As January and February mark peak periods for holiday bookings, countless articles circulate promising to unlock secret travel savings through clever 'hacks'. Yet, many of these widely shared tips may not deliver the financial benefits they claim. Travel specialists from Tiger.co.uk have analysed five perennial pieces of advice that could be squandering your time rather than safeguarding your wallet. Fortunately, they also offer some genuinely effective strategies to help holidaymakers reduce their travel expenses.
1. Using Incognito Mode When Booking
Numerous money-saving websites advocate using incognito or private browsing modes when making travel bookings, suggesting this can lead to cheaper fares. The theory hinges on the idea that airlines or travel providers monitor your search history and inflate prices upon repeated inquiries.
However, Tiger.co.uk explains that modern flight pricing algorithms are far more sophisticated. Fare fluctuations are primarily driven by factors like demand, seat availability, and dynamic pricing models, not an individual's browsing data. Research cited in publications like Quartz supports this, indicating minimal impact on overall costs from search history.
Airlines frequently operate multiple fare classes even within economy sections. When a lower-priced tier sells out, the system automatically shifts to the next available, higher-priced option. This mechanism is a more plausible reason for price increases between searches than any tracking of your online activity.
2. Booking Flights During the Night
In the early days of online travel, airlines often updated fares manually overnight, leading savvy travellers to set early morning alarms to snag bargains. This practice has become largely obsolete.
Contemporary airline websites and booking platforms update prices continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consequently, the time of day you choose to book is unlikely to influence the fare you secure. Despite this, the outdated tip persists in travel advice columns and forums.
3. Booking Last-Minute Gets You the Best Deals
Historically, last-minute travel could yield significant savings, especially for flexible holidaymakers open to various destinations and dates. While some bargain package holidays might still be found this way, they are becoming increasingly rare.
For flight bookings specifically, planning ahead generally proves more advantageous. As departure dates approach and seat availability dwindles, fares tend to rise. A more reliable approach involves using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner with price alert features. These can notify you when fares to your desired destination drop, enabling you to book at an optimal time.
4. Only Looking at Budget Airlines
Budget carriers often advertise enticing headline fares that appear unbeatable. However, a thorough cost comparison might reveal they are not always the most economical choice.
Once essential extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard amenities are factored in, the total cost can become comparable to, or even exceed, that of standard airlines where such features are included. To make an accurate assessment, always calculate the complete, all-inclusive price before making a decision.
5. Always Book a Return Ticket
Traditional wisdom strongly advised booking return tickets with the same airline, as this was typically cheaper. The travel landscape has evolved, however.
Modern flight comparison tools make it straightforward to evaluate the cost of a standard return fare against purchasing two separate single tickets, potentially with different carriers. This 'mix and match' approach can sometimes yield savings and offer greater flexibility in selecting flight times that better suit your schedule.
In summary, while the allure of a simple hack to cut holiday costs is strong, travellers are better served by scrutinising total prices, utilising modern comparison and alert tools, and maintaining flexibility where possible. By focusing on these practical strategies, you can avoid common pitfalls and make more informed, cost-effective travel decisions.
