How to find cheap domestic flights (during COVID-19)
Since America can’t seem to get their shit together re: COVID-19, other countries are banning Americans from entering. Americans have been incredibly lucky in the past just by having an American passport and we are now feeling the pressure to get our act right and the privilege we’ve experienced by being Americans and traveling. Right now, the best deals are domestic since it is unclear when we can travel internationally again. As always, practice safe traveling and wipe down all of your surfaces on the plane and hotel room, EVEN WHEN COVID-19 ISN’T HAPPENING.
This link will show you every country that is allowing Americans to visit right now.
Here are some tips to find some cheap domestic flights right now:
Scotts Cheap Flights now has a domestic flight service for premium members. This is the #1 way I find my cheap flights. It is only $49/year and you will be bombarded with cheap flights! I have found $410 RT Memphis to Rome, $371 RT Memphis to Berlin, $658 RT Chicago to Tahiti, and $517 RT Memphis to Tokyo. Definitely worth the investment.
Usually, I’d argue that you can travel internationally for almost as cheap as it costs to travel domestically in the US. In COVID-19 times, we aren’t able to travel internationally really… which means the airlines are cutting back on how many international flights are actually flying. So there are way more domestic flights available, meaning more opportunities for deals!
Cheap domestic flights will usually pop up about 1-3 months in advance. International is usually 2-9 months out. However, pre-COVID, last minute tickets were ridiculously expensive because it was usually bought up by those going on business trips. Now, they are cheaper last minute!
Southwest does not show up on search engines like Google flights (my preferred search engine). Keep in mind that Southwest has open seating, and no fees for bags, changes, or cancellations. So if you see a $100 United ticket or a $130 Southwest ticket, I’d go for Southwest.
Fare matches are getting more and more competitive now! If you see a $150 United flight, but you want to fly Delta, patience may pay off. Also keep in mind that all airlines have to offer a 24-hour grace period that allows you to cancel your flight and receive a full refund.
If you are worried about flying and getting COVID-19, I totally get that. However, the New York Times recently conducted a survey and 2/3 of epidemiologists said they’d be comfortable getting on a plane in the next 12 months. Wear a mask (CORRECTLY), don’t travel if you feel sick, and stay quarantined until you get tested when you get back.