✈ 5 Ways to Beat Rising Airfare, Earn 3X Miles on Rent & More From TPG ✈

May 20, 2026

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Travel smarter, spend less

by Stephanie Stevens, Writer

Cheap flights aren’t impossible to find right now, but they are getting harder to come by.

Between rising fuel costs, airline fee hikes, route changes and the fallout from Spirit Airlines’ collapse, there’s a lot of movement in the airline world right now.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying whatever price pops up first — it just means your booking strategy matters more.

Here are five ways you can stay ahead of rising airfare.

Book now, stay flexible

If you see a flexible fare that works for you, consider locking it in. You can always rebook if the price goes down. (You can even use one of these handy tools that track and rebook for you!)

Don’t ignore nearby airports

With airlines adding, cutting and shifting routes, your usual airport may not always have the best deal. Using a different nearby airport could change the math. See if any new routes taking shape since Spirit’s collapse could benefit you.

Set alerts before prices spike

Forget the myth about booking flights on Tuesdays. What actually helps: tracking fares over time and knowing the best booking windows for peak trips. Setting these free alerts can help — and so can understanding when experts say to book.

Use points strategically

When cash fares climb, points and miles can become more useful, but not every redemption is a good one. Compare the cash price before you burn miles.

Basic economy isn’t always cheaper

That low fare can look tempting, but once you add bags, seats and other fees, it may not be the best deal. But having the right credit card can help offset those extras.

Want more tips for saving on airfare? Start here:

Safe travels,
Stephanie

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Photo Credit: JULIAN ELLIOTT/GETTY IMAGES.

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A food lover's dream

Whether you’re dining out or staying in, the American Express® Gold Card rewards you with 4X Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X). Terms apply.

Learn more

Today’s top stories

Air France-KLM cardholders can now earn 3X miles on rent payments through Bilt

If you have this credit card, you can earn up to 3 miles per dollar spent on rent when you pay through Bilt.

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Bunk beds for economy airline passengers now on sale for $125 an hour on Air New Zealand

Bunk beds at 36,000 feet are coming to Air New Zealand on select aircraft this year.

Allegiant unveils 8-route, 12-city expansion, goes big in Fort Lauderdale

The budget airline on Tuesday announced a host of new routes, including former Spirit flights from Fort Lauderdale.

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See whether this card's benefits offset its $795 annual fee.

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