With airlines squeezing every last dollar out of us—baggage fees, seat selection fees, even expiring travel credits—it feels harder than ever to fly affordably. I used to rely on Southwest for flexibility, but now even they are changing the game. Lately, I’ve been using points and travel rewards more aggressively, and sometimes I’ll book separate one-way tickets instead of round-trips to save money. What are your best tricks for flying without spending a fortune? Are there still any airlines that feel like a good deal, or is budget travel just getting harder?
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/southwest-airlines-checked-bags-20219935.php
Between my wife and I, we've alternated SW companion pass promos for years, so have always enjoyed BOGO domestic flights.
Get a couple airline credit cards, rack up the signing mileage bonuses, get 1-2 points per dollar on any and all spending, use the miles to fly and probably get status along the way, plus you get free checked bags.
I've taken to flying out of smaller airports. The difference in getting to Florida from New Haven and Hartford is over $150.