Travel

Part 3: Are Timeshares Ever Worth It?

October 19, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

By and large, timeshares don’t represent a good investment. They cost tens of thousands of dollars to purchase, come with annual maintenance fees that generally climb every year, and aren’t easily resold. However, that doesn’t deter people from considering them. This leaves many to wonder, are timeshares ever worth it?

The Potential Benefits of Timeshares

Even though timeshares have a reputation for being expensive, that doesn’t mean they don’t offer certain benefits over other vacation options. One of the main features of owning a timeshare is the predictability. You know exactly where you can stay and when you have access to the unit.

Essentially, the ability to spend time at the timeshare is guaranteed. For individuals who like to plan well in advance, this can offer a lot of peace of mind.

Additionally, many timeshares come with features that aren’t always available in all hotels. For example, you may have a full kitchen or a decent sized kitchenette. These amenities make it easier to prepare your own meals. A lot of timeshares also have living areas and separate bedrooms, making them feel more like an apartment or condo than a hotel.

Now, this isn’t to say that you can’t find those features in a hotel. There are numerous chains, especially those that cater to extended stays, that offer similar arrangements. However, they might not be as prevalent as traditional rooms, depending on your destination.

The Potential Drawbacks of Timeshares

In many cases, the cost of a timeshare is the biggest drawback. Along with paying for your portion of the unit, you have to contend with annual maintenance fees. And, if you financed the purchase, you’re also spending money on interest along the way.

Usually, you’ll spend significantly more on a timeshare than you would on a five-star hotel room in the same city, particularly if you are paying down a timeshare loan. Further, you may not have access to all of the amenities you can get with a hotel, like concierge services or continental breakfasts.

For some, the predictability a timeshare offers isn’t actually a benefit; it’s a hindrance. If you are restricted to a single unit, then you can’t necessarily swap time at your timeshare for something else. Plus, if you can only use the property during a predetermined week each year, you have to take a vacation then or risk missing out for the year.

Selling a timeshare is also usually a challenge. In the vast majority of cases, you aren’t going to recoup what you spent in the first place. Plus, market oversaturation is common. Unless you have a highly desirable unit in a great location, it can take months or years to offload a timeshare, and you’ll often have to deal with a loss to get it off your hands.

Is There Such a Thing as an Affordable Timeshare?

While the majority of timeshares aren’t a wise investment, that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals. However, if you want to find one, you need to abandon the idea of buying into a new property.

The timeshare resale market can hold some bargains. Since many timeshare owners are desperate to offload their timeshares, they may be willing to sell you theirs for cheap. Effectively, by buying a “used” timeshare, you can avoid paying retail, and that can make all of the difference.

In some situations, buyers report finding timeshares on the resale market for less than a dollar. Usually, this happens when the owner simply wants to get out of paying for the annual maintenance fees and is willing to let the property go for nothing.

If you can find a significantly discounted timeshare, your only property-related cost becomes the maintenance fees. In those cases, a timeshare can actually be reasonably affordable.

For example, if you secure a week (seven days) at a timeshare for a dollar and are only responsible for $980 in maintenance fees (the national average), you’re effectively spending $140 per day for that time. Depending on the size of the unit and any amenities, that may be fairly competitive, when compared to similarly appointed hotel rooms.

So, Are Timeshares Ever Worth It?

While a timeshare isn’t going to be a smart buying decision for many people, there are situations where they aren’t a horrible choice. If you focus on the resale market, you can potentially acquire a timeshare at a reasonable price. Then, as long as the maintenance fees are less than what you would spend on a comparable hotel, you can possibly come out ahead.

However, if you aren’t willing to vacation at the same place, potentially during the same week, year in and year out, a timeshare might not be right for you, even if the cost is reasonable. In most cases, timeshare arrangements lack flexibility, so, if the unexpected prevents you from going, you just miss out that year.

