Why I'm Looking for Discount Flights Instead of Using My Credit Card Rewards

I've written a lot about my passion for travel. Every month, a portion of my income is automatically transferred to my vacation fund to pay for future travel. Doing this ensures I prioritize this personal interest and makes my life easier when it comes time to plan because I don't have to worry about how I will afford it. 

I've been booking discount flights lately instead of using my credit card rewards. I'll share with you why this has been my recent strategy. 

Discount flights are a win for my wallet 

If you're like me, you enjoy visiting new places but don't love feeling broke after booking a hotel or flight. I value a good deal even when my personal finances are in good shape. So I'm always looking for small ways to save money when traveling so I can continue exploring the world while keeping more money in my checking account. 

I'm a fan of using rewards credit cards. I earn cash back, miles, or points when I swipe my credit cards. This is an excellent way to get rewarded for my everyday spending. While I like using travel rewards credit cards and will continue to book award flights with my earnings, I've been focusing on booking flight deals during the last few months. 

I subscribe to a flight deal service, Thrifty Traveler Premium. I pay about $100 a year for this paid membership, and in return, I receive flight deal email alerts. I've scored some incredible deals using services like this. Since I'm a freelance writer with a flexible schedule, I can book the deals that appeal to me the most, and these discounted flights have saved me a lot of money. 

Here's why I've been booking discounted flights 

What I love most about booking discounted flights is the simplicity. I don't need to consider the best way to use my credit card rewards for maximum value, search for the best flight option using a travel portal, or transfer my points to a travel partner to get the most out of my rewards.

I also love this strategy because it encourages me to visit new places. When using credit card rewards to travel, you'll need to decide on a destination before planning your trip. When I book travel deals, I let the discounts I see determine where I go on vacation. 

After finding a deal that interests me, I use a flight search tool like Google Flights to find the best dates to travel based on prices and my availability. Then, I book the flight directly through the airline. This is a stress-free way for me to start planning my next adventure. When I pay for my flights, I use a travel credit card to earn rewards for my spending.

Is a flight deal subscription right for you? 

If you travel multiple times a year and typically fly to your destinations, flight deal subscription services can be a worthwhile investment to explore if you're a fan of traveling and like to save money. 

The costs of these services vary depending on the company and plan chosen, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 a year for a service that provides plentiful deals. 

If you have a flexible schedule, you'll likely get more use from a service like this. But I see deals of all types, not just last-minute deals. So, you don't need to be self-employed or a remote worker to get value from this subscription. 

Travel doesn't have to be expensive 

It pays to look for ways to save money on travel. It's essential to always keep your finances in mind, including when making travel plans. Booking flight deals and using credit card rewards are two strategies that can save you money on travel costs.