Nowadays, the lowest fares come and go, like a Mayfly. Here’s how to extend the validity period from just hours to up to 14 days.
But you have to think like someone intent on catching a fly—quick move and done. This strategy assumes that you’re ready to strike, especially since these fares are non-refundable.
You’ve done the prep: Spouse has OK’d the dates, which align with the kids’ vacation schedule; friends and/or family members are on board. Most important, a region, if not a destination, is down.
EasyUp Fares don’t allow a lot of back-and-forth thinking, but the reward is getting a rock-bottom Business Class fare. You book, and then you fill in the blanks.
Examples of How Good These Fares Can Be
Recently, FCF discovered one on SkyTeam (Air France, Alitalia, Delta, and KLM) starting at $1,493 from the East Coast to Europe. Even better, the fare had only a 28-day advance-purchase requirement. British Airways had a fare from both coasts to Europe starting at $1,853 (with the AARP discount) with no advance-purchase requirement.
So, There’s No Room to Make a Mistake, Right?
Actually, there is, if you adhere to FCF’s “Look, Lock, Book” program: Find the fare, use a lock option (a fare hold that can cost as little as $6.99—one is even free), and then book—or not—based on further research or confirmation with your travel mates and calendar.
You have to have a quick trigger finger, and you also have to know the airlines and their rules for “Lock Options,” which give you time to decide on ticketing or passing.
Focus on the Airlines That Allow You to Lock in an EasyUp Fare
Look at the lock-cost as insurance. Hold three tickets on British Airways for 72 hours and it will set you back $30. On United, the lock costs as little as $6.99 per reservation for 3 days—American’s is free for up to 24 hours. British Airways and Lufthansa even refund the fee if you buy the ticket.
Lock-Option-Friendly Airlines, Even on Flash EasyUp Fares
There are seven major airline websites that will lock a reservation and guarantee the fare. The hold period depends on route and airline. The Lock Option goes by different names, depending on the airline, but they all come up during the booking process on eligible flights. Below is a rundown.
Air France: The “Time to Think” option comes up after you select your flights under “trip details” if it is offered on your itinerary. Cost: $20 per ticket and no refund. The option also applies to First Class and code-share flights (Air Europa, Delta, and KLM).
British Airways: The “Hold Your Flight Price” option comes up after the price summary when offered. The cost is $10 per ticket. If you book, you get a refund on the fee paid. The option also applies to partner flights on Iberia, code-share flights, and in First Class.
Lufthansa: The “Reservation with Price Guarantee” option comes up after you “Secure your fare” when offered. Cost: $39 per reservation; also offered in First Class. The fee only applies if you do not buy the ticket. Not offered on partner/code-share flights.
SWISS: When making a booking, the “Hold the Booking” option comes up after you select the flights in step 3 when offered. Cost: $27 per reservation (no refund). It is also offered in First Class and valid on code-share flights with the prefix LX.
United: The “FareLock” option comes up after the trip summary if offered. Cost starts at $6.99 per reservation for a three-day hold and $8.99 for a seven-day hold on international flights, domestic flights are less, and is non-refundable. Available on First Class bookings and mileage-award reservations. FareLock is not offered on partner/code-share flights.
View the Lock Option as a hedge against hesitating—the reason most of us lose a great fare.
Look. Lock! Book? - Strategy Details
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