5 tips to save on your flight to the US

Purchasing airline tickets is probably your biggest expense when organizing a USA family vacation

Fortunately, there are a number of tips that can help you save a lot of money. 

Discover the 5 best ways to snag a good deal... And make the most of your trip! 
 

#1. Don't wait till the last minute to book your flight

USA cheap flights
Don't wait till the last minute to book your flight

Don't confuse booking a Caribbean package with booking an international flight: buying plane tickets at the last minute is not advantageous for a USA trip.

For long-haul flights in high season, it is recommended that you buy your ticket 6 to 8 months in advance. 

If you're travelling in low season, book your flights 4 to 6 months in advance. 

Above all, don't hesitate to take advantage of the immediacy of the web.

If you find a price you like online, go ahead and book it! 


#2. Travel in low season

cheap tickets to the US
Travel in low season

Prices climb in proportion to tourist traffic

Fortunately, there are many American destinations that can be visited just as well, or better, in low season. 


:fleche: emoji The American West
 

If you're planning a road trip to the American West, April, May, September and October are the perfect time to go! 

In addition to saving money, you will enjoy milder temperatures than in the middle of summer. 

Especially in desert areas like Death Valley, where temperatures can climb above 50 degrees Celsius!

December, Januuary and February are also a good time to explore the canyons. 

On the other hand, you could encounter snow during your trip, especially at higher altitudes. 

Just make sure you are equipped with good hiking boots and you're good to go!

 

:fleche: emoji The East Coast
 

Winters can be harsh on the east coast, but May, September and October are great times to visit!

From late September until mid-October, you can enjoy the fall colours in all their glory.

The trees with their leaves of red, orange and gold make for breathtaking scenery. 

It's the perfect time to visit New York or go hiking in the White Mountains.  

 

:fleche: emoji Florida
 

Florida, the "Sunshine State", enjoys a pleasant climate all year long

Choose the time for your trip according to the activities you wish to do, as ticket prices are almost always competitive. 

However, ticket prices will be higher during the holiday season and in March, during the school break.  

In winter, temperatures are pleasant for sports activities, but the water is a bit cold for swimming. 

It is also the time the Canadian "snowbirds" flock to Florida, fleeing the harsh northern winter.

Spring is a great time to go: the days are hotter and more suitable for days at the beach, without the suffocating heat. 

Summer is also pleasant, but only if you can tolerate the heat, which can be oppressive.  

It is still the best time to go if your goal is to spend your days in or near the water.

Note that if you plan to visit the Everglades, the mosquitoes can be overwhelming in summer. Be sure to bring a good mosquito repellent!

Despite the good sales, avoid going from August to October, which is hurricane season. It's one thing to save money, but be smart about it!

 

#3. Use a price comparison tool

googleflights trip to the USA
Use a flight comparison tool

A good flight comparison tool should be any budget traveller's best friend

There are many such sites on line, and some are more user friendly than others. The best options include Kayak or SkyScanner.

And take the time to get to know Google Flights, which is an extremely powerful tool. 

In addition to being a good place to find deals, it offers ultra-practical charts and graphic

These allow you to view the prices of selected flights on nearby dates, see the price trend for a trip of a given duration to a specific destination, compare prices for flights to nearby airports, and provides tips on how to pay less.

You can also sign up for e-mail alerts in order to follow the changes in prices for a specific route. 
 



#4. Fly on a weekday

how to save on plane tickets usa
Fly on a weekday

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly.

Above all, avoid flying on a weekend, if your vacation days are flexible of course. 

Again, Google Flights is very useful for quickly comparing price fluctuations from one day to the next. 

 

#5. Book your flight on a weekday

when to book a flight to the US
Book on a weekday

Not all experts agree, but rumor has it that prices are lower when you book your flight on a weekday.

It is even said that prices can be lower at night

The moral of the story: Book in the middle of the night, on a Tuesday. You've got nothing to lose, except a few hours of sleep...
 

And there you go!

Do you have any other tips on how to save on your flight?

Don't hesitate to share them in the comments below

Karolane Lessard

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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