Expert Q&A Sessions, Travel, Part 2: How much does flexibility in dates and destinations actually move the needle on price?

Question: How much does flexibility in dates and destinations actually move the needle on price? Is "be flexible" real advice or mostly theoretical for the average traveler?
Serra: Flexibility is the key in both dates and destination, and it genuinely translates to lower prices. When I say "flexible," I mean being willing to travel on weekdays versus weekends, or during a fare's limited travel window. Most low airfares are available for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Saturdays. The same holds for hotels, where your lowest rates are typically on weekdays. That said, good deals do show up at other times too. Sometimes it's because an airline is introducing a new route and offering an introductory fare for a limited time, and when that happens, other airlines often match it.

Question: Are there destinations or trip types that are almost always overpriced no matter when you book? How about destinations that feel underrated from a value perspective?
Serra: Almost always overpriced travel is during peak summer season or during the holidays. Like anything is, it is supply and demand. Disneyland, for example, is expensive to begin with. A one day admission for an adult could go up to $179 per person (Tier 6) because they know the demand is there. In turn, hotel occupancy around the Disneyland area is high so they increase their rate based on demand. Unfortunately, some people have no choice but to travel during peak season but if you can, from a value perspective, taking a vacation during the off season will give you the same trip for almost half the cost and less people. Travelling by train, let's say….Amtrak is underrated from a value perspective. Cost of the fare is reasonable, it's fast, you may get up and walk around, seats are wide and comfortable. Even in coach class, there is a foot rest extender that allows you to "almost" lie flat, haha.

Question: What's the most counterintuitive travel deal insight you've developed, something that goes against what most people assume?
Serra: People tend to assume the worst about "basic economy" fares, but they're often a much better deal than they're given credit for. Basic economy gets you from point A to point B, and most major airlines allow a personal item that fits under the seat plus a carry-on bag. That's two pieces of luggage, which is enough for me on most trips. And basic economy doesn't have to mean basic if you hold the airline's credit card. For example, I have the United Explorer card. I pay an annual fee, but the perks and benefits that I get make it worth it. I book a basic economy fare and still get one free checked bag for myself and a companion, Group 2 boarding, and lounge passes. This essentially turns the basic fare into regular economy, and then some.

For occasional travellers that don't have airline cards, flying basic economy might not be worth the lower price unless you go in with absolutely no expectations except getting from one place to another. But if you see a basic economy fare on sale, it's always worth checking the next fare class up as they might be cheaper in those situations.