Plus, when you buy a timeshare, you’re locked in for the long-term. Even if you don’t use the property every year, you have to pay the annual maintenance fees. Over time, maintenance fees are practically guaranteed to rise, so it is going to cost you more down the road than it does today. And, if you decide that you want to get out of that obligation, it can take a lot of time to sell.

Be Realistic

If you are considering buying a timeshare, you need to be incredibly realistic about your situation. Can you use it every year without question? Do you want to vacation in the same location over and over? Are the maintenance fees truly affordable? Can you get a similar space at a hotel without that level of commitment?

By considering those questions, you can figure out if a timeshare is worth it to you. Often, people discover that they aren’t, but everyone is different. If you understand the risks and costs and still think it’s the right move, then it’s an option on the table.

Have you bought into a timeshare and found that it was worth it? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Part 2: This Is How Much Timeshare Ownership Really Costs

October 12, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

In 2017, timeshare sales volume hit $9.6 billion in the U.S. That’s a nearly 4 percent increase over 2016 and a 26 percent increase from 2013. But, even if people are buying into timeshares, it doesn’t mean they’re a great value. In fact, as a consumer, figuring out what a timeshare will cost can be a challenge. How much do timeshares cost? Many consumers will be surprised by the answer.

Understanding What You Are Buying

When you own a timeshare, you aren’t actually purchasing the property. Instead, you become one of many buyers who have a stake in the unit.

Timeshare owners buy “intervals” at a specific property. Each interval represents a certain amount of time, usually a week. If you purchase one interval, you “own” the property for one week each year. During that period, you can stay in the unit.

It’s important to note that not all units are sold in one-week intervals. In some cases, the interval is one-tenth or one-quarter of a year, but those aren’t nearly as common as those based on a week.

The Cost of a Timeshare Interval

For 2017, the average sale price of a timeshare interval was $22,180. In the vast majority of cases, this amount is due upfront.

However, not unlike buying a home with a mortgage, financing options are usually available. If that’s the route you choose, it’s important to understand that the interest rates are typically much higher than with a mortgage.

Even though a timeshare is a physical property, it isn’t one that you fully own. If you default on the loan, the lender can’t foreclose on the unit and resell it to recuperate their losses. Since the lender is taking on more risk in these arrangements that other loans associated with physical assets, the interest rate is usually higher to compensate.

On average, 10-year timeshare loans from the resort come with interest rates of 14 percent. However, borrowers with lower credit ratings or loans through specific lenders may reach closer to 20 percent.

If you finance a $22,180 timeshare for 10 years at 14 percent, you’ll pay $344 per month, or $3,440 a year, for the next decade. Over the course of the loan, you’ll pay over $19,000 just in interest. In total, buying the timeshare cost around $41,000.

If you end up with a 20 percent interest rate instead, you’ll owe $429 per month, or $4,290 a year. By the time you pay off the loan 10 years later, you’ll have paid nearly $30,000 in interest alone. That brings the total cost of the timeshare to around $52,000.

But that isn’t all you have to pay for with a timeshare. You’ll have to deal with maintenance fees too.

Maintenance Fees

In 2017, the average maintenance fee for a timeshare was $980. While that may not sound like a lot of the surface, if you consider that most timeshare owners only have access to the property for one week each year, that’s an awfully high price to pay.

Additionally, it showcases precisely how much timeshare resorts make from maintenance fees alone. If every owner has rights to one week a year, that means the property can have 52 owners. If each of those owners pays that $980 fee, that’s a total of $50,960 per year, and that’s only for one unit.

With approximately 1,570 timeshare resorts in the U.S. and 205,100 units between them, the average U.S. resort has about 131 units. Annually, an average resort brings in an astonishing $6.6+ million in maintenance fees alone.

Unlike paying for an interval, maintenance fees are due every year. Additionally, this cost tends to trend upward, so maintenance fees almost always end up more expensive over the long run, not less.

It’s also important to understand that, while the average fee is $980, some maintenance costs are much higher. Some high-end properties have maintenance fees that reach $3,000 or more for one-week interval owners, which many would deem to be unaffordable.

So, How Much Do Timeshares Cost?

Based on the metrics above, while you are paying off a timeshare property and dealing with maintenance fees, the unit costs between $4,420 and $5,270 for a single interval each year. If you only get access to the property for a week (seven days) every year, you are effectively paying between $631 and $752 per night for the 10 years you are paying off the loan on the interval for the unit.

To put that in perspective, the average cost of a five-star hotel in New York is around $362 per night. In Florida, the average is $336 for a five-star hotel, and Nevada, the home of Las Vegas, comes in at $239 per night.

Plus, when you buy a timeshare, you might not gain access to features you would get at a hotel. While the units often have full kitchens, something that may help you save on meals, not all of them do. Additionally, benefits like a continental breakfast aren’t always part of the package.

Housekeeping may also be somewhat limited at timeshares during the course of your stay, and you could be responsible for specific tasks like taking your own garbage to a dumpster on the property or putting used dishes in a dishwasher on your last day. While this isn’t always the case, you have to read the fine print to make sure. Otherwise, you could be stuck with a fine for failing to adhere to the rules.

Concierge-style services can also vary, so the amount of support you get from the organization operating the timeshare property may not rival area five-star hotels either.

Cost Over Improvements

Now, once you spend a decade paying off the timeshare loan, the cost per night at the timeshare does drop to $140, based on current average maintenance costs. However, that amount will likely increase every year, and you may not see any amenity offerings improve over time.

Ultimately, the cost of a timeshare is usually significantly higher than paying for other forms of accommodations, at least during the time you are paying off the loan. Plus, you are often locked into a particular property and possibly even a specific week each year.

If you aren’t able to vacation during that time or at that location, you don’t get your money back. Instead, it was simply wasted that year. If you can’t imagine practically tossing $4,400+ out a window if you can’t make it, then a timeshare probably isn’t right for you.

Stuck in a Timeshare?

If you are stuck in a timeshare and want to get out from under that burden, we recommend contacting Newton Group Transfers at 1-888-549-4154. They are a timeshare exit company with a stellar reputation and have been helping timeshare owners since 2003. They are also A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and were recently named finalists for the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

How much do timeshares cost? Did you know before reading this article? Tell us more in the comments below.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Part 1: Why Timeshares Are Bad for You

October 5, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 1 Comment

Timeshares have a controversial role in the vacation industry. Usually, they are touted as investments, making them sound like smart financial decisions. Often, their convenience is a major selling point, according to the sellers. But, in the end, timeshares are rarely either, making them incredibly bad for you and your finances.

The Financial Burden of Owning a Timeshare

In most cases, you first have to pay off your timeshare. If you secure a loan through the timeshare company, it usually takes years to finish paying this debt, especially since the interest rates tend to be high.

Even after you pay off your timeshare, you aren’t out of the woods. For the entire time you own a timeshare, you are typically responsible for hundreds of dollars each year in maintenance fees. Plus, this expense usually goes up every year.

To make matters worse, you have to pay these fees even if you don’t use your timeshare allotment. And, if you miss one of those payments, the timeshare company can potentially foreclose on you.

Why Timeshares Are Bad Investments

Calling a timeshare an investment is really a misnomer. Investments should help you generate income or at least increase in value, allowing you to profit when you sell.

However, timeshares generally don’t meet either of those criteria. Instead, they are an expense; a long-term financial burden you can’t easily unload.

They Lose Value

Timeshares don’t operate like other forms of real estate. In many cases, they lose value over time, even if the location is generally desirable. Plus, the supply of timeshares far outweighs demand. If you want to sell, you usually have to do so at a loss and, even then, it could take months or years to get it off your hands. Additionally, even if you do sell at a loss, you can’t claim it as a capital loss on your taxes, making the situation worse.

