Best way to find cheap flight tix for interviews?

[Engrailed]

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I seldom travel out of state. I find myself traveling to places Ive never been this season.
What is the best way to secure a cheap flight ticket? Im thinking I should book my interview for one of the later dates (end of Sept) to get a cheaper ticket.

Please advise. Thanks guys

 

[deleted688779]

Google flights + check southwest + check nearby airports

Google flights does a good job but sometimes the algorithm doesn’t factor in different airlines when it comes to round trip.

 

[deleted804295]

Go on incognito mode when purchasing tickets. 🙂

 

[deleted688779]

Go on incognito mode when purchasing tickets. 🙂

Works for internet and cable companies if you want to see the “deals” you can haggle for.

 

[Engrailed]

Works for internet and cable companies if you want to see the “deals” you can haggle for.

But how does that work exactly? Curious

 

[deleted688779]

But how does that work exactly? Curious

Usually these companies have deals for new customers or simply deals for people who spend the effort haggling. They’re willing to go down to these prices but rely on consumer lack of knowledge, time constraint, etc to charge the higher price. Going incognito usually tells them you’re a new customer. You can also disconnect WiFi and use data on your mobile phone to view as if you’re a new customer.

Edit: I meant the cable companies.

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

skyscanner is another site to check

 

[electropartyogram]

Also, book between Monday and Wednesday, Tuesday evening/midnight usually being optimal.

 

[deleted927529]

Try skiplagged.com. You wanna go to X so you buy a ticket to destination Y with a layover at X and just miss your connection. Sometimes cheaper than a regular booking.

 

[deleted927529]

Try skiplagged.com. You wanna go to X so you buy a ticket to destination Y with a layover at X and just miss your connection. Sometimes cheaper than a regular booking.

This does come with caveats--you won't be able to check luggage (so to be safe, only bags that can fit under the seat), and airlines don't like it when you do this. So don't do it too often. The website has FAQs

 

[Cornfed101]

Also, look into bundling stuff if you can. Google flights is a great place to start though. I got a round trip flight to one of my interviews with a rental car for $200 total

 

[u_raptor]

I've been using Expedia, but I'm sure there are other sites to find one for cheaper. Whenever I do find a flight in Expedia, I try to go to that airlines site and book it directly through them. Apparently a airline is more friendly towards figuring out cancellations or reschedules for you if it is direct through them as opposed to a third party. In third party instances,airlines typically tell you to call the third party instead of talking to the airlines desk, which can be a hassle!

At least, this has been my experience and what I have seen through years of traveling in the air with my family and parents!

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

Try skiplagged.com. You wanna go to X so you buy a ticket to destination Y with a layover at X and just miss your connection. Sometimes cheaper than a regular booking.

Works only if you are buying one way ticket. If you miss your connection airline may cancel the return ticket.

 

[alwaysnice]

You can try www.cheaptickets.com

 

[TelemarketingEnigma]

Try skiplagged.com. You wanna go to X so you buy a ticket to destination Y with a layover at X and just miss your connection. Sometimes cheaper than a regular booking.

I've found that even if you don't want to do "Hidden city" travel, skiplagged is pretty good at finding combos of regular flights from different airlines that are often cheaper/more flexible times than round trip flight options from a single airline (which is what you'll get from google flights/most other sites). If you want to stick with the same airline though, google flights is usually my starting point

 

[Engrailed]

I've found that even if you don't want to do "Hidden city" travel, skiplagged is pretty good at finding combos of regular flights from different airlines that are often cheaper/more flexible times than round trip flight options from a single airline (which is what you'll get from google flights/most other sites). If you want to stick with the same airline though, google flights is usually my starting point

I've been using Expedia, but I'm sure there are other sites to find one for cheaper. Whenever I do find a flight in Expedia, I try to go to that airlines site and book it directly through them. Apparently a airline is more friendly towards figuring out cancellations or reschedules for you if it is direct through them as opposed to a third party. In third party instances,airlines typically tell you to call the third party instead of talking to the airlines desk, which can be a hassle!

At least, this has been my experience and what I have seen through years of traveling in the air with my family and parents!

Also, look into bundling stuff if you can. Google flights is a great place to start though. I got a round trip flight to one of my interviews with a rental car for $200 total

Usually these companies have deals for new customers or simply deals for people who spend the effort haggling. They’re willing to go down to these prices but rely on consumer lack of knowledge, time constraint, etc to charge the higher price. Going incognito usually tells them you’re a new customer. You can also disconnect WiFi and use data on your mobile phone to view as if you’re a new customer.

Edit: I meant the cable companies.

