How to Book CHEAP International Flights (Secret to Half-Price Tickets!)

[@laurabutera749]

Love your videos! Thanks for taking the time to do them for us

[@PortableProfessional]

My pleasure! Glad you like them!

[@ESUSAMEX]

Never fly out of the UK because of the high exit tax. It's better to fly from Paris (or another airport) instead and you will save money. For example, fly JFK to London and visit but then take the train to Paris and fly home from there. This is an Open Jaw ticket. Even with the train you'll save money

[@nicman1977]

I fly to the Uk yearly and its always cheaper to fly to Heathrow or Manchester. I have found for cheapest flights to fly to UK then catch a flight to any where else in Europe for a lot cheaper. Example. Next month flying to Mykonos Greece via Gatwick. Flight from Detroit to Mykonos was around 3k per person. Detroit to Heathrow, then Gatwick to Mykonos $1600 per person.

[@birbluv9595]

Nice ideas! I like your suggestion of flying to a major international airport and then finding a cheaper flight to your ultimate destination. I think this would work best if you didn’t have checked baggage. I’ve had some horribly delayed flights into London and Rome, which made it impossible for me to make my connection, and the idea of switching airlines (which can mean switching terminals) makes it even tighter.

[@deandecoursey2334]

And, if you are flying with 2 checked luggage at around 23 kilos apiece, you are going to pay a small fortune on a discount regional airline to check the same luggage

[@PortableProfessional]

I totally agree!

[@j2simpso]

The downside to booking one passenger at a time is everyone is on a separate ticket meaning if a flight gets cancelled or delayed they deal with each individual independently of one another. It also means if you (like me) hold frequent flyer status the free seat selection and baggage allowance for those travelling with you will go away. One way tickets can be cheaper than return ticket especially when looking at tickets booked with points. They also give you the flexibility of changing or cancelling the inbound/outbound with affecting other segments. Sometimes one ways can cost the same and are a better deal since one way tickets often book into a higher fare code. Return tickets have a weird quirk. Suppose you book one then fly the outbound segment then decide to change the return segment (keeping the routing). On some airlines all you pay is a fare difference but the thing is that fare difference is minor (we’re talking $10) precisely because the airline can’t reprice the fare accurately now that part of the coupon (outbound segment) has been used. Another interesting quirk Premium Cabin seats (Premium Economy, Business) can sometimes be cheaper than economy when the cabin is getting full. And in terms of frequent flyer points you can book that first class ticket on Lufthansa only at the last minute too. Flying into and out of major hubs can make sense but if your onward flight is on a separate ticket ensure you allow yourself plenty of time and most importantly have a contingency to apply when things go wrong and with airlines they often do!

[@PortableProfessional]

Thank you for taking the time to share this!

[@letterbox203]

Thanks for the simple yet valuable tip of booking round flight tips instead of one- way and for specifying 1 flyer instead of more at a time to obtain the lowest prices available.

[@PortableProfessional]

You are very welcome!

[@davesaunders7080]

Interesting tips if you are flexible in travel dates. Consider European high speed trains as well from your landing hub airport as they can often be faster than flying(overall time wise) and a much more enjoyable way to travel. I am taking a train to Paris from Frankfurt as I can travel that distance in 3.75 hours for 50 Euros.

[@PortableProfessional]

Always a good option in Europe!

[@toddkight7643]

A long time ago I actually did the smartest Transatlantic navigation method without even really realizing it!!! I flew from American's hub at DFW to Paris Orly, all the while knowing that my transportation around Europe would be fully paid & quality seating by buying a Eurail Pass beforehand. I acquired 3 Weeks Unlimited on the Eurail Pass and it was basically the best travel buy I ever made--without question!!! I know the emphasis of this post is airline flights, but they can't be made without comfortable connections on the other end!!! BTW I think I remember the Eurail Pass mostly functional for Americans and residents from other countries are not allotted the same terms, but you can investigate all the specifics of a Eurail Pass on your own later. Just know that many fabulous scenes will be at your disposal riding the trains that are impossible to experience flying-- no matter your flight VIP CLUB Status!!!!!😂😂😂

[@007NateNasty]

I'm trying to fly from MOB to MNL at the end of August, but really just the soonest I can for under $1,500. The best deal I'm seeing is to make one flight via IAH to MNL and then a separate from MOB to IAH. EVA air has a good flight from IAH but they have been going up on the price. Just two weeks ago I missed the flight for $1,100 and now it's $1,600 all the way through December, plus my MOB to IAH flight that cost around $300. I've looked into other airports too, LAX, SFO, DFW, Portland, Seattle, and a couple others.

[@aminor7476]

You packed so much useful information and hacks into this short video, I will need to reboot several times. Thanks! 🤗

[@PortableProfessional]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@aminor7476]

Wow! That was great information about searching for one person at a time vs. two people at on time! Thanks! This is an excellent hack!!! 😄

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deandecoursey2334]

For someone, like me, that travels internationally to the same location year after year, I can add one hack. I was able to buy a one way fare LAX to Chiangmai for $493; a little more than half the price of a round trip ticket. I did this as insurance against having to change my return next year if, God forbid, another sibling dies while I’m in Thailand. When the time comes to buy the return ticket, I noticed the cost of a Bangkok to LAX ticket round trip is $150 less than a round trip ticket starting LAX to BKK. The chances are I’ll buy the round trip ticket starting at BKK next time.

[@PortableProfessional]

Interesting! I have come across that with other destinations as well. Hope you enjoy your time in Chiangmai!

[@toddkight7643]

The views given about roundtrip flights being cheaper is misleading because that assumes your plans will not change enough before the 2nd Segment to invalidate it. Hardly anyone can a stretch of time longer than a week before their whole future plans have changed again. Therefore, I respectfully propose that the added flexibility that 1 Way Fares allow you is well-worth a bit of a convenience fee for being able to make your final segment choice closer to when your plans have been cemented enough to pull the trigger and still be able to sleep at night😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@silviabertozzi7996]

Thanks for the good and useful tips. I will try the Google explore tip.

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justsayin...2784]

My recurring need: Booking flights, Seattle (SEA) to Thailand -- preferably Phuket (HKT), but can also arrive Bangkok (BKK) and use connecting flight to smaller airports. Typically can book as much as 6 months in advance... Round-trip, 2-month stay, but would prefer to have return flight that could easily be rescheduled while in country... Ideally, would like yo avoid long (20 hr) layovers for connecting flights... Been flying economy, but it's a grueling flight -- haven't been able to finagle any upgrades at affordable rates... Any tips?

[@ajc-ff5cm]

The part about traveling to or from a hub is valid in the US too. My home airport is a small regional airport so i always have to fly to a hub anyway. Its a tossup if flying out of my home aiport or from the nearest major hub (3-4 hrs drive) will be cheaper.

[@steveposton8886]

Great suggestions Keep the information coming

[@PortableProfessional]

Will do! Thanks so much for watching, Steve!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Great video! BTW your skin loooks gorgeous!!!

[@hils1015]

I want to fly on the same flight with my mum. How can I book 2 tickets with different return dates?

[@jimhamilton8775]

Lots of valuable advice in your videos Megan

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks! Glad you like them!

[@petertarantelli]

I’m glad you added that little bit about being careful when booking last-minute! Great tips, I didn’t know the part about credit cards. Thanks!

[@PortableProfessional]

You're welcome, Peter!

[@5959josh]

It's now 12:15 am on July 23rd I'm looking for 2 r/t tickets NYC to FCO 7/28-8/5 Can you please help?

[@PSMcD]

So, thinking about doing some heavy duty traveling over the next couple of years (start of retirement)... have you heard of any such things as blank travel tickets or going on the cheap by just going where flights take us (thinking Europe, SE Asia, Australia, south Pacific etc.)?

[@dkod19]

Some of these ideas are good, others are just unsuitable for me. One example: I live in NY, specifically Long Island. I would only look at an option to or from Newark airport as an extremely last resort, as it takes 90-120 minutes to travel there, either by car or public transportation. On Long Island, I also tend to check MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, although their choices are extremely limited. Anyone living north of NYC also have limited options at Westchester Airport (domestic) or Stewart Airport (international.) Again, options are quite limited. The searching and booking one ticket at a time is also a non-starter for me.

[@melnagai]

I have been binging on some old videos and wanted to find the flip belt mentioned in previous videos. I wonder if someone can send me either a link or the name of it? Thank you so much in advance! ✈️

[@fpl_bailey]

3:20 I'll add Baltimore to that list as well. Most times its cheaper to fly into Baltimore then ground transportation into NY

[@PortableProfessional]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@arieslaurente9979]

I want to travel on July 20.and now is July 12😢.going to Vancouver Canada

[@ivylovesrunning]

If you fly into London, there are reasonable and cheap airlines. Easyjet is a reasonable airline. Ryanair is really cheap, but you have to know that any things that give you comfort cost extra and often as much as getting a reasonably priced ticket. It is best to check the airline to see what is included as for a short flight, Ryanair may be some people's top choice.

[@PortableProfessional]

So true! Always check what is included with your flight! Happy travels!

[@fireflyrobert]

Easyjet and Ryanair don't operate to/from LHR so if you arrive there you then have to get surface travel to Gatwick, Stansted or Luton so something to take into account.

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

No better strategies exist in hacking cheap flights -- than having insiders to boot in places that matter; corporate, sales rep, agents---sometines the pilot, indeed---helming flights, are sometimes allowed such privileges of alotting flights placements up to prices of free for private beneficiaries, et-cetera.

[@JustThink2000]

I need to fly out Saturday morning… it’s Friday 1am.

[@PortableProfessional]

Good luck with your booking!

[@projectme4272]

3weeks out

[@lamarcurtis1582]

Why are you over there looking like AI👀

[@mariavandenbosch2723]

Dream on. I've been flying all my live and cheap last minute doesn't exist. It's a fairy tail.

[@didierbaudot]

That's correct there must be at least 2 weeks in advance the more in advance the better but there is a trick to have a reasonable ticket that's booking a package deal with hotel included these can be reasonably priced than if you book the flight separately and the hotel separately at the last moment it will be very expensive but the choice is limited you have to take the cheapest one and thats usually not the destination you had in mind.

[@sayanz]

Is this a robot