Real Advice for Study Abroad Part 7: How to Get The Most Out of Flying on a Budget

It is a common complaint among students that getting to and from your destination by air is the most expensive and aggravating part of studying abroad after paying tuition.

However, traveling from point A to point B doesn't have to be all bad. Below are 5 way to maximize your air travel experience while adhering to even the most modest budget. Enjoy!

1. Be Flexible: When shopping for airfare, make sure to use the 'flexible dates' option to ensure you are scoring the very best deal. Sometimes, as is the case for my tickets to France, moving the departure dates around by just a day or two can save you several hundred dollars. From what I have seen, the beginning of the week is the cheapest, while weekend fares carry the heftiest fees. Also, shop around using several sites, look at fares for several airlines, AND check Retailmenot.com for coupon codes before settling for what appears at first glance to be an awesome deal.

2. Pack Light: Limiting yourself to just carry-on luggage is a choice riddled with benefits such as: 

• No outrageous checked luggage or overweight bag fees
• No carousel wait times
• Quick and efficient mobile check-in options 
• The flexibility of being able to catch an earlier or later flight
• The choice to fly with a discount airline like Ryanair
• and the near certainty that your bags will not be lost or damaged in transit no matter how many connection you have. 

Pairing down to the basics  and traveling with one suitcase and a backpack will make you feel much more in control of your trip, and give you a comfy place to rest your head or feet during a long layover.

3. Score a Free Stopover: Got an extra day to kill due to your super smart shopping skills? Why not use it to explore another city by turning a layover into a stopover? For example, for my trip from Chicago to Fredericton, New Brunswick I was able to finagle a 12 hour layover  in Montreal, Quebec in place of the standard 2 hour layover completely free of charge by speaking directly with an Air Canada travel agent and asking to take a later flight out of Montreal. This simple call allowed us to stash our luggage and explore the city of Montreal during their Provincial Holiday with no extra fuss. Just be aware of commuting times to and from the airport and leave ample time for customs and airport security if you choose to go this route.

4. Get a Free Upgrade: Signing up for Frequent Flyer Miles or Airline Rewards programs can put you in the pool for a free upgrade to executive class if there are seats open on your departure date. Airlines do this in order to clear out coach seats that can then be filled with standby customers who payed a reduced fare. If you aren't chosen for an upgrade, volunteer to be seated near an emergency exit to score some extra legroom.

5. Bring Everything You Need: Last but not least, keep in mind that airlines often offer in-flight food, bedding, beverages, you name it - for a fee. Forgo the plague blankets and $4 waters by bringing your own in-flight comfort package. Make sure to include:

• An EMPTY water bottle: As full bottles are not allowed through security and duty-free waters are $9, bring your own from home. Upon being seated, ask a flight attendant to please fill it up for you.
• A blanket or pashmina: We all know flights are frigid, so bring your own germ-free shawl. Pair it with some warm socks and you are on your way to slumberland.
• Earplugs or headphones and an eye mask or sunglasses: If you are me, the baby behind you will have an ear ache and the guy next to you will insist on leaving his reading light on, so come prepared with whatever you need to sleep through your flight in comfort.
• Munchies: Granola bars, snack mixes and other dry, room temperature foods are good to snack on in flight. Avoid Cheetos, juicy foods, and nuts to avoid a hand-washing trip to the restroom or the chance of inducing an allergic reaction of anyone around you. Gum is another must-have to keep your ears clear.
• Magazines or reading material: Bringing your own books can save yourself some frustration if you are unable to sleep. Plus, lending them to anyone around you and/or leaving them in the seat-back pocket for the next flyer may qualify as your good deed for the day.
• Lip balm and hand cream: In-flight air is very drying, so don't forget the moisturizer! Mentholatum is a good all-in-one choice for dry lips, under the nose, and chapped hands.
• A pen: From customs forms to crossword puzzles, a pen is a smart choice to keep with you while travelling or, really, any time.

I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful! Tell me your favorite travel hacks below in the comments.