How to Find Affordable Flights for College Tours
by Rick Seaney
You’re getting ready to tour colleges and universities to find the best match for your teen. Perhaps your child has already received acceptance, and you’re heading to check out the area, looking into dorms or apartments. In either case, minimizing your travel expenses is essential, and there are several strategies to help you save.
If you’re driving, there’s good news—gas prices are low. This benefit also extends to flyers, as low oil prices keep airfare relatively steady compared to the previous year. Here are additional tips for saving on flights:
Avoid flying during peak travel seasons.
Try to steer clear of campus visits during the summer months, as airfare tends to be at its highest during this busy travel period. Additionally, a quieter campus won’t give your child a realistic impression of the school. Domestic airfare typically starts to increase for the summer season from June 10; aim to travel before this date or after August 23 when more affordable fall fares become available. Key dates to note: March 16 is the last day for affordable winter flights; prices spike starting March 17 and again on May 17.
Avoid booking flights on the most expensive days.
The priciest days to fly are likely when you plan your trip: Fridays and Sundays. Airlines are aware that many travelers prefer these days, which makes them more costly. Instead, you’re likely to find better deals if you book your flights for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.
Consider a few inconveniences for cheaper flights.
Here are two ways to make your travel a bit more flexible:
- Always compare non-stop flight prices with those that involve connections; less convenient connections can frequently save you a significant amount of money.
- Be sure to look at fares from various nearby airports. For instance, if your child is accepted at Dartmouth, the nearest airports are small ones in Manchester, NH, and Burlington, VT. It’s wise to check prices at Boston’s Logan Airport as well; often, the larger airport offers deals that justify the extra travel time. Note: Many institutions, including Dartmouth and Boston, provide shuttle services between the airport and campus.
Rick Seaney is a travel expert and CEO of FareCompare, a site dedicated to assisting travelers in finding the best flight deals. FareCompare also provides practical, user-friendly information to help save money during every phase of your journey. Visit farecompare.com/#quote
