When it comes to air travel, prices skyrocket and deals vanish in the blink of an eye. Travelers are always looking for the next best hack to score affordable flights. Fortunately, a former airline employee recently shared a groundbreaking tip via social media to make flying more accessible for everyone. The advice, which flies in the face of conventional online booking wisdom, could revolutionize how travelers approach purchasing flight tickets.
According to Ivy (@ivyprofun), a former airline worker turned TikTok sensation, the secret to snagging the cheapest flight deals isn’t found on third-party booking sites or even airlines’ websites. Instead, Ivy insists that the most foolproof method to secure unbeatable ticket prices is by going old school: buying directly from the ticket counter at the airport.
The Counter vs. The Internet
“The only way to get cheap flights is to go to the airport and buy it at the ticket counter,” Ivy explains in the viral video. “This can apply to any airline.”
This statement has sparked a flurry of discussions and testimonials from viewers. Many people claim to have saved significantly on flights by following her advice.
The logic behind Ivy’s recommendation is simple yet compelling. She argues that third-party apps like Booking.com or Hotwire, despite their convenience and seemingly lower prices, cannot compete with the deals offered directly at the airline counters.
“Can’t no app give you nothing cheaper than what we [are] giving at the ticket counter,” she asserts.
Why The Airport Counter Wins
Ivy’s claim is backed by several factors that most travelers may not be aware of. For starters, third-party booking services often include hidden fees that can inflate the cost of an otherwise cheap flight. Moreover, these services do not guarantee the booking, leading to travelers needing a ticket despite having paid. Ivy describes upset clients who, after booking through third-party apps, were told at the counter that they were not in the system or that their flight had been canceled.
The pitfalls of third-party bookings are not limited to flights alone. The Better Business Bureau has issued warnings about the potential for scams. This is especially true for services that seem to offer deals too good to be true. They advise caution and recommend verifying the credibility of any service that requests personal information or payment.
Ivy’s advice has sparked widespread interest while encouraging a healthy skepticism towards the convenience of online bookings. As travelers share their success stories of incredible deals secured at airport ticket counters, the consensus seems clear: sometimes, the traditional way may just be the better way.
