Booking international flights can be tricky, but with the right strategies, you can save hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of dollars. The Traveling Professor has helped travelers book affordable airfares for years, and here are his best money-saving tips for your next trip abroad.
The Traveling Professor books over 150 airfares for his small group tour clients each year. Here are his tips for purchasing airfare for international airfares:
1. One-Way Fares Can Cost More Than Round Trips
It might seem logical that a one-way ticket would be cheaper than a round trip, but with legacy carriers like American, Delta, British Airways, and United, the opposite is often true. For example, on a recent small group tour to Paris, a one-way coach fare from New York’s JFK to Paris (CDG) on June 4 is $3,358.70. Add a non-stop return on June 11, and the fare drops dramatically to just $732.33. While discount airlines may sometimes differ, in most cases, round trip bookings are the better value.
2. Make a Connection to Save Money
A little inconvenience can pay off big. On a recent small group tour to Peru and Machu Picchu, a direct flight from JFK to Lima, Peru (LIM) departing May 6 and returning May 13 costs $866. But fly out of New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) with a connection in Miami, and the fare drops to $635—saving $231. Similarly, a non-stop American Airlines flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Munich (MUC) is $1,369, but leaving from Boston brings the fare down to $628, saving a whopping $741.
3. Avoid London When Using Award Miles
When redeeming frequent flyer miles, certain routes come with hefty fees. For instance, flying from JFK to Paris (CDG) on October 23 and returning November 3 costs $361.13 in fees if the flight connects through London. Choose a non-stop instead, and fees drop to $83.63. If non-stops aren’t available, consider connections through Charlotte (CLT) or Madrid (MAD), where fees are only $178.53.
By applying these tips—choosing round trips, considering connections, and avoiding costly hubs—you can make your next international adventure both exciting and budget-friendly.