So the holidays are coming up and you have to prepare to travel home. Ugh, can I just teleport home? No, Sassy Susan, you cannot, that kind of technology doesn’t exist yet. Put on your big girl panties and take a flight like the rest of us!
Being that Auburn is a college town, the majority of the students that attend are not from Auburn. A good number of students are from different states other than Alabama. Being from California, I know firsthand the struggles of attempting to travel home for a visit, from the cost of gas, parking passes, airfare, hotel, pleasures, etc., to timing it when on a break from school. Using my tons of experience researching travel fares, and actual traveling, I have a handful of tips to ease your travel experiences.
1. Searching and booking flights.
I have read many sources that suggest booking a flight on a Tuesday afternoon roughly around 3 p.m. eastern time. Whether or not this is entirely true or not, tickets have seemed to have been somewhat cheaper based on my experience. It is also recommended to book such flight six weeks in advanced to the travel date.
2. The cheapest days to fly are usually Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays.
The most expensive being on weekends. Typically on these days very early mornings and very late night times tend to run cheapest.
3. Be open to changing your trip up a bit.
This means flying a day sooner or later and flying out of and into nearby airports that you were originally researching. Prices will fluctuate. For Auburn students concerns, it is generally cheaper to fly out of Atlanta than it is to out of Birmingham.
4. Although Southwest Airlines may be pricier airfares, I would recommend this airline over any other.
If you fly with Southwest, you are allowed two free checked bags and a carry-on. Most other airlines charge for all checked luggage. Given this, Southwest may potentially be the best bargain.
5. Have someone drop you off and pick you up from the airport.
Most family or friends may not charge much if anything for gas. Paying for a cab, travel to the airport,and parking fees to leave your car at the airport is much more expensive.
6. You are allowed to bring snacks on the plane.
No need to buy the expensive airport food, or the even more expensive food on the flight. Also, for you alkies, minis are under the liquid limit. Purchasing an adult drink on a flight can range from $5 to $10. I once paid $5 for a beer I normally wouldn’t pay that much for. Why?!
When you are looking to book your flight home for the holidays remember these tips! Travel should exciting not stressful! So get on that flight, take a shot of your mini Fireball or two, or take a Xanax, snack on your Smores Pop Tart, and relax. This is vacation, not a chore!