Thanks everyone!
I hope this thread is helpful to others.
And that we can take advantage of these ideas as the application/interview cycle continues... 🙂

 

[LizzyM]

When an airline knows that you have been shopping for a specific flight, they may jack up the price, just for you, when you come back to actually buy the ticket. That is the reason for using "incognito" when you shop online.
I use Travelocity and Expedia to look at tickets across airlines. If Southwest serves your destination, it is best to check southwest.com separately as it does not participate in those online services, IIRC.
If you will be checking a bag (generally not essential for an overnight interview trip), factor in the $25-30 each way when deciding if the flight is a good deal. Watch out, too, for the super-discounted fare on United and flights on Spirit Airline that greatly restrict what you can carry aboard and have no option for checked bags.

 

[TheBoranIdentity]

On a somewhat related note, do y’all recommend bringing a carry-on bag and a personal item to interviews (for women, specifically)? I have a flight that allows one personal item, so essentially just a backpack, and I am contemplating whether to just wear my interview clothes on the plane and take my backpack to save money versus paying the ~$40 carry-on fee to bring my Carry-on sized suitcase.

 

[Cornfed101]

On a somewhat related note, do y’all recommend bringing a carry-on bag and a personal item to interviews (for women, specifically)? I have a flight that allows one personal item, so essentially just a backpack, and I am contemplating whether to just wear my interview clothes on the plane and take my backpack to save money versus paying the ~$40 carry-on fee to bring my Carry-on sized suitcase.

This is what I’m doing. Wearing my suit and taking the jacket off on the plane. Bringing a portable steamer to spruce it up after I get there

 

[proudofmykids]

But how does that work exactly? Curious

If not in incognito mode, the site can know you have previously searched for the flights without purchasing. Their algorithms know that if you search again, you are demonstrating a stronger demand / commitment signal and it is not uncommon to increase the displayed prices. This was also publicized about Amazon as well but not sure if it is still true on that site.

Another’s great flight search engine that make Tim easy to adjust departure and flight times is Kayak.com (again to be used incognito).

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Check bundling airfare and car rental with expedia. You might be surprised how much you can save. Working through a third party like Expedia can be a hassle, cant use frequent flier points for the airline, rescheduling issues, etc.

 

[Engrailed]

When an airline knows that you have been shopping for a specific flight, they may jack up the price, just for you, when you come back to actually buy the ticket. That is the reason for using "incognito" when you shop online.
I use Travelocity and Expedia to look at tickets across airlines. If Southwest serves your destination, it is best to check southwest.com separately as it does not participate in those online services, IIRC.
If you will be checking a bag (generally not essential for an overnight interview trip), factor in the $25-30 each way when deciding if the flight is a good deal. Watch out, too, for the super-discounted fare on United and flights on Spirit Airline that greatly restrict what you can carry aboard and have no option for checked bags.

Hi everyone,
Yes, Im seeing a lot of discounts on Spirit. Say for example, if I am doing a cross-country 3 day trip via Spirit is that risky to do?
I would probably have 1 carry on and 1 large suitcase.
I just have no idea as I have very little flying experience

and also, should I stick with 1 airline like AA or Delta if I can get free miles/credit (I will be doing two long distance roundtrips in the forseeable future)

 

[Cornfed101]

Hi everyone,
Yes, Im seeing a lot of discounts on Spirit. Say for example, if I am doing a cross-country 3 day trip via Spirit is that risky to do?
I would probably have 1 carry on and 1 large suitcase.
I just have no idea as I have very little flying experience

and also, should I stick with 1 airline like AA or Delta if I can get free miles/credit (I will be doing two long distance roundtrips in the forseeable future)

Those cheap airlines (spirit, frontier, allegiant, etc.) are not good deals if you have a checked pack and a large carry on because they charge you a ton extra for the bags.

You can stick with 1 airline if you want, but unless you are planning on traveling 50k miles or so for interviews it doesn’t really matter.

 

[Engrailed]

Those cheap airlines (spirit, frontier, allegiant, etc.) are not good deals if you have a checked pack and a large carry on because they charge you a ton extra for the bags.

You can stick with 1 airline if you want, but unless you are planning on traveling 50k miles or so for interviews it doesn’t really matter.

OK! Avoiding spirirt!
Which airline has the best rewards program (I know Delta is just expensive in general)?
What about JetBlue?
I would be doing at least 10K in the next few weeks

 

[Cornfed101]

OK! Avoiding spirirt!
Which airline has the best rewards program (I know Delta is just expensive in general)?
What about JetBlue?
I would be doing at least 10K in the next few weeks

It depends on what is available to you. I primarily use delta because I have always lived near delta hubs. Most rewards programs don’t really provide any benefit unless you are flying 50k+ miles per year. That’s why it doesn’t really matter for the small amount you’ll be flying

also, spirit/frontier/allegiant are fine, but just don’t bring anything more than a backpack! I’m flying frontier tonight

 

[LizzyM]

Get a credit card that gives you cash back for what you spend and/or a low or 0% interest rate for the near term.
Read the fine print to be sure you are allowed to check a bag (even some United flights, with the cheapest ticket, limit you to one small personal item, no overhead bin space, no checked bags!).
Southwest still has no charge for checked bags; many airlines are charging $30/checked bag unless you have a credit card with that airline. That could be a good reason to apply for an airline credit card and stay loyal to one airline even if you aren't flying enough to benefit from the accumulated miles.
I usually use Travelocity or Expedia to see all the airlines (except Southwest) that fly from my preferred airport to my destination on the best schedule for me. Then I book through the airline's website ... I generally don't book hotels concurrently but if you are going that route rather than staying with a student host, booking through Travelocity or Expedia may get you a good deal on the hotel.

If you never rack up enough miles for free travel, you can still use the miles (even as few as 1,000) to do some good:

Give a Child a World of Hope With a Life-Changing Wish Trip

Travel wishes need you. With 75 percent of wishes requiring air travel, Make-A-Wish needs more than 2.8 billion airline miles and points to cover every travel wish each year. Right now, we’re only able to grant wishes for one out of every two eligible chi

wish.org

 

[paimei42]

I'm surprised no one has suggested student universe yet, assuming you're still a student.

 

[premed20172017]

Hopper is a great app, too! It compiles info from various sites and tells you whether or not it's a good time to book (like google flights does).

 

[Cornfed101]

Hopper is a great app, too! It compiles info from various sites and tells you whether or not it's a good time to book (like google flights does).

It was a sad day when Delta removed its flights from Hopper

 

[EdgeTrimmer]

if Southwest has good service from your airpor

OK! Avoiding spirirt!
Which airline has the best rewards program (I know Delta is just expensive in general)?
What about JetBlue?
I would be doing at least 10K in the next few weeks

Does Southwest has good service from your airport? With them, there is no ticket cancellation or change fees. Very useful in case you want to change the interview dates or interviews (after getting some acceptances). They charge fare difference only and cancelled tickets money will be in the account for one year. Also, free luggage check-in.

 

[CaptainPoopyPants]

Is Spirit safe? If I wear my suit and just bring a personal item, it's easily the cheapest. I'm worried though cause Spirit is the butt of all jokes. Is it legitimately less safe to fly Spirit?

 

[LizzyM]

Is Spirit safe? If I wear my suit and just bring a personal item, it's easily the cheapest. I'm worried though cause Spirit is the butt of all jokes. Is it legitimately less safe to fly Spirit?

Spirit Airlines do's and don'ts: Don't freak out about the seats, do sign up for deals

Spirit Airlines' business model of low fares and a flurry of fees can be confusing for travelers. The discount airline with the bright yellow planes

www.usatoday.com

My niece paid for bottled water on a spirit flight, IIRC. My daughter was staying somewhere without a printer and was whacked $10 to print a boarding pass. do watch the fine print. If you wear your suit on the flight, are you going to look like something the cat dragged in by the time you reach the med school?

 

[Jeremy Bearimy]

Is Spirit safe? If I wear my suit and just bring a personal item, it's easily the cheapest. I'm worried though cause Spirit is the butt of all jokes. Is it legitimately less safe to fly Spirit?

If its direct and you have plenty of cushion time, it should be fine! If you have a tight layover or something, I can't recommend Spirit for the way there. Safety isn't a problem. But like @LizzyM mentioned, there's tons of hidden fees if you're not careful, so print your boarding pass or get the mobile app, fill your water up at the airport, and make sure your personal item is within the size limits.

 

[CaptainPoopyPants]

I appreciate your responses, but I mean safe as in, will it crash? lol If they're penny counting everything, does this include mechanics and pilots? I just don't wanna crash lol

 

[Jeremy Bearimy]

I appreciate your responses, but I mean safe as in, will it crash? lol If they're penny counting everything, does this include mechanics and pilots? I just don't wanna crash lol

Spirit, though often late and having hilariously barren seat amenities, is as safe as any other US airline in the sky. I feel like I always joke about Spirit or Frontier getting me there in once piece, but neither has ever crashed and if they had you'd know about it!

 

[Engrailed]

Is it bad that Im booking all of my flights with Delta?
I looked at a bunch of flight matrices and it seemed like the lowest price (across all flights maybe minus Southwest and Spirit ?) was only off from Delta by $10-20 during off peak hours (like the midnight flight out etc)

 

[ciestar]

I appreciate your responses, but I mean safe as in, will it crash? lol If they're penny counting everything, does this include mechanics and pilots? I just don't wanna crash lol

Google commerical air crashes in the US. See Spirit there? No.

It is safe. They just nickel and dime you and you have more uncomfortable flight accommodations overall.

 

[imbesrs]

[removed b/c I got probation for linking a website last time] PM if you want it