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Flying is expensive enough without accidentally giving the airline industry more of your hard-earned money, especially during the holidays. Between hidden fees, sneaky algorithms, and rookie booking errors, there are plenty of foolish ways to waste money on your next flight — and you might not even realize you're doing it.
Before you hit "confirm purchase," here are 12 common airline booking mistakes that could be quietly draining your travel budget.
Limiting your travel days to Friday and Sunday
Weekends might feel like the natural time to fly, but that's exactly why fares skyrocket. Airlines know most travelers want to leave Friday after work and return Sunday night, and they price accordingly. Flying midweek can often save you a surprising amount (sometimes hundreds).
What to do instead:
Be flexible with your departure and return dates. Check fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which are often the cheapest days to fly.
Booking too early (or too late)
Yes, booking early can save money. But too early? That's another story. Airlines adjust fares based on demand, and those early-bird prices aren't always the lowest. On the flip side, waiting until the last minute rarely works out unless you love paying double.
What to do instead:
For domestic flights, the sweet spot is usually one to three months out. For international trips, aim for three to six months. Set up flight alerts to track prices and pounce when the fare drops into that magical middle zone.
Always booking the cheapest fare
That ultra-low fare might look tempting, until you realize it doesn't include a seat assignment or carry-on. Budget fares can end up costing more after all the add-ons.
What to do instead:
Compare total costs, not just base fares. Add up fees for bags, seats, and flexibility before deciding which ticket actually gives you the best deal. Sometimes a slightly higher fare saves money (and headaches) in the long run.
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Packing more than you need
Overpacking is the oldest travel sin in the book. Extra bags mean extra fees, not to mention the stress of dragging them through the airport like a sherpa.
What to do instead:
Stick to a carry-on and one personal item whenever possible. Mix-and-match outfits, use packing cubes, and remember: almost anything you forget can be bought at your destination.
Not clearing your browser history or using incognito mode
Airlines and booking sites can track your search history and, rumor or not, occasionally raise prices if they sense you're coming back for a second look. It's the digital equivalent of playing hard to get.
What to do instead:
Use your browser's incognito or private mode when searching for flights. You can also clear cookies between searches or use a flight aggregator like Skyscanner or Google Flights that shows a more objective price view.
Forgetting to set up flight alerts
Prices fluctuate constantly, and missing a fare drop is basically handing free money to the airline.
What to do instead:
Set up alerts on Google Flights, Hopper, or Kayak to get notified when prices fall. You can even track specific routes or date ranges so you can swoop in when the price hits your sweet spot.
Failing to read the fine print
Fare restrictions, baggage policies, and cancellation rules can vary wildly between airlines (and even between ticket types). What looks like a cheap ticket can come with a lot of hidden restrictions.
What to do instead:
Before you book, read the fare rules, especially for "basic economy" or "no change" tickets. Make sure you understand refund policies, baggage limits, and rebooking options in case plans change.
Booking through the wrong platform
Third-party travel sites can be great for browsing, but they're not always great for booking. Hidden fees, confusing refund policies, and delayed customer service can make post-purchase problems painful.
What to do instead:
Compare prices on aggregators, then book directly through the airline when possible. You'll get better customer service and may even unlock perks like seat upgrades or loyalty points.
Ignoring alternative airports
That big-name airport might be closest, but nearby regional airports can offer cheaper fares and shorter security lines, especially if you're open to a short drive or train ride.
What to do instead:
Check all airports within 60 to 90 minutes of your origin and destination. Flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Burbank instead of LAX, can make a surprising difference in both cost and convenience.
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Skipping flexible search tools
If you're only searching exact dates and destinations, you're leaving savings on the table. Flexible tools show you when and where it's cheapest to fly — knowledge that can save serious cash.
What to do instead:
Use tools like Google Flights' "Explore" map, Skyscanner's "Everywhere" search, or Kiwi's flexible date option. They let you compare prices across dates and destinations, helping you snag the best deals before they disappear.
Overlooking credit card or loyalty program perks
If you're booking flights without considering your travel rewards cards or loyalty status, you might be missing out on free upgrades, checked bags, or even lounge access.
What to do instead:
Before booking, check whether your credit card offers bonus miles or discounts through its travel portal. And always enter your frequent flyer number, even on short or cheap flights, to keep stacking rewards.
Not joining the airline's free rewards program before booking
It's free, it's fast, and it pays off. Many travelers skip joining an airline's rewards program because they "don't fly often," but even one or two trips a year can earn points, early boarding, or upgrades down the line.
What to do instead:
Sign up for the airline's loyalty program before you book. You'll earn miles on your first flight and can often access member-only sales, partner discounts, and bonus point offers.
Bottom line
Booking flights shouldn't feel like a financial trap, but small mistakes can quietly add up to big bucks. From forgetting to set flight alerts to skipping flexible dates, most travelers lose money not because of bad luck, but because airlines are experts at capitalizing on convenience.
One smart move to earn more through booking is to use a top travel credit card. Many of these cards offer perks like free checked bags, travel insurance, or points toward future flights — all of which can offset costs and add real value. The key is to stay flexible, stay informed, and treat flight booking like a strategy, not a guessing game.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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Benefits
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Intro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
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Why we like it
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