You’ll Lose Money

In the meantime, you can’t earn much income from timeshares either. Your only option is to potentially rent your timeshare out during your allotted time. However, unless you can rent it for enough to cover your maintenance fees and loan payment, you’re still losing money.

You Don’t Own Anything

While timeshare participants are sold as being “owners,” that isn’t really true either. You don’t officially have many rights to the property itself. Instead, you are a co-owner, and one of many. Usually, you can’t do anything to the unit to make it more valuable to potential buyers or more personal, simply as a means of enjoyment.

Why Timeshares Aren’t Always Convenient

Salespeople try to tell you that timeshares are convenient. They claim you’ll save money in comparison to setting up family vacations every year, but that usually isn’t true. When you add the cost of a timeshare and the maintenance fees together, coming out ahead isn’t common.

Plus, you are locked into a specific week and location every year. If you want to travel to another destination, that timeshare can’t come with you. And, if you can’t go on a trip during that particular week, you usually can’t reschedule for another time.

Instead, you are stuck with one scenario, year-in, and year-out. If you do decide to travel elsewhere, then you are paying for a timeshare and a separate vacation, which isn’t convenient or cost-effective.

Timeshares Are Bad For Most People

Ultimately, no matter what the salesperson says, timeshares are bad for most people. They aren’t a good investment or a convenient, cost-saving vacation solution. Instead, they are an expense, a financial burden that is incredibly hard to escape. If you do manage to get out of it, you usually take a serious loss, and you can’t even use that to lower your tax burden.

In many ways, timeshares are a trap, so make sure to look past the flashy promotions and overzealous sales presentation and really read the fine print if you even consider one. Otherwise, you’ll likely regret your decision.

If you have already made the decision to get a timeshare before reading this article and now you want out, you can contact The Newton Group Transfers at 1-888-549-4154. They are there to help turn this bad decision around. Call them today!

Have you ever gotten tangled up in a timeshare? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Are You Kidding Me With These Hotel Fees?

September 26, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 1 Comment

Not long ago, hotel prices were largely all-inclusive. Aside from obvious extra expenses, like pay-per-view movies, raiding the mini-bar, or ordering room service, travelers knew exactly how much their stay would cost. Now, you might be surprised by any number of hidden hotel fees during check-in or check-out.

What are Hidden Hotel Fees?

Hidden hotel fees can include any charge that is automatically added to the price of your stay. Although, not clearly displayed during booking. They are costs on top of the room rate and are often unavoidable.

By charging separate fees for each service and incidentals, hotels can advertise just the room rates. These rates entice travelers into booking. Then, once the person goes to pay for the room, either online, during check-in, or at check-out, they discover that the low rate is only part of the cost.

In some cases, hidden fees can increase the rate of the room significantly. If a traveler is unaware of the additional cost and doesn’t have to pay until check-in, they could be stunned. Further, the additional costs could make the room unaffordable, leaving them stuck without a place to stay.

Certain additional fees are notoriously expensive. Others may be small. When you add several of them together, they can significantly increase the total cost of the room. Here are a few hidden hotel fees that travelers could encounter.

Resort Fees

Potentially the most notorious hidden hotel fee, resort fees are usually mandatory. In some cases, they may even double the price of the room — a fact that can leave travelers reeling.

Resorts fees are especially common in certain major vacation destinations, like Las Vegas and Hawaii. Often, the charge gives the guest access to onsite facilities, like the pool and fitness center. However, even if a traveler doesn’t intend to use those facilities, they still have to pay.

Housekeeping Fees

To many, the idea of having to pay an additional fee for housekeeping is absurd. After all, hotels have to clean their rooms, at least between guests, so the fact that the service may not be part of the base cost seems odd.

However, some hotels are introducing these costs as additional fees instead of including them in the room rate. At times, you may even see signs in your room stating that you, as the guest, are “expected” to tip your housekeeper. This is a method that allows the hotel to save money on employee wages, asserting that part of that cost is your responsibility.

Parking Lot Fees

While most travelers aren’t surprised if there is an additional charge for valet parking, encountering a hidden fee to use an unattended parking lot may come as a surprise. On occasion, this unexpected cost is exposed when you drive up to the lot, see a drop-down barrier, have to take a ticket to gain access, and then learn of the hourly or daily rate.

In other cases, you might discover this hidden hotel fee at check-in. Hotels often ask guests for details about their cars to track which vehicles belong to those staying at the hotel. However, once they learn you are parking in their unattended lot, they may slap on the usage fee. Unless there is somewhere else you can park nearby, you’re usually stuck forking over the cash.

Early Check-In Fees

An early check-in fee may or may not surprise you, depending on how your arrival plays out. For example, if you were aware that you would need to check in early and arranged for early check-in in advance, you might know that it will cost you extra.

However, if you merely happen to arrive before your official check-in time and optimistically approach the counter to see if your room happens to be ready, the hotel may tack on this fee even though no additional effort on their part was necessary.

Certain hotels, such as those in popular vacation destinations, even tack on the cost automatically. Then, if you check-in after the standard time, you have to request the removal of the fee. If you don’t notice this hidden hotel fee, then you end up paying it, even if you didn’t check in early.

Safe Fees

Another surprising additional cost that may appear on your bill is a safe fee. This covers the cost of having access to the safe in your room, even though it is always there and you may not use it.

Usually, safe fees are incredibly small, so many travelers don’t notice the increase in your bill. However, if you do spot a safe fee, you can attempt to contest it. While it is hard to prove that you didn’t use the safe, it’s typically worth a try.

Safe fees are also smart to ask about in advance, especially if you are on a tight budget. In some cases, it will be as little as a dollar or two, but it can potentially be much higher.

Wi-Fi Fees

In today’s digital world, the fact that many hotels still charge for Wi-Fi seems out of line. However, many locations still do, and this can be a surprise extra cost if you aren’t aware of the hotel’s policies.

In many cases, you can find out if Wi-Fi is included before your arrival. Many hotels openly advertise if they have free Wi-Fi. At times, the notorious resort fee covers the cost, though this isn’t a guarantee.

If the hotel does charge for Wi-Fi, it may run up to $20 a day. Additionally, you may be able to only connect a set number of devices, often ranging between two and five, without having to pay more.

Coffee Fees

Coffee fees usually catch travelers off guard. Some hotels attach a fee to providing a coffeemaker, even if it always remains in the room. Others will only assess an additional fee if you ask for a coffeemaker, storing them near the check-in desk to make sure you pay up.

Even if access to the coffee pot is complimentary, some hotels now charge for the coffee they provide. Sometimes, they use the mini-bar approach by putting the coffee in your room and then calculate how much you owe according to what you used.

Plus, depending on the kind of coffeemaker they provide, you might not be able to bring in your own coffee to avoid the fees. Usually, you aren’t going to find standard drip coffeemakers or Keurigs in these situations, as it’s pretty easy to buy that coffee on your own to use the coffeepot. Instead, they will use a non-standard pod design, making it harder to avoid paying.

Phone Call Fees

While encountering long distance calling fees at a hotel usually doesn’t catch travelers by surprise, some locations also charge for local calls. Typically, you have to pay by the minute, so you won’t even know how much it adds to your bill until you check out.

Credit Card Holds and Incidental Fees

While these charges aren’t always permanent, credit card holds and charges for incidentals added to your card can throw your vacation budget off. Hotels often add security deposits to protect the hotel if you cause damage, refunding the money only after check out, a process that can take days.

Some locations also charge a fee for incidentals upfront. This covers your possible use of the mini-bar and certain other services, lowering the chance that you’ll try to skip out without paying. If you don’t incur those costs, the incidentals upfront fee may also be refunded but, as mentioned above, it can take days to get your money back.

How to Avoid Hidden Hotel Fees

In many cases, hidden hotel fees aren’t entirely avoidable. However, each hotel or chain has their own policies regarding these costs. By shopping around, you may be able to find hotels with fewer fees, making your stay more affordable.

Have you ever encountered hidden hotel fees? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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It’s Not Too Late to Take Advantage of These Labor Day Travel Deals

August 21, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

Many people are looking forward to the long weekend Labor Day provides. For many Americans this means road trips and travel plans. If you haven’t made your Labor Day travel arrangements, don’t worry. There are still a few last-minute deals you can take advantage of without breaking the bank.

Affordable Labor Day Travel Destinations

Where you decide to travel this Labor Day will have an impact on how much your trip will cost, of course. According to KAYAK, these will be the most affordable Labor Day travel destinations.

St. Louis

St. Louis budget hotels hover around $105 per night. Flights into St. Louis are also extremely affordable at this time of year. You may even be able to find flights as low as $131 round-trip if you book through a third-party site. Many of the hotels in St. Louis also offer special packages for your stay. For instance, the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel offers families a package with movie tickets, parking, and breakfast.

Washington, D.C.

There is plenty to do in D.C. for the Labor Day holiday. If you’ve ever visited the nation’s Capitol you know there are a plethora of museums to visit. On Labor Day, the National Symphony Orchestra also puts on a free concert. Because there are plenty of airports nearby, you should be able to find an affordable plane ticket without much of a problem.

Local hotels are normally a bit pricey. However, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill is offering rooms from $112 per night. If you’re a member of AAA you’ll get an additional 10% off and free breakfast for two.

New Orleans

New Orleans is generally an affordable trip all year long. Through Labor Day weekend you should be able to find flights from $149 round-trip and you’ll be able to see New Orleans’ LGBT festival in full swing. Because of the festival, there will be plenty of deals on activities, events, and hotels in the area. If you’re finding everything is booked, you may want to consider an Airbnb.

New River Gorge

Individuals living around West Virginia may consider a drive to New River Gorge. It is a short weekend drive from a number of locations on the East Coast. Adventures on the Gorge, an adventure resort in Fayetteville, W. Va., is offering a buy one outdoor activity, get one free special Labor Day weekend. You’ll pay just $149 for two people to go whitewater rafting and $99 for ziplining for two (the regular price for one). You can choose your accommodations based on your budget as well. The resort has campsites from $15 and cabins available (up to $1,150 per night for a luxury cabin).

Hershey Park

Families may be looking for something that everyone will enjoy. If that’s the case, consider a trip to Hershey Park. Once again, many people on the East Coast can easily drive there for the weekend. A price tag of $458 per night (for a family of four) will get you free breakfast and free admission to Hershey Park for kids under the age of 17.

Labor Day Flight Deals

If you’re less concerned with the destination and just want a quick getaway you may make your decision based on the price of a round-trip ticket. According to CN Traveler, there are still some great deals to be had when booking your Labor Day weekend flight. Here are some of the best prices still available.

Dallas to Los Angeles: You may find round-trip tickets to L.A. from Dallas for as little as $277 with Delta airlines.
New York to London: Fly with Wow Air from NY to London round-trip for $380.
Houston to San Diego: Round-trip flights to San Diego from Houston Labor Day weekend on United are running about $233.
L.A. to Austin: Fly into Austin from L.A. and back for just $262 with Delta.
Atlanta to Cancun: You can get an amazing deal on flights to Cancun from Atlanta with American Airlines. Average round-trip ticket prices for Labor Day weekend are hovering around $286.
San Francisco to Honolulu: Get away to Hawaii for just $397 round-trip from San Francisco. (Hawaiian Airlines)
Chicago to Ft. Lauderdale: Ft. Lauderdale is a popular Labor Day travel destination. You can get a round-trip ticket from Chicago for just $294 with United Airlines.

It is important to note that, for the most part, a good deal on travel is going to occur when you’ve booked far enough in advance or are able to fly in or out of an international airport. You can also save money by making travel plans within driving distance of your home or finding events closer to you.

