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Lock in your flight with a small deposit and pay the rest over time. With over 600 airlines and 40+ ways to pay, booking with Alternative Airlines puts you in control.
How Do I Make Travel More Affordable?
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How can I make travel more affordable?
Let’s face it - travel isn’t cheap. And flights? They’re often the biggest hit to your wallet before you’ve even packed a bag. That upfront cost can make getaways feel out of reach. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
At Alternative Airlines, we’re all about taking the stress out of flight booking, and that includes the financial stress. We believe everyone should have the freedom to fly, without the pressure of paying it all at once. That’s why we’ve built a booking experience that gives you more control.
From small deposits to flexible payment plans, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re planning in advance or jumping on a last-minute deal, we’ll help you secure your seat and spread the cost.
This guide is packed with smart ways to make travel more affordable, starting with flights and moving on to everything else that comes with a trip. We'll walk through tips for saving on accommodation, food, activities and more.
And we’ll show you how Slice Pay can help you book now and pay later with no credit checks, no interest and no late fees. Just flexible payments that work around you. Let’s make it happen✨
Start by making your flights more affordable
Flights are usually the biggest upfront cost when it comes to travel. So if you can bring that down or spread it out, you’re already off to a winning start. Here’s how to make flights more affordable when you book with us:
Search smarter with Alternative Airlines 🔎
No need to jump between tabs. With Alternative Airlines, you can search and compare flights from over 600 airlines in one go. That means more choice, better prices and full control over how you pay.
Why book with us:
- Filter by time, airline and price
- Add extras like baggage or seats with just a click
- Pick from 40+ ways to pay, including pay-over-time options
Lock in prices with a deposit 🔒
Worried about prices going up before payday? With Slice Pay, you can secure your flight from just a 10% deposit and pay the rest weekly. No credit checks. No interest. No late fees. We'll touch on Slice Pay later on in this guide.
Be flexible with your dates 📅
If you've got wiggle room with your travel dates, use our Best Fare Finder calendar to spot the cheapest days to fly. Mid-week flights or off-peak travel often means lower fares, and fewer crowds.
Flexibility perks:
- Cheaper seats
- Quieter airports
- More money left in your pocket
Fly low-cost. Know what you're paying for ✈️
If you'd like to fly on a budget, we ticket many popular low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines, so you can pick what works for your plans and your wallet. Just make sure you check what’s included before you book.
Top tips:
- Avoid add-on fees by packing light
- Bring your own snacks
- Double check luggage allowances before checkout
Travel lighter, pay less 🎒
Baggage fees add up fast. Booking hand-luggage-only fares with us can help cut costs, especially if you're only going away for a few days.
Quick packing tips:
- Wear bulky clothes on the plane
- Use every inch of your cabin bag
- Skip what you don’t really need
Use flight rewards and pay later options 💸
Already got a travel fund or points card? Great. But even if you don’t, you can still break the cost into smaller bites. We offer a range of flexible ways to pay - whether it’s credit or pay-later options like Afterpay, Affirm and Klarna.
Why it helps:
- Spread the cost without going into debt
- Stay in control of your spending
- Travel without the financial pressure
When you book with Alternative Airlines, you’re not just getting flights - you’re getting flexibility, support and the chance to travel your way. Next, let’s look at how Slice Pay helps you book now and pay later, with complete peace of mind.
Split the cost with a deposit.
Meet Slice Pay
Can’t cover the full cost right now? No worries!
Slice Pay lets you book flights with just a small deposit, starting from 10% upfront, and pay the rest off in easy weekly instalments. There's no interest, no credit checks and no hidden fees.
- Book your flight today and pay bit by bit
- Flights confirmed instantly
- Zero late fees
- Available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Slice Pay is ideal for:
- Planning ahead without waiting to save up
- Grabbing that flash deal before it disappears
- Budgeting with peace of mind before your travel date
Whether you're flying solo or booking for the family, Slice Pay gives you the breathing space to book flights your way.
Pay later for flights in instalments
With Alternative Airlines, you can also choose from leading Buy Now Pay Later providers at checkout to make your flights more affordable - no separate applications and no long forms involved.
Why use Buy Now Pay Later? 💸
- Spread the cost with weekly, bi-weekly or monthly payments
- Book now and secure today’s prices, even if payday’s a way off
- No hidden fees, no surprises - just clear, simple instalments
- Available on flights from over 600 airlines
- Choose from 20+ pay-later options, including Afterpay, Affirm, Klarna, Zip, Sezzle and many more.
Whether you’re planning ahead or booking something last-minute, instalment payments can give you the breathing room to fly without the financial pressure. And it’s all handled at checkout - quick, secure and tailored to your budget.
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Save on where you stay
We only sell flights, but we know that where you stay plays a big part in how affordable your trip feels. The good news? There are plenty of ways to keep costs down without cutting corners.
Compare accommodation 🏨
Once your flights are booked, don’t just go with the first hotel you see. Use trusted platforms to compare prices across hotels, hostels and holiday rentals. Be sure to check what’s included, like cancellation policies, taxes and those sneaky cleaning fees.
Go alternative 🛏️
Swap five-star hotels for smart alternatives. House sitting, hostels or short-term rentals can save you a lot, especially if you’re travelling solo or open to meeting people. Many places also offer loyalty perks or discounts if you stay a little longer.
Book early and think location 📍
The later you leave it, the fewer budget-friendly options you’ll find. Secure something early to avoid the price hikes. And don’t forget - staying close to the action can save you money on transport. A slightly more central place might mean fewer taxi fares and more time to explore on foot.
Spend less on food and fun
You don’t need to blow the budget to enjoy your trip. With a few smart choices, you can eat well, explore more and still keep costs low.
Eat like a local 🍜
Skip the overpriced restaurants aimed at tourists. Head to local markets, street food stalls or family-run spots instead. You’ll often get tastier food for a fraction of the price. If your stay has a kitchen, cooking a few meals can save loads too.
Find free (or nearly free) activities 🎟️
There’s always something to do that doesn’t cost much or anything at all.
- Public parks and beaches
- Free museum days
- Self-guided walking tours
- Local events or street performances
A quick online search before you go can help you plan ahead and make the most of what’s on.
Take advantage of discounts 🎫
Bring your student ID or look for group deals. Youth discounts, city passes, and early bird tickets can shave money off entry fees and transport.
Stretch your budget even further
Saving on flights is just the start. There are plenty more ways to make your money go further when you travel. A few smart moves can unlock better experiences, longer stays or just a bit more wiggle room in your plans.
Avoid sneaky fees ⚠️
Hidden costs can sneak up on you. Keep an eye out for:
- Foreign transaction charges
- Airline service fees
- Extra baggage costs
Check the fine print before booking to avoid last-minute surprises.
Combine tactics 🤝
Cut costs on flights, and that saved cash can go straight into better meals, nicer stays or a seat upgrade. Plan early, pay in instalments and pack smart - it all adds up to a smoother, more affordable trip.
FAQs
When’s the best time to book flights for the lowest prices?
The best time to book flights is usually 6-8 weeks before your travel date. Prices tend to rise the closer you get to departure, especially during peak seasons like summer or holidays.
Mid-week flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekends. Flying early in the morning or late at night can also cut costs.
Booking in advance helps, but with flexible payment options like Slice Pay, you don’t have to wait until payday. Lock in today’s prices with a small deposit, then pay the rest in instalments before you fly, giving you the freedom to grab a deal as soon as you spot it.
Are budget airlines safe and reliable?
Yes, budget airlines are just as safe as full-service ones. They follow the same strict safety rules and are regulated by the same authorities. The main difference? You’re paying for the basics - just the flight, without extras like meals or checked bags. That’s how they keep prices low.
As long as you know what’s included and what’s not, flying budget can be a great way to save. When you book with Alternative Airlines, we’ll show you all the costs upfront, so you know exactly what you’re getting with no surprises at checkout. Safe, simple and sorted.
How can I avoid hidden fees when booking flights?
To avoid hidden fees when booking flights, always check the full cost breakdown before you pay. At Alternative Airlines, we show you exactly what’s included, like baggage, seat selection and payment fees, so there are no surprises at checkout.
Flying with a low-cost airline? Be extra careful with add-ons, as they often charge for things like printed boarding passes or cabin bags.
If you're paying in instalments, make sure you choose a plan with no interest or late fees, like Slice Pay.
Where is the cheapest place to fly?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - it depends on where you're flying from and when. But generally, flights to major cities with busy airports tend to be cheaper thanks to competition between airlines.
Places like New York, Bangkok, Lisbon and Barcelona often come up as budget-friendly options. Mid-week departures and off-season travel can also unlock better prices.
Use Alternative Airlines to compare flights from over 600 airlines and spot the cheapest options in seconds. Plus, with pay-later options available at checkout, you can grab low fares without paying it all upfront. Cheap flights are out there - you just need to know where to look.
Is it cheaper to travel solo or with others?
Travelling with others can often save you money. You can split costs on things like accommodation, transport, and meals, making group travel more budget-friendly overall. Shared rooms, car rentals and bulk bookings can all bring the price down per person.
That said, solo travel gives you full control over how and where you spend, which can also help keep things in check.
It really depends on your style and priorities. If you're flexible, you can save either way, especially when you book your flights with a small deposit and pay the rest off over time.
Can I really travel internationally on a tight budget?
Absolutely - you can travel internationally on a tight budget with the right approach. Start by booking your flight with a deposit, using a payment option like Slice Pay to spread the cost over time.
Be flexible with your dates and destination to find cheaper fares. Travel light to avoid baggage fees, and look for free or low-cost things to do once you’re there. Use public transport, eat like a local and stay somewhere affordable.
With a bit of planning, you can make every penny count and still have an amazing trip without the financial pressure.
Can I book a flight without paying the full amount upfront?
Yes, you can book a flight without paying the full amount upfront when you book with us. With deposit options like Slice Pay, you only need to pay a small portion upfront, starting from 10% of the ticket cost. The rest is paid off in weekly instalments before you fly, with no interest, no credit checks and no late fees.
It’s a smart way to lock in today’s flight prices without the financial strain of paying it all at once. Your booking is confirmed instantly after the deposit is paid, so you can plan ahead with total peace of mind.