Airports are notorious for tacking on hidden fees and making flying more expensive than it needs to be. However, thinking you can use a third-party site to book the cheapest ticket might not be the smartest idea either. According an interview done with Newsy studios, sites like Expedia may label their tickets as “Basic Economy” for a certain airline without describing exactly what that term means. They could sell you the cheapest ticket, but that purchase may not include any additional, airline-specific fees that you will be required to pay at the airport.
It’s actually more beneficial to book your flights through the actual airline, because they will show you upfront all the extra fees they might charge in an attempt to up-sell you to a more comfortable seat in first class. Be wary of this tactic too.
Additionally, if there’s an airline you just HAVE to fly, there’s nothing wrong with getting a frequent flyer credit card, but make sure the annual fee on that card is not higher than the cost of a regular ticket. Some of the fees on these credit cards can completely cancel out the free or discounted trips you get by signing up for the card in the first place.
Watch the full player above for all the tips on how to save on airfare, from packing light to booking tickets early. Never pay more than you need to fly.
