Alright, buckle up, folks! Today I’m spilling the beans on how I snag those sweet flight deals and comfy seats. Been messing around with different tools for ages, so consider this a collection of battle-tested tricks.
First off, gotta find the flights themselves. I kicked things off with Google Flights. Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver. I punch in my dates and destination, and it spits out a bunch of options, letting me easily compare prices across airlines. The price graph feature is clutch – helps me see if flying a day earlier or later saves a chunk of change. Started using the “track prices” feature too, get email alerts when the price dips, that’s how I caught a steal on my last trip.
Next up, Skyscanner. I usually cross-reference Google Flights with Skyscanner. It sometimes unearths airlines or routes that Google misses, especially for smaller regional carriers. I like their “Everywhere” search function when I’m just itching to travel but don’t have a specific destination in mind. It’s a great way to discover cheap flights to unexpected places. Played around with their monthly view too to pin point cheap days.
Then, I go directly to the airline’s website. Yeah, it sounds tedious, but sometimes you find deals that aren’t advertised on the aggregators. Plus, if you’re a member of their loyalty program, you might get extra perks or discounts. Scored extra legroom once just by booking directly!
Alright, flight secured. Now for the seat! This is where SeatGuru comes in. This website is a goldmine for seat maps and reviews. I punch in my airline and flight number, and it shows me a detailed map of the plane, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly seats. Avoided a cramped seat next to the lavatory thanks to this thing.
I tried ExpertFlyer. Heard about it on some travel forum, and it’s pretty powerful. You can set up alerts for specific seats that become available. Say you want a window seat in the exit row – ExpertFlyer will notify you if one opens up. There’s a subscription fee, but if you’re a frequent flyer or really picky about your seats, it might be worth it. I only used the trial, but I can see how it could be addictive.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask at the check-in counter! Sometimes, the gate agent has the power to move you to a better seat, especially if the flight isn’t full. Be polite, be friendly, and you might just get lucky. I once got bumped up to premium economy just by asking nicely!
So, that’s my whole process. It takes a little bit of time, but the savings and the comfort are totally worth it. Happy travels!
