It was time to tick another destination off my travel list. This time, I decided to visit Rochester, a charming city in upstate New York. The decision was spontaneous, but the excitement of discovering new places kept me motivated. However, one of the biggest concerns I had before embarking on this adventure was finding the most affordable flight from New York to Rochester. With so many options out there, where do you start? Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience in booking the cheapest flight for my trip to Rochester, and I’ll share some tips and platforms that helped me secure the best deal.
1. Researching Flights to Rochester from New York
When I first looked at flights, the prices were quite high. The thought of paying over $300 for a short flight between two cities in the same state was tough to swallow. But after a little research, I found that there are a few ways to bring down the cost of flights significantly.
I started by understanding the options for flying into Rochester. While Rochester’s airport (Greater Rochester International Airport – ROC) is a well-connected hub, it isn’t as busy as airports like JFK or LaGuardia. This can work in your favor if you’re flexible with your travel dates and times.
I decided to take a deep dive into different flight booking platforms to find the cheapest options. Here are some of the key platforms I used during my search.
2. Using Skyscanner for Flexibility and Transparency
One of my first go-to websites was Skyscanner. Skyscanner is known for providing a broad view of available flight options from various airlines, and it lets you compare prices in real time. The feature I found most useful was the flexible dates option, which allowed me to check prices not only for the days I initially had in mind but also for nearby dates.
What I discovered through Skyscanner was that flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday was significantly cheaper compared to weekend flights. Most of the flights departing from New York were priced higher for weekends because they cater to both business and leisure travelers.
3. Exploring Google Flights to Monitor Fare Trends
After spending some time on Skyscanner, I decided to head over to Google Flights for a more detailed analysis. Google Flights allows you to track price trends for flights on specific routes, and I found this tool particularly helpful for understanding how prices fluctuate over time.
I set up a price alert for flights from New York (JFK) to Rochester (ROC), and within a few days, I received notifications whenever the price dropped. I found that there were quite a few fluctuations in the price, and when I saw a dip, I immediately booked my ticket.
One of the coolest features of Google Flights was the option to check how the prices compared to the average for the same route. This gave me a sense of whether I was truly getting a deal or not.
4. Considering Budget Airlines
Another key factor in securing cheap flights was looking into budget airlines. While they don’t always come up on Skyscanner or Google Flights, checking directly on their websites often reveals some great last-minute deals. Some of the more affordable options I found for this route were JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines.
I’ve flown with JetBlue before and knew they had some great low-cost options, but Spirit Airlines was a new player for me. Although Spirit is known for its no-frills service, the prices were unbeatable. When booking a flight with Spirit, I noticed that they offered significantly cheaper options if I was willing to accept fewer amenities. For example, Spirit offers ultra-low fares, but things like checked luggage, seat selection, and food come with additional fees. It’s a trade-off, but when I’m focused on saving money, it’s something I’m happy to consider.
5. Checking the Airline’s Official Website
After narrowing down my options to a few airlines on Skyscanner and Google Flights, I always like to go directly to the airline’s official website to see if they offer any exclusive deals or discounts. Sometimes, airlines reserve special fares that aren’t available on third-party platforms.
When I checked JetBlue’s official website, I found a “Blue Basic” fare that wasn’t listed on Skyscanner. This fare offered an even lower price for the same flight, but it came with some restrictions, such as no changes to the flight and fewer amenities. Since I was confident I wouldn’t need to change my flight, this deal was perfect for me.
6. Flying Out of JFK versus LaGuardia
New York has two major airports—JFK and LaGuardia—and choosing the right one can impact the cost of your flight. I’ve flown from both airports multiple times, but when it comes to domestic flights, I’ve found LaGuardia to generally offer lower-cost options.
JFK is more popular for international flights, and I realized that flying from LaGuardia to Rochester could save me both money and time. The distance between LaGuardia and my home was also more convenient, so I opted to book a flight from there instead of JFK.
7. Booking Early vs. Last-Minute Deals
There’s always a debate about whether it’s better to book flights early or wait for last-minute deals. In my case, I found that booking early paid off. By booking my flight to Rochester almost two months in advance, I was able to secure a great deal. While last-minute deals can sometimes pop up, I preferred the peace of mind knowing I had everything organized.
One thing I did notice during my search was that last-minute deals on smaller routes (like New York to Rochester) were scarce. Airlines don’t tend to discount these flights too drastically unless they’re facing low booking numbers, which wasn’t the case for my chosen travel dates.
8. Using Kayak to Explore Nearby Airports
Another great flight comparison site I used was Kayak. One of Kayak’s standout features is its ability to search for flights not just from one airport but also from nearby airports. This gave me the flexibility to look at flights from airports other than LaGuardia or JFK. For example, I checked flights from Newark Airport (EWR), which is a bit further out from New York City, but it often has cheaper flights due to its larger selection of low-cost carriers.
In the end, I stuck with LaGuardia, but Kayak made it easy to explore all the options in the region, which made me feel confident I was booking the best route.
9. Finalizing My Booking on Expedia
Once I found the ideal flight, I decided to use Expedia to finalize my