How to save on flight tickets right before the holidays

Holiday season is here and with it comes the annual stress of figuring out how to travel without putting a dent in your bank account. Booking flights at the last minute can feel like a heist gone wrong but don't panic — there's always a way to save, even if you are just a few clicks away from a meltdown. Here's the playbook, Dhaka-style, to get you on that flight without bleeding your wallet dry.

Be flexible

If you are dead set on leaving Friday morning and coming back Sunday night, congratulations, you have just entered the premium pricing club. However, if you can shift your plans even a little — say, flying out on a random Tuesday at 5 AM — you will save a lot. Think of it like shopping at New Market at 10 AM instead of 7 PM — you avoid the rush and get better deals.

Incognito mode is your best friend

Airlines and booking sites are watching your every search like that nosy aunt who wants to know your salary. Use incognito mode or clear your cookies before looking for flights. The prices will not magically drop, but at least they will not keep going up because you have searched for the same route 18 times today.

Forget fancy flights

Budget airlines exist for a reason, and no, it's not just to remind you how small aeroplane seats can get. Sure, you will not get a meal or an extra blanket, but do you really need those for a 2-hour flight? Pack light, skip the legroom, and think of it like riding a packed Leguna in the air — you'll survive, and you'll save!

Odd hours are gold

Nobody wants to fly at 3 AM, which is exactly why those flights are cheaper. It's like sneaking out for fuchka at midnight — yes, it's inconvenient, but the satisfaction of saving money is worth it.

Use price trackers

Apps exist that will alert you when ticket costs drop; this is essentially the flying version of your nosy buddy informing you that your crush has uploaded a new picture. To monitor fares without having to reload the page every five minutes, use apps like Skyscanner or Google Flights. It's similar to having a supportive virtual wingman.

Skip the peak booking hours

Everyone's looking for flights during office hours or after dinner, which means prices shoot up faster than onion prices. Instead, search for flights early in the morning or late at night, when the internet is not clogged with desperate travellers. Think of it like buying fish at Karwan Bazar — go early, haggle hard, and leave before the chaos starts.

Travel light

You are charged for everything, even your desire to live, by airlines in order to generate revenue. Reduce the weight of your luggage to prevent incurring exorbitant costs. Be brutal: for a two-day trip, do you really need three pairs of shoes?

Call the airline — Yes, people still do that

Avoid using apps alone while purchasing tickets for a group. Make a direct call to the airline and request a group discount. They will usually say no, but occasionally they will surprise you. If not, at least you made an effort.

Consider connecting flights

Sure, direct flights are more convenient, but they also cost more. If you do not mind a few layovers, you can save a good amount of money. Comparable to riding a local bus to Gabtoli and then boarding the large bus, it's a little more work, but your pocketbook will appreciate it. Make sure your stopover is not so brief that you are running through airports.

Don't chase "Dream deals"

You know those viral TikToks where someone claims they got a Dhaka-to-London flight for Tk 200? Yeah, they're lying! Don't waste time waiting for a magical deal that does not exist. Instead, focus on the small savings — shaving off a few thousand takas here and there is still a win.