How to Use Flight Coupons and Promo Codes for Discounts
How to Use Flight Coupons and Promo Codes for Discounts
Flight coupons and promo codes can be a great way to save money on airfare if you know where to look and how to use them. These discounts can come from airlines, credit cards, and third-party booking sites, offering a variety of ways to reduce your travel costs. Here’s how to find and use flight coupons and promo codes effectively.
1. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters for Exclusive Codes
Airlines often share exclusive promo codes and discounts with their email subscribers as a way to reward loyalty. By signing up for newsletters from airlines you frequently fly with, you can gain early access to sales and discount codes.
- Best practice: Sign up for newsletters from multiple airlines, especially budget carriers, as they frequently offer codes for domestic and short-haul flights.
2. Use Travel Deal Websites That List Promo Codes
Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Skyscanner sometimes list active promo codes and coupon deals from airlines and booking sites. These sites monitor airline promotions, so you can easily find current discounts without scouring individual airline websites.
- Tip: Bookmark these deal sites and check them regularly to catch limited-time promo codes.
3. Apply Promo Codes on Third-Party Booking Sites
Third-party booking sites like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline occasionally offer their own promo codes for flights. While these codes may not apply to all airlines, they can sometimes reduce the total fare, especially on package deals.
- How to use: Check the “deals” or “promotions” page of third-party booking sites, and apply any available code at checkout.
4. Check for Credit Card-Specific Promo Codes
Certain credit cards partner with airlines or travel websites to offer exclusive promo codes and discounts. For example, cards with travel rewards programs often provide seasonal codes for a percentage off on airfare or bonus points on travel bookings.
- Pro tip: If you have a travel credit card, check your account rewards page for promo codes and apply these codes when booking flights.
5. Follow Airlines on Social Media for Flash Sales and Codes
Airlines sometimes post flash sales and discount codes on their social media platforms. By following airlines on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, you can stay updated on time-sensitive deals and snag promo codes before they expire.
- Bonus tip: Turn on post notifications for airlines’ social media accounts to avoid missing limited-time promo code announcements.
6. Use Student and Youth Discounts for Extra Savings
Many airlines offer promo codes or discounts for students and youth travelers. If you’re eligible, check for student-specific promotions with airlines like American Airlines, Lufthansa, and United, or consider student travel platforms like StudentUniverse for discounted fares.
- Eligibility: Generally, you need to verify your age or student status through a simple online process to qualify for these discounts.
7. Look for Travel App-Exclusive Promo Codes
Travel apps often offer app-exclusive promo codes to encourage users to book through mobile platforms. These discounts can range from a percentage off the total fare to a fixed dollar amount, and they’re usually easy to apply at checkout.
- Example: Apps like Hopper, Expedia, and Skyscanner sometimes provide first-time users with app-only discounts on flights, so it’s worth checking if they offer any codes.
8. Take Advantage of Seasonal and Holiday Promo Codes
Airlines frequently release promo codes during major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s. These codes are usually valid for a limited time, so planning your trip around these sales can save you money on flights.
- Best approach: Set reminders for major holiday sales and check airline websites and travel deal sites for promo codes during these times.
9. Check for Bundle Deals with Partner Hotels or Car Rentals
Some airlines offer promo codes for flights when you book bundle packages that include a hotel or rental car. These package deals often come with additional discounts, and the overall savings can be greater than booking each element separately.
- How to find them: Look for bundle deals on the airline’s website or on sites like Expedia and Kayak, where you can apply promo codes for combined travel bookings.
10. Verify Expiration Dates and Restrictions on Promo Codes
Flight promo codes usually come with terms and conditions, such as minimum spending requirements, blackout dates, or restrictions on certain routes. Always read the fine print to ensure the promo code is applicable to your intended travel dates and destinations.
- Extra tip: If a promo code doesn’t work, try using a different booking platform or look for similar codes on deal websites.
Conclusion: Get the Best Discounts with Flight Coupons and Promo Codes
Using flight coupons and promo codes is a smart way to reduce airfare, but it requires knowing where to look and understanding any restrictions. By following airlines, signing up for newsletters, and staying updated on travel deal websites, you can make the most of promo codes and enjoy substantial savings on your next flight.