These are just a few of the best travel deals this Labor Day. Readers, are you traveling over the holiday weekend? Did you score a good deal?

Airline Discounts You Should Be Using Now

August 17, 2018 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Each and every day, approximately 2.6 million passengers board flights in the US. On average, airline customers spend around $340 for a round-trip domestic ticket, though some routes commonly exceed the average.

Even if you do spend the average amount, for a family of four, that means paying about $1,360. And, considering that extra costs like baggage fees can increase that total, finding discounts can be crucial if you are dealing with a tight budget.

However, many would-be passengers don’t take advantage of every discount that may be available to them, largely because they aren’t aware that they are available. Airlines don’t always advertise their discounts in obvious ways, so it’s important to know which ones you could be entitled to before you book your flight.

Government Employee and Military Discounts

Many airlines offer lower fares to government employees and military members, but you may have to contact the carrier to see if you and your flight qualify, as well as to find out the cost difference.

For example, American Airlines provides discounts to government and military personnel, but only in specific markets, which they don’t identify on their site. Additionally, they don’t outline how much of a price reduction you can receive, so you have to contact reservations to find out.

Delta Airlines has a similar benefit but also does not provide clear details about the entitlement online.

However, JetBlue is a little more open. Military fares for leisure travel are 5 percent cheaper than regular base fares.

Other airlines offer the benefit as well, so don’t hesitate to contact your preferred carrier directly if you are a government employee or member of the military. Just keep in mind that some airlines only provide discounts for official government travel, while others extend the benefit to leisure travel as well.

Large Party Discounts

In some cases, traveling in a large group makes you eligible for a discount, depending on the size of your party.

Alaska Airlines has two discount programs for groups, each with its own requirements. If you are traveling together on the same flight with 10 or more people in your party, you get a discount. If you are on separate flights, then you need a group of at least 20.

American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have similar programs, mostly with a party minimum of 10 people. Plus, most of these programs provide at least one free name change per ticket, allowing you to choose a new party member if someone else can’t make it.

Senior Airline Discounts

AARP members tend to be eligible for a range of discounts, and flights are no exception. If you have AARP, British Airways offers one of the best discounts, allowing you to save up to $200 on a flight.

Senior fares are also available through numerous carriers, with the age requirement typically being 65 or older. American, Delta, Southwest, and United have lower fares available for seniors. However, they may only be available on certain routes, and you might have to call the carrier to secure the discount.

College Student Discounts

Students at colleges and universities may be eligible for cheaper fares through American Airlines. This is thanks to a partnership with StudentUniverse. This can make traveling home during the summer or heading to a spring break destination more affordable. Which is something that is incredibly beneficial for students with tight budgets. Plus, students may have access to hotel and tour discounts too, making a vacation easier on their wallets.

Lufthansa’s Generation Fly program provides a similar benefit to American students. They offer some of their lowest fares to students and an exceptional amount of flexibility. This flexibility includes date changes and the ability to schedule up to 12 months abroad as a round-trip.

Bereavement Fares

If you are scheduling an immediate flight. This is typically with only 24 to 48 hours’ notice, after the death of a loved one, you may be eligible for special bereavement fares.

These are meant to help travelers reach their destinations quickly should an immediate family member die, allowing them to attend funerals and similar events. In some cases, discounts are available. Additionally, the tickets may provide more flexibility, making it easier to change your return date should your plans change unexpectedly.

Conditions and requirement vary from one carrier to the next. Alaska offers a 10 percent discount based on the lowest available fare within seven days of travel to those who qualify. However, you have to be a member of their Mileage Plan. The plan is free to join and you have to call them directly.

Delta has a similar program, and being a SkyMiles Member is a requirement.

Ultimately, all of these discounts are frequently available. If you have a preferred carrier, contact them directly and inquire about their programs. You may also be able to find details on their websites.

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