What does positioning flights mean?

The Art of Flight Positioning: Finding Hidden Airfare Savings

Finding cheap flights feels like a treasure hunt. While comparison websites are invaluable, a savvy traveler can unlock even deeper discounts by understanding and utilizing a strategy called “flight positioning.” This isn’t about meticulously choosing your seat; it’s about strategically choosing your starting point.

Instead of flying directly from your home airport, flight positioning involves booking a flight to a different, often less-expensive, airport before continuing to your final destination. This intermediary airport acts as a crucial stepping stone, allowing you to tap into airfare deals that might be unavailable from your original departure point.

Think of it like this: Airport A (your home) might have consistently high prices to Airport Z (your destination). But Airport B (a strategically chosen intermediary airport, perhaps a major hub known for competitive pricing), might offer significantly cheaper flights to Airport Z. By booking a relatively inexpensive flight from Airport A to Airport B, followed by a cheaper flight from Airport B to Airport Z, you can often achieve significant savings compared to a direct flight.

This tactic isn’t just for budget travelers. While it’s undeniably beneficial for those seeking economy fares, flight positioning can also yield substantial savings on premium cabin tickets. The logic remains the same: leverage the lower prices available from specific transit hubs to reduce the overall cost of your journey.

Choosing your intermediary airport requires some planning:

• Consider major hubs: Airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), or Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) often boast intense competition between airlines, leading to lower fares.
• Look beyond your immediate area: Be willing to consider airports a reasonable driving distance from your home, even if it adds a little ground travel time. The savings on the airfare might far outweigh the cost and inconvenience of the extra leg of your journey.
• Factor in layover times: Don’t sacrifice comfort for cost. Ensure your layover isn’t excessively long or inconvenient. Aim for a connection that allows for a comfortable transition between flights.
• Use flight comparison websites strategically: Use these tools to compare prices for flights to potential intermediary airports, factoring in the cost of connecting flights.

Flight positioning isn’t a magic bullet, and it requires a little more effort than simply booking a direct flight. However, for those willing to invest the time in research and planning, it can unlock substantial savings, making that dream vacation or important business trip more affordable. So, the next time you’re searching for flights, remember to consider the possibilities beyond your doorstep – you might just discover a hidden airfare treasure.