When on the hunt for the cheapest airfare, always search for one traveler, not two. That’s right, you should search for one flight at a time to save money.
Always.
This may seem counter-intuitive. If you are not a solo traveler, you are looking for tickets for both you and your significant/friends/family. So why only search one ticket?
The same seat on a plane can cost varying prices at varying times. As everyone knows, airlines put seats on sale frequently. But what if there is only one sale seat left? By searching for one traveler, then two travelers, you may turn up different prices. And sometimes airlines release one discounted ticket at a time so there aren’t too many available.
For example, if an airline has only one discounted seat at $500 remaining and the rest of the seats are $600, by searching one traveler, then increasing and search for two seats, you will see the discrepancy, and you can book one ticket at a time, paying only $1,100 for the tickets. But if you only search 2 travelers, the airline will automatically take two tickets at the same price (because it won’t allow different prices in the same reservation), and you would end up paying $1,200. That extra $100 is could be a beach dinner for two with wine. Or a fun excursion or tour at your destination. Every dollar counts!
You do, however, always want to make sure to search for the number of seats you need for your party before you book separately to make sure that there are enough seats available before you book. This is especially true if you are looking to do business or first class, as the seating options are limited and many times there may only be one first class seat left.
I will also note that you want to search solo, but that isn’t to say you will book solo. Start solo so that you have an idea of the base ticket price and you can see if it is more with multiple people. Knowledge is power!
So remember, search one but don’t just be done. Do all of your research on availability to make sure there is enough room for your party. But don’t be the airlines’ sucker. I have saved myself and others hundreds by purchasing single tickets rather than tickets for two (or more). Those coins can go towards doing somewhere fun, not getting there.
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Wow! I did not know that. Thank you for your valuable advice. I do not plan to travel anytime in the near future, but my children have some plans. I will let them know about this.
That is such a good idea! I do not know why I never thought of that! Thanks for the great info!
What an awesome tip! I had no clue about that and will keep that in mind the next time we’re traveling. And it’s crazy how airlines have sales one day *poof* gone and then back the next week. So frustrating! LOL
Alisha, it is frustrating! I have seen it change within minutes! I am looking for tickets now and the prices keep jumping.
I like your take on this.
I don’t’ think we’ve ever tried this way, unless it’s only one of us traveling.
Thanks for sharing.
Such great tips of buying tix. I will have definitely try this the next time my husband and I fly.
Oh I see! I didn’t know about that and I am glad I read this before buying airline tickets! I always search for the whole family altogether! You think it’s also a good thing to call the airline directly? I have a few requests too, that’s why.
Jo, I don’t think it will hurt to call, but the cheapest tickets are usually online, and if you book over the phone, they usually charge a fee for booking. It depends on the requests, though. You may end up still booking all together, but you want to search one ticket first to see the base price and then see if it is higher for the same flight when you enter in your number of family members.
Oh good advice. Would this apply if you were searching for you and a small child? Are you assigned a seat and what if the seats were not together? Just curious. I haven’t flown in over 15 years.
Heather, I recommend searching for a single passenger, then up the search to two and see if it is the same price. If it is the same price, book them together and choose seats. If one is cheaper, make sure there are seats together and book them separately if you feel comfortable. It may be the same price for both tickets, but I have had to book separate before because one ticket was drastically lower than the other and we saved a bunch. Hope that helps!
I have never heard of this little trick and I’ve been traveling for YEARS!! I love it and will start using it on our next trip!
Wow!! I had no idea that you could save money by searching for one airline ticket at a time!! It does make sense, but I just hadn’t thought of it. Thanks 🙂
What a great tip! I never would have thought of a cheaper price that way but it does make sense.
I have never heard of this tip but it makes so much sense! Thank you for sharing. I always book for my entire family at once so I will try searching individually first.
These are good tips. I’m always looking for ways to save on flights.
Searching for airfares can be so challenging. The prices can change so fast and I’m always afraid there’s going to be a cheaper flight out there that I’m not finding.
These are great tips! I wish I had read them before booking my plane ticket to Vegas last week!!
I never knew this! I don’t fly very often, but I’ll keep this in mind next time I plan a trip. Good lookin’ out!
Wow, I really didnt know this! Thanks for the tip, definitely trying it next time.
Oh wow this is such great advice! I’ve never thought about searching for one to see what the price is, I always just search for however many seats I need at once. Thanks so much for this tip!
What a great idea! I would have never thought of this before. I always search in multiple. Next time I’m trying this method.
Oooh… what a clever tip! We plan on flying again very soon, so I will try this when booking the tickets!
I am loving all your tips and tricks for searching for flight bargains. I need to try this and the incognito search you recommended too.
Great tip! Always love to save some coins, these airlines think they slick lol
Yes they do, Kara! Don’t let ’em get you!
Such a great travel tip! Not sure why I didn’t think of this before but Thanks for sharing!!
This is a great tip Tyra. Thanks for sharing.
OMG you have no idea how on time this is for me! I’ve been searching for airline tickets for my family of five and this one simple trick never even occurred to me. Thanks a million!
No problem, Christine! Start by searching one, checking out the base price, then check for 5. If there is a change in price, check 2, 3, and 4 passengers to see what is the tipping point when prices go up. Book two reservations to capitalize on the lowest fare for the largest number of people. It could save you hundreds! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this… Do you have any tips for bloggers looking at staycations? I am looking to get deals and showcase local places…
Aisha, I love staycations because they allow us to see our cities from a different perspective. My advice would be to see what you can offer the hotel/resort as a blogger, and to be flexible/travel on off days or weekends.
Great tip. I used to sell travel and this is definitely not something many people do.