WATCH: Searching for savings on summer air travel

As the summer season approaches, many of us are itching to pack our bags and jet off to our dream destinations. But with rising airfare costs, it can be difficult to make those travel dreams a reality. Luckily, travel expert Katy Nastro is here to share some insider tips on how to save money on air travel this summer. Plus, she has some exciting news about a new rule regarding portable battery chargers on Southwest Airlines.

First and foremost, Nastro suggests being flexible with your travel dates. This can make a significant difference in the cost of your airfare. Instead of sticking to specific dates, consider traveling during the week instead of on weekends. Flights tend to be cheaper on weekdays, as most people prefer to travel on weekends. Additionally, be open to layovers and connecting flights, as they can often be cheaper than direct flights.

Another tip from Nastro is to book your flights in advance. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people wait until the last minute to book their tickets, resulting in higher prices. Nastro recommends booking at least three months in advance for domestic flights and six months for international flights. This not only saves you money, but it also gives you more options when it comes to choosing your seats and flight times.

It’s also important to be aware of the different budget airlines and their offerings. These airlines may not have the same amenities as larger, more expensive airlines, but they can save you a significant amount of money. Nastro suggests checking out airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant for affordable options.

One of Nastro’s top tips for saving money on air travel is to sign up for airline loyalty programs. These programs often offer perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and even free flights. Plus, they are usually free to join, so it’s a win-win situation. Nastro also suggests signing up for airline newsletters and following them on social media to be the first to know about any flash sales or discounts.

In addition to these money-saving tips, Nastro also has some exciting news for Southwest Airlines passengers. The airline recently announced a new rule regarding portable battery chargers. In the past, Southwest only allowed passengers to bring battery chargers with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. However, they have now increased the limit to 160 watt-hours. This means that passengers can now bring larger, more powerful battery chargers on their flights, providing more flexibility for travelers who rely on electronic devices during their journeys.

This change is especially beneficial for those traveling with laptops, as many laptop batteries exceed the previous 100 watt-hour limit. Now, passengers can rest easy knowing their devices will have enough juice to last through their flights and beyond. Nastro applauds this move by Southwest, stating that it shows the airline’s commitment to providing a positive and convenient travel experience for their customers.

In addition to this new rule, Southwest also offers other perks for travelers, such as free checked bags and no change fees. Nastro encourages travelers to take advantage of these benefits and to consider flying with Southwest for their summer travels.

As we all know, air travel can be expensive, but with these tips from Katy Nastro, we can all save some money and make our travel dreams a reality. By being flexible with our travel dates, booking in advance, and taking advantage of airline loyalty programs, we can cut down on our airfare costs. And with the new rule regarding portable battery chargers on Southwest Airlines, we can stay connected and entertained throughout our flights. So, pack your bags, grab your battery chargers, and get ready for an affordable and hassle-free summer vacation!

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