Flying doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re based in Mountain View, California, and looking for affordable flights, you’re in luck. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Mountain View offers proximity to multiple major airports, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), and Oakland International Airport (OAK). With this triad of options comes the opportunity to score great deals on air travel. Here’s your comprehensive guide to finding cheap airfare from Mountain View.
1. Utilize Multiple Airports
One of the key advantages of living in Mountain View is the accessibility of several nearby airports. This geographic advantage allows travelers to shop around for the best prices. Make sure to compare fares departing from SFO, SJC, and OAK. Airline prices can vary significantly between different airports, and you might find a hidden gem just by expanding your search.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility can be your greatest asset when searching for cheap flights. Airfare can vary dramatically based on the day of the week, time of the day, and season. Typically, flying mid-week, such as on Tuesday or Wednesday, tends to be cheaper than weekend flights. Similarly, early morning or late-night flights (the so-called "red-eye" flights) often come with lower price tags. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to explore different date and time configurations.
3. Set Up Fare Alerts
Stay ahead of the game by setting up fare alerts. Most major travel websites allow you to set up notifications for specific routes. When fares drop to your target price, you’ll get an alert right in your inbox. Websites like Airfarewatchdog and Hopper are excellent at tracking fare fluctuations and can give you timely updates.
4. Consider Nearby Destinations
Sometimes, booking a flight to a nearby city and taking a short drive or train ride to your final destination can save you a significant amount of money. For example, if flying directly to Los Angeles is pricey, check flights into nearby airports like Burbank or Long Beach. The savings might justify a little extra travel time.
5. Be Loyal, But Stay Open
Joining airline loyalty programs can pay off in the long run, especially if you frequently fly with a particular carrier. However, being too loyal can sometimes limit your options. While accruing miles and points is beneficial, always keep an eye out for deals from other airlines. Another tip is to use airline credit cards for additional benefits like free checked bags or priority boarding.
6. Opt for Budget Airlines
Flying with budget airlines can offer significant savings. Airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier often have lower base fares compared to traditional carriers. However, be mindful of additional fees for things like baggage, seat selection, and in-flight amenities. Sometimes, these can add up, so ensure you’re still getting a deal once all costs are accounted for.
7. Book in Advance or Last Minute
Booking months in advance often yields great savings, as airlines typically release their cheapest seats first. However, sometimes, airlines drop prices dramatically to fill unsold seats as the departure date approaches. If you have the flexibility and are willing to take the gamble, last-minute deals can occasionally offer fantastic opportunities.
8. Leverage Technology
In today’s digital age, numerous apps and browser extensions can help you find the lowest fares. Tools such as Honey, Ebates (now Rakuten), and Skyscanner not only help you compare prices but can also apply vouchers and cashback deals to your purchases. Google Flights Explore Map is also a great way to see the range of prices for various destinations from your departure point.
9. Sign up for Newsletters and Follow Social Media
Airlines and travel websites often have exclusive deals for subscribers. Signing up for newsletters from airlines, as well as deal-alert services like Scott’s Cheap Flights, can give you access to promotions and flash sales. Following airlines and travel deal accounts on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can also alert you to unadvertised offers and limited-time sales.
10. Consider Alternative Routes
Sometimes, connecting flights can be significantly cheaper than direct flights. If time is not a constraint, searching for multi-leg journeys can uncover big savings. Checking into alternative routing options like flying into one airport and out of another (open-jaw tickets) can also provide cost benefits.
Conclusion
Scoring affordable flights from Mountain View doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With strategic planning, flexibility, and leveraging the right tools, you can find deals that make air travel both enjoyable and economical. By considering multiple airports, being flexible with your dates, setting up fare alerts, and exploring all available options, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy traveler and making the most out of your travel budget.
Bon voyage and happy savings!