significant strain to the journey, particularly on longer international routes.

7. Mix airlines when it makes sense

Choosing one carrier for the outbound leg and another for the return can unlock better combinations of price and timing that a single itinerary search might miss.

Mix airlines when it makes sense offer better combinations of price. (Pexel)

8. Look beyond the base fare

According to Corraya, bundled options that include baggage or seat selection upfront may offer better total value than adding each extra separately at checkout.