As the peak summer travel season winds down, travel professionals are looking for ways to help clients stretch their budgets without compromising on experience. Paul Tumpowsky, Chief Revenue Officer at Fora, emphasizes that saving on airfare is not about luck—it's a deliberate mix of timing, flexibility, and savvy booking habits. Here are eight strategies that agents, airlines, and travel-tech vendors can leverage to offer smarter fares.
1. Embrace Flexible Dates
Flexibility remains one of the most effective levers for reducing airfare, especially around high-demand periods like Labor Day weekend. Tumpowsky advises comparing fares across an entire week rather than locking into a single date. Many modern booking platforms, including those used by GDS systems like Amadeus and Sabre, now offer calendar views that instantly highlight cheaper travel days. For example, flying midweek instead of on a Friday or Sunday can save hundreds of dollars on routes like New York JFK to London Heathrow or Dubai to Bangkok.
2. Leverage Advanced Booking Tools
Today's travel technology goes far beyond basic flight searches. Tumpowsky points out that smarter platforms can aggregate results from multiple booking sites, identify cheaper date combinations, and even display seat maps before purchase. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are essential for agents who want to provide clients with optimal value without spending hours manually searching. For luxury travelers, this means preserving a seamless planning experience while still finding competitive fares.
3. Consider One-Way Tickets
Many travelers default to round-trip searches, but Tumpowsky suggests that booking two separate one-way tickets can sometimes yield lower total costs. Different airlines may price outbound and return legs differently—for instance, flying outbound on Delta Air Lines and returning on Emirates could be cheaper than a single carrier's round-trip fare. This approach also offers greater flexibility for mixing carriers or adjusting schedules, though agents should always review baggage policies and cancellation terms to ensure the savings hold up.
4. Compare Nearby Airports
The closest airport is not always the most cost-effective. Tumpowsky advises checking alternative airports at both ends of the trip. For example, flying into London Gatwick instead of Heathrow, or using Chicago Midway instead of O'Hare, can unlock significantly lower fares. However, it's crucial to factor in ground transportation costs—parking, transfers, or car hire—before declaring a deal. For luxury clients, the goal is overall value, not just a lower ticket price.
5. Look Beyond the Base Fare
A low headline fare can be deceptive if it comes with hefty add-on fees. Tumpowsky warns that basic economy fares often charge extra for carry-on luggage, seat selection, checked bags, and changes. A slightly higher fare class may actually be better value if it includes these essentials. For travelers who prefer a polished experience, that extra upfront spend can deliver a smoother, more predictable journey—especially on long-haul routes like Singapore Airlines' Singapore to New York or Cathay Pacific's Hong Kong to Los Angeles.
6. Book Early to Beat Price Hikes
Waiting too long rarely pays off during peak travel periods. Tumpowsky recommends tracking fares several weeks before departure, rather than hoping for last-minute drops. As seats fill up, airlines tend to raise prices, so good value often appears before a flight is half full. The trick is to recognize a fair price and not keep waiting for perfection. This is particularly relevant for routes like British Airways' upcoming year-round daily London-Baltimore flights, where early booking can secure better rates.
7. Monitor Fares After Booking
Many travelers assume savings end once the ticket is booked, but that's not always true. Tumpowsky notes that some airlines offer travel credits if the fare drops after purchase. Price-monitoring tools can help agents catch these opportunities. For example, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue have policies that allow rebooking at lower fares without penalty. Booking is not the finish line—with the right alerts, you can potentially secure a better outcome even after committing.
8. Pack Strategically to Avoid Fees
Airfare is only part of the total cost, and baggage fees can be surprisingly expensive. Tumpowsky recommends checking airline baggage rules carefully and weighing luggage at home to avoid last-minute charges. Packing efficiently—sticking to a carry-on or personal item—can eliminate fees entirely and make the airport experience more refined. This is especially relevant for low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit Airlines, where bag fees can quickly add up.
For travel professionals, these eight habits offer a practical framework to help clients save on flights while maintaining a smooth, stylish journey. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about booking strategies and shifts in traveler behavior is key to delivering value. For more insights, visit Fora for travel planning inspiration.
