The airline industry has been dramatically impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and recovery has been bumpy. Airlines have gone into liquidation, new entrants have emerged, and ticket prices have increased due to limited seating and the rising cost of jet fuel. Travellers now face long queues, exorbitant charges, and delayed or cancelled flights.
“It’s essential to do your homework before parting with your hard-earned cash for the holidays. Before you take out your credit card and book a flight, calculate what the entire trip will cost you, and check that this falls within your budget. Then, search for the best possible deal, while being aware that there are often hidden costs involved when booking a holiday,” says Shafeeka Anthony, Marketing Manager of JustMoney.
Some tips from JustMoney.co.za for getting the best airline deal include: Book your tickets early if you have holiday plans, to avoid capacity constraints. Use flight deal search websites to compare prices, and stay incognito while searching. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during an off-peak day or time. Make the most of rewards programmes and use points built up via your bank or gym membership. Paying with your credit card should ensure you have built-in insurance and can earn more points. Check out budget airlines, but be aware of additional charges for seat selection, meals on board, and luggage. Compare these with a full-service airline.
If you plan to travel overseas, check out alternative airports close to your destination. Domestic flights tend to be cheaper than international flights that cover the same distance. It could be worthwhile going by rail or bus to cross a border, and from there using a domestic flight. Travel light – hand luggage is usually free. If you require extra baggage, book online when buying your ticket, as this is cheaper than paying at the airport.
Flights with layovers (intermediate stops at airports of up to 23 hours) and stopovers (stops of more than 24 hours between the arrival of one flight and the departure of the next flight) take longer to reach your destination. However, the savings could be worthwhile, and if you extend your stopover by a few days, you can visit an additional country.
“Given that airlines are experiencing staff shortages, thousands of cancelled flights, and lost baggage, a final tip is to ensure that you read the fine print so that you are aware of how the airline will assist you if there are problems,” says Anthony. “Paying a little more for a ticket that includes flight flexibility, and purchasing comprehensive insurance, could pay off in the long run.”
