How I Score Cheap Flights Despite Post-Pandemic Price Hikes

Have you noticed how travel has changed since the pandemic? It’s not just the lockdowns; the cost of flights has skyrocketed, making it seem unfair to travelers like us. But there’s a way to travel cheaply despite these price hikes, and I’m going to show you how.

My journey with travel costs

Before the pandemic, finding cheap flights was relatively straightforward. I remember booking a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia for just $320. Those were the days when travel felt accessible and affordable. I could plan spontaneous getaways without worrying about breaking the bank.

But everything changed after Covid-19 hit. Suddenly, flights were canceled, trips were postponed, and when travel finally resumed, the prices had soared. The same Los Angeles to Philadelphia flight I used to book for $320 now costs $685. The more I researched, the more I realized that this wasn’t just bad luck—airfare prices had genuinely skyrocketed.

Why have flights become so expensive?

Demand outpaces supply

During the pandemic, airlines reduced their number of flights due to decreased demand. Now, even though people are eager to travel again, the supply of available seats hasn’t kept up. Airlines are not rushing to increase their fleets; instead, they are capitalizing on the high demand with their existing planes. This leads to fully booked flights at higher prices.

Rising fuel and labor costs

Some might argue that rising oil prices shouldn’t affect airfare costs directly, but the reality is different. The cost of jet fuel has nearly doubled in the past year. Coupled with a shortage of pilots and flight attendants, airlines are facing higher operational costs. Naturally, these costs are passed on to the consumers in the form of higher ticket prices.

The struggle to find cheap deals

With these challenges, finding affordable flights feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’ve spent countless hours on various flight search engines, trying to snag a good deal before it’s gone. I tried setting alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, hoping they would help me find those elusive bargains.

But even with these tools, I often found myself missing out on the best deals. Google Flights and Skyscanner have alert features, but they didn’t always capture the price drops I was looking for. It was frustrating to see prices fluctuate, knowing I wasn’t catching the best offers.

Discovering RatePunk – my secret weapon for cheap flights

Then I stumbled upon RatePunk, a relatively new service that promised to change the way I book flights. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a try. RatePunk isn’t just another flight search engine; it’s a flight deal subscription service that does all the heavy lifting for you.

Here’s how it works: you sign up with your email address, choose how frequently you want to receive emails, select your home airport, and specify your preferred destinations. RatePunk then sends you curated flight deals tailored to your preferences. It sounded almost too good to be true, but I decided to test it out.

How RatePunk helped me save big on flights

I started receiving emails from RatePunk with deals that seemed almost unbelievable. For instance, I booked a roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to New York for just $200. To put it into perspective, the person sitting next to me on the flight had paid $600 for the same ticket. It was a revelation—I realized that while average fares might be rising, individual deals could still be found at incredible prices.

In March 2024 alone, RatePunk sent out deals like Minneapolis to Paris for $378, LA to Hawaii for $119, Atlanta to Iceland for $387, and Tennessee to London for $473, all roundtrip. These deals weren’t just real; they were spectacular!

Why RatePunk is better than Google Flights and Skyscanner for finding deals

At first, I wondered how RatePunk could outperform established services like Google Flights and Skyscanner, both of which also offer flight alert features. Here’s what I discovered:

Curated and personalized deals

While Google Flights and Skyscanner provide alerts, they often cover a broad range of options and may not be as tailored to your specific needs. RatePunk, on the other hand, focuses on curating deals that match your exact preferences, ensuring that the offers you receive are highly relevant.

Exclusive access to hidden deals

RatePunk’s algorithms scan the internet 24/7 to find not just any deals, but the best possible deals. This includes special fares that might not be prominently listed on other flight search engines. RatePunk leverages partnerships and insider knowledge to bring you deals that are often hidden from the average user.

Ease of use and convenience

RatePunk’s interface is user-friendly and straightforward. Instead of spending hours searching through various websites and setting multiple alerts, you receive an email with the best deals directly in your inbox. It saves time and effort, making the entire process hassle-free.

My personal experience with RatePunk – honest review

Since subscribing to RatePunk, I’ve booked multiple trips at prices that seemed impossible post-pandemic. The best part? I didn’t have to spend hours hunting for these deals—they came straight to me.

For example, I recently flew from Los Angeles to Hawaii for just $119 roundtrip. That’s less than what I would typically spend on a domestic flight within California! RatePunk has consistently provided me with opportunities to travel without breaking the bank.

Stop overpaying for flights – join RatePunk today and save big!

If you’re tired of overpaying for flights and spending hours searching for deals, RatePunk is your solution. It’s a flight deal subscription service designed to help you find the best fares effortlessly. Here’s why you should join:

• Save Big: Get alerts when prices drop up to 90% off.

• Travel More: Use the savings to take more trips and explore new destinations.

• Stress-Free Booking: Receive curated deals tailored to your preferences without the hassle.

Don’t let rising airfare prices keep you grounded. Join RatePunk today and start traveling smarter. Trust me, once you see the savings, you’ll never look back.

About The Author

Emily has a background in travel journalism and has been working in the industry for over 8 years. She has a passion for discovering the best flight deals, reviewing airlines, and providing insider tips for smart travel planning. Having visited over 40 countries, Emily’s expertise shines through in her ability to guide readers on how to save money while maximizing their travel experiences.

3 comments

Peter says:

with Going not working anymore, I hope your advice can fill that void! lets see.

Sofia says:

I like when writers share their life experiences! thank Emily!

Megan says:

Sounds straightforward to me. Travel alerts has been around for a while, but if a system can only send you the good deals, then that can be very helpful!

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