Hopefully, you globetrotters marked your calendars for Cheap Flight Day, August 23, well in advance. While many people associate late-August with back to school shopping, cost-conscious travelers look forward to this as a season of discounted airfare. With kids returning to school and summer vacations coming to an end, now is the time to take advantage of “end of season” travel deals. Don’t miss your final boarding call — check out those cheap deals today!
History of Cheap Flight Day
Remember when “staycations” became a thing during the financial crisis of 2007 – 2010? Despite many people choosing to stay home and be a tourist in their own city to save some cash, the rise of low-budget vacationing also took off. Of course, the trend never left because who doesn’t love cheap(er) travel? With the average vacation costing $1200 per person, saving money is serious business. Disrupting the landscape of the tourism industry in 2005, Airbnb entered the market as an alternative for travelers to stay in homes at a typically cheaper rate than most hotels. This desire to save money holds true for air travel as well which is why Cheap Flight Day is so popular. The beauty of air travel is that the possibilities are endless. Once considered faraway, unreachable places have become travel reality with the increased visibility on social media, TV channels dedicated to travel and the evolution of the travel blogger pointing you in the right direction with first-hand travel 411. So, the trick is to get there within budget. Dozens of cheap airfare websites are a click away. However, none will deliver the cheapest flight every time. Check out these recommendations for finding cheap air travel. Wheels up!
Cheap Flight Day timeline
Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) began intrastate flights between Northern and Southern California, making it the first US low-cost airline.
Founded in Ireland, Ryanair is the largest European budget airline today selling international routes for as little as $3 (club memberships, sales and error advertising not required)!
Travel blogs rose in popularity in the mid-1990s as social media inspired personal stories of travel and encouraged us all to dream of more unique travel destinations.
Scott Keyes, Founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, scored the best airfare of his life in 2013 ($130 from New York City to Milan) and began sending friends updates on his cheap flight finds.
Cheap Flight Day FAQs
Is it OK to take my shoes off during a flight?
Shoes should remain on during take-off and landing as well as when visiting the restroom. Throughout the flight, keep socks on and ensure there are no unique smells associated with your shoes, socks or feet.
What are the rules when leaving the plane?
When leaving the plane, allow anyone sitting in front of you to gather their things and exit first unless passengers sitting behind you ask to jump ahead to reach a connecting flight.
Who gets the armrests?
Most travel experts agree that the traveler in the middle seat has first dibs on their two armrests.
Cheap Flight Day Activities
-
Book a flight!
The main point of the day is to book the flight. So, where will you go? The #1 tourist destination in 2018 was Bangkok, Thailand with almost 22 million international visitors. Hmmm, to go with the crowds or not?
-
Dream a little
Even though flexibility leads to cheaper travel, it doesn’t hurt to have a list of your preferred destinations for quick reference. For many, the excitement of the next vacation is in the research, dreaming and planning. Start now, so when the cheap fare presents itself, you are ready to book it!
-
Follow a travel blogger
The number of online travel resources is staggering but infinitely helpful. Take some time on Cheap Flight Day to find a travel blogger that fits your travel style. As you follow them on Facebook, Insta or through email, they will give you tips on booking travel, where to go, what to pack, and so much more.
5 Tips And Tricks For Finding Cheap Flights
-
No One-Stop Shop
Airlines now determine pricing using highly sophisticated technology and algorithms so there are no silver bullet answers to the question: how do I find the cheapest airfare?
-
Flexibility is Key
The most important factor in finding cheap airfare is to remain flexible – in travel dates, destinations, airports and routes.
-
Don’t Discount (pun intended) Smaller Carriers
While budget or low-cost carriers don’t guarantee the lowest price, don’t overlook them as options – many people and on-line travel resources exclude them from their research.
-
Not Always Non-Stop
Yes, a direct flight is the most convenient route but it’s usually the most expensive so open your search to airports in nearby countries you’d also like to travel allowing the extra stop to become part of your itinerary.
-
Membership has its privileges
Enlist the help of travel experts by joining one or two travel membership newsletters or clubs to receive cheap travel announcements.
Why We Love Cheap Flight Day
-
The Future Looks Bright
Studies show having something on your calendar to look forward to is a key to happiness. Anticipation energizes us and keeps us motivated. Don’t forget to pack your shades.
-
We love to save money
Transportation costs make up about 50% of your total vacation budget with airfare costing more than any other mode of transportation. Where money can be saved on airfare, it can be used in other categories for your trip or simply saved altogether.
-
No Mo FOMO
Cheaper airfare puts travel within our reach. It opens possibilities to nicer trips, farther away places and creative experiences which means we’re not missing out on our own trip of a lifetime when the Jones’ post about their recent fam vacay.
Cheap Flight Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 23 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 23 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 23 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 23 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 23 | Monday |
