10 Tips to Save Money on Flights for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

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I just got back from our first family trip with my baby and learned a lot about how to save money while flying. If you’re unprepared, you can end up paying an arm and a leg for certain things. But with a little foresight and preparation, you can come out ahead.

1. Subscribe to airline emails to find out about sales.

Be the first to find out about the latest sales on airfare by subscribing to emails from your favorite airlines. Recently, I got a really good deal on tickets for Southwest for $39 each way. I never saw that price again.

2. Fly on a weekday.

If your dates are flexible, plan to fly on a weekday, Monday – Thursday. Airfares are the most expensive Fri – Sun.

3. Pay for flights with credit card points.

There’s a whole world of people who fly cheap with credit card reward points. Check out my friend, Serena’s YouTube Channel for lots of insightful tips on how to travel the world using points and miles.

4. Fly on an airline that offers free checked baggage.

JetBlue and Southwest are the only 2 airlines that offer free checked baggage for US domestic travel. Checking in baggage and not having to lug it around the airport is a luxury that is rare these days!

JetBlue lets you check in your first bag for free. Southwest offers 2 free checked in baggages!

5. Have an extra duffel bag.

If you’re flying on an airline that offers free checked in baggage, bring an empty duffel bag, in case your suitcase exceeds the weight limit to avoid paying over the limit fees. Then if it’s overweight, you can transfer some things into the duffel bag.

You’ll then have 1 of these 3 options:

a. If you’re flying Southwest, you can check in the duffel bag as a 2nd baggage for free.

b. If you’re flying with a significant other, family member, or friend and you both shared a suitcase, they can check in the duffel bag free as part of their baggage allowance.

c. You can bring the duffel bag onto the plane as part of your carry-on allowance.

6. Bring your own food or eat at an airport lounge.

The last time our family traveled, we got to use the Centurion Lounge and Delta Lounge through my sister-in-law. OMG, it was such a treat!

I know it’s such a privilege to be able to do this and we enjoyed every minute! But if you can, take advantage of your credit card rewards.

Every lounge is different. Some offer grab and go snacks and packaged meals along with a buffet bar, while others, like the Centurion Lounge offer a limited selection of entree choices.

And you get a comfortable place to sit and eat, away from all the chaotic airport noise and people.

On our flight back, we were about to leave after eating at the lounge, but decided to use the restroom. Good thing because when we came out, they started serving gourmet cupcakes! My kids were so happy!

7. Carry an empty water bottle.

Bottled water at the airport costs $3. In the old days, before the popularity of bottled water, everyone drank water from the water fountain or faucet.

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If you bring an empty water bottle, you can fill up at the water filling station, after you pass the security check point.

8. Ask for more than one drink during the flight.

Did you know that you can get more than one drink when the flight attendant asks for your drink order? As long as it’s non-alcoholic, you can ask for more than one drink and ask for no ice if you want the full cup of liquid.

You can even ask for the can. It never hurts to ask. All they can say is no.

9. Your child under 2 can fly free.

If your child is under the age of 2, they can fly with you as a lap child free for domestic flights. What that means is that they don’t get their own seat. But for a child that young, you would be holding them most of the time anyway.

You will need to bring a birth certificate and check in at the ticket counter. They will verify your document and issue you a boarding verification document for your child.

If you think you’ll be tired of carrying your child during the flight, you can always carry them in a baby carrier. I did this and used the Ergo Baby Carrier. It distributes the weight onto your hips instead of your shoulders. It’s very comfortable to wear but it’s geared for children 15 lbs and up. And it has pockets in front to store your boarding pass.

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It’s a little pricey but really worth it. You can always use Amazon gift cards or points to pay for it. Check out my recent post on 5 Ways to Get Free Amazon Gift Cards.

Also, if the flight is not full, you may be able to bring your car seat on the plane at no charge. During our flight back, there were 50 extra seats so they encouraged us to bring our car seats onto the plane.

If you want to buy a ticket for your child under 2, so that they can have a seat, check with your airline to see if they have a discounted rate.

10. Check in car seats, strollers, and stroller frames free.

When you’re traveling with a child, you’re allowed to check in a car seat, stroller frame, and stroller free. They’re exempt from baggage allowances and charges. You can even push your child in it all the way to the gate and check it in there.

You’re also allowed to bring liquid baby formula on the plane in reasonable amounts and the 3 oz rule doesn’t apply. You will still have to declare it at the security check point and TSA will scan it through a special machine. I recommend bringing extra bottles in case your flight is delayed.

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