21 Travel Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know (and You Should Too)

16. Opt for “Unbundled” Airline Fares Strategically

Basic Economy or “unbundled” fares strip away extras like seat selection, carry-on allowances, and refundable tickets, but they can drastically reduce flight costs. Frequent flyers often buy such fares when traveling light or for short domestic hops—where the lack of seat choice or overhead bin space isn’t a deal-breaker. However, you have to be mindful of added fees: if you end up checking a bag or wanting an assigned seat, these extras could erode any savings. The trick is to decide upfront whether you can truly handle a personal-item-only approach and remain flexible about seat location. Some travelers combine a Basic Economy fare with credit card perks that include free checked bags, offsetting any unbundled limitations. By analyzing your flight’s duration and personal preferences, you’ll see if the cheap base fare is worth it. For short, spontaneous getaways, the unbundled strategy can be a straightforward path to big savings.