40 Secret and Saavy Airport Hacks Only Frequent Flyers Know

Tip #36: Master the Art of Positioning Flights

"Positioning flights" involve booking a cheaper flight to a major hub or gateway city, from which a significantly cheaper long-haul flight can be taken. For example, a flight from a smaller regional airport to Europe might be very expensive. A frequent flyer might book a separate, inexpensive domestic flight to a larger international airport (like NYC, LAX, or Toronto), and then take a much cheaper transcontinental or transatlantic flight from there. This requires meticulous timing and risk management (e.g., allowing ample time for connections), but can yield substantial savings.