The 5 secrets that will earn you FREE flights
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Flying is quite possibly the best way to take a trip, it saves a ton of time but can be rather costly especially with a large family. After several road trips, we decided to take to the skies! But how is it possible to purchase six tickets on one income and still afford the rest of your vacation? By making a few simple changes we were able to travel for next to nothing leaving plenty of money left for the fun stuff!
Check out this short step-by-step clip, Fly for FREE!!!! Or almost free, how does $11 sound?!
IF you are dying to get back to traveling post kids, or just looking to save some money you are in the right place! I’m sharing the 5 secrets that allowed me to fly for next to nothing!
• How we fly for (almost) free
• How to earn free flights doing what you are already doing
• Flying with flexible dates
• The sweet spot: The best time to book
• Tips for flying with kids
Here is exactly what I learned and how you can implement it for yourself so you can arrive at your destination for next to nothing!
How we fly for (almost) free
As my husband started traveling more for work, he ran into many delays and cancellations. Feeling frustrated with the whole situation, he started sticking with Delta. Their flights can be pricey at times, but they are dependable. Over time he started accruing miles, and on occasion I would travel with him accruing my own miles. Eventually we built up enough that we could take our first flight for (almost) free (I keep using almost, because it costs approximately $12 for a round trip Delta SkyMiles flight, that’s right, so our family of six pays about $72 per flight.)
While on a flight, my husband was handed an application for a Delta SkyMiles American Express, and this one application was a game changer! It has an annual fee, which initially was a big deterrent for us, however, we dove in and are reaping the benefits!
From there, I started doing some research on flights. Regularly playing with different combinations of dates, times, and destinations. When I would find a cheap one, I would jump on it. Yes, do not let it sit, it rarely goes down in price!
It feels so good to get back to traveling, I love experiencing new places with my family! And when it is (almost) free, it is even better!
How to earn free flights doing what you are already doing
When my husband was handed that Delta American Express application, he was skeptical. But once we looked at it, it was clear to us that this card would benefit our family! He applied and for doing so was awarded a generous sum of bonus miles. On the next flight, I was offered an even better miles package, so I joined as well.
We started with the Gold Card, the annual fee is around $100, however, you get a free checked bag for each person in your party. Currently they charge $30 per bag each way, which would cost us more than the card fee. So, the card alone was well worth it!
After you get your card, call every company that allows you pay a monthly bill via credit card and switch your payment method to your Delta AmEx. Many companies will allow you to pick a date so you can make a schedule that works for you. The biggest challenge of this strategy: you MUST be disciplined enough to pay the balance off every month. This is the fastest and easiest way to earn Delta Sky Miles for doing virtually nothing! Who knew you could get free flights for simply paying your bills!
Flying with flexible dates
This next secret can make all difference and will determine how many of your precious miles you will use for your flight!
When you are searching for flights, you can use either your phone or computer. Just keep in mind if using your phone, flexible dates are not an option in the app. However, if you open a browser, you can select flexible dates from your phone. When you get to the delta home page, type in your dates, number of passengers and before you hit the search button, check the flexible dates box on the next line (shown below). This will provide you with a grid that shows you the cost of coming/going a day early/late.
As a perfect example, I booked a recent trip with flexible dates Wednesday to Monday for 9,000 miles. A girlfriend I was traveling with paid almost double (17,000 miles) to fly Wednesday to Sunday. Essentially, I saved myself enough miles for another flight by selecting flexible dates and I also got an extra day of vacation!
To see how it’s done, watch this step-by-step video! Fly for FREE!!!! Or almost free, how does $11 sound?!
The sweet spot: The best time to book
Knowing when to book is my next secret. Once you have picked your destination and dates, immediately start watching flights. We love the Hopper app, where you put in your dates and destination, and it alerts you when the fares change! I also randomly search google flights as well! If your flexible with destination you cand score some great deals!
Depending on when you are flying you should book anywhere from two to five months in advance. When you're flying is important because if you are traveling at a busy time, for example spring break, you have a lot of competition and should book early (5 months out). If you are traveling off season, or to a destination that is not as busy the two months should do the trick. For example, our crew is headed to Florida for president’s week. This week always high traffic, especially to Florida, so we booked our flights in the beginning of September.
Tips for flying with kids
At $85 for five years, TSA Precheck is the way to go with kids! Register each adult, and then kids under 17 traveling with you can tag along! Sometimes the lines aren’t bad, but if you have ever been stuck and almost missed a fight, you know this is a MUST! Pro Tip: If you have a Delta Amex, use that card to pay, and they will take care of the fee! Yep its free!
Even though Delta allows card members free checked bags, with six of us, we have found it easier to pack in fewer suitcases. We try to minimize as traversing an airport with four kids in tow can be a lot!
A busy kid is a happy kid and makes for a happy mamma! Each of my kids has a backpack that they pack for flights. In the backpack you can find, a sweatshirt, baby blanket, books, playing cards, playdoh, ear buds/headphones, Amazon Fire tablet, and any small toys that might suit their fancy all of which I purchase through amazon (click the links to see what has worked for me!).
Ear buds are especially important for longer flights as they typically show movies. They do pass them out onboard (DELTA) if you forget, but it sometimes takes quite a while to get them as they have sometimes wait until after takeoff.
An empty, reusable water bottle, gum and snacks are also necessary! Once you get through security, stop to fill everyone’s water bottle.
When you're flying for (almost) free, the possibilities are endless! I found contentment and my heart was happy as I so love to travel! And the fact that we are doing it and saving money is the icing on the cake.
We are now frequent fliers, but still do not mind a good road trip! If you are planning a road trip, learn How to save your sanity on your next ROAD TRIP!
Most of all, I love the uninterrupted family time that traveling affords us!
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