Strategies for Finding Affordable Flights to College Tours
by Rick Seaney
As you prepare to visit colleges and universities to determine the best fit for your teenager, whether they’re still in the selection stage or have already been accepted, maximizing your travel budget is crucial. Here are some effective ways to keep costs down on your journey.
If you’re opting for a road trip, you’ll be pleased to know that gas prices are low. This is also beneficial for those traveling by air, as reduced oil prices have kept flight fares relatively stable compared to the previous year. Here are some additional tips for cost-saving:
Choose your travel season wisely.
Avoid visiting campuses during the summer, as this is the peak travel season with the highest fare rates. Not only will you encounter inflated prices, but a quieter campus may not provide an accurate representation of student life. Domestic airfare typically begins to increase after June 10 for the summer season, so plan your trip for before that date or after August 23, when lower fall fares become available. Make a note that March 16 is the final day for discounted winter airfares; ticket prices spike on March 17 and again on May 17.
Steer clear of high-cost travel days.
Fridays and Sundays are known to be the priciest travel days, which might align with your initial plans. Airlines capitalize on the fact that many travelers prefer to fly on these days, resulting in higher fares. For better deals, consider traveling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.
Embrace a little flexibility in your travel plans.
There are two approaches you can take:
First, always compare non-stop flights with those that include layovers; sometimes, flights with connections can significantly reduce your fare.
Secondly, explore all nearby airports when checking flight prices. For example, if your child has been accepted to Dartmouth, the closest airports are in Manchester, NH, and Burlington, VT. However, it’s worth checking fares at Boston’s Logan Airport as well, as you may find substantial savings that justify the additional travel time. Bonus tip: Many universities, including Dartmouth, offer shuttle services from these airports to their campus.
Rick Seaney is a travel authority and the CEO of FareCompare, a platform designed to assist consumers in finding the lowest airfare available. FareCompare also provides practical tips to help travelers save at every stage of their trip. Visit farecompare.com/#quote
