How I Saved Nearly 1,000 on Holiday Flights with One Simple Trick

The holiday season is notorious for soaring flight prices, making it a challenge for budget-conscious travelers to secure affordable fares. However, with a smart strategy, I managed to book three one-way flights during the peak holiday season for just $500, saving nearly $1,000 in the process. Here’s how I did it.

Understanding Flight Pricing Dynamics

Airlines often use dynamic pricing, which means fares fluctuate based on demand and availability. During the holidays, prices typically spike, especially on busy travel days like the Sunday after Thanksgiving and around Christmas and New Year’s. This surge can lead to limited award availability and partner award fares that are hard to come by.

When I set out to book three nonstop flights from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on Sunday, November 30, I was shocked to see a price of $447 per person. The total cost for three tickets would have amounted to $1,341, a hefty sum that prompted me to explore alternative options.

Exploring Award Flights and Buying Points

Even if you don’t have points or miles with a specific airline, don’t dismiss the possibility of finding a deal. Sometimes, purchasing rewards during a promotional period can lead to significant savings.

For my American Airlines flight, the award cost was 8,500 AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees per person. Since I didn’t have enough miles in my account, I checked the cost of buying American miles. At that time, the airline was offering up to a 40% discount on purchased miles, depending on the quantity. I discovered that buying 26,000 miles would cost $831.52, which would save me about $500 compared to the cash fare. However, I was determined to find an even better deal.

Leveraging Airline Alliances

American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, allowing travelers to book award flights through partner airlines like British Airways and Alaska Airlines. I checked British Airways’ Executive Club to see if the same flight was available, as I could transfer my Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards points directly at a 1:1 ratio.

Unfortunately, the flight wasn’t available through British Airways, likely due to high demand during the holiday period. I also checked other Oneworld partners but had no luck.

However, I struck gold with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan, which offered the same American Airlines flight for just 7,500 points and $18.10 in taxes per person. At that moment, I had 2,500 Alaska points, so I needed to purchase an additional 20,000 points to complete the booking.

Calculating the Best Deal

Alaska Airlines was running a promotion that offered up to a 90% bonus on purchased points, depending on the amount. By buying 12,000 points for $451.50, I would receive an additional 9,600 points (an 80% bonus), bringing my total to 21,600 points. Combining that with the 2,500 points already in my account gave me 24,100 points.

To break it down: Even without my existing points, I could have purchased 23,400 points for $489.13, which would still have been a better deal than the cash fare.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

1. Evaluate Your Options: Always compare the cash fare to the cost of purchasing points or miles. Sometimes, buying points can save you money, especially during promotions.

2. Check Airline Alliances: Using partner programs can open doors to better award availability and pricing. Always explore options within airline alliances to maximize your savings.

3. Stay Informed on Promotions: Frequent checks on promotions and offers from airlines can lead to unexpected savings. Sign up for newsletters and alerts to stay updated.

4. Crunch the Numbers: Before making any purchases, do the math to ensure that buying points or miles is worth it compared to paying cash.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a holiday trip or a spring break getaway, utilizing points and miles can lead to substantial savings. In my case, I saved nearly $1,000 by strategically purchasing Alaska Airlines points. By staying informed, comparing options, and leveraging airline alliances, you too can uncover great deals and make your travel dreams a reality.

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies in place, you can explore the world without overspending. Happy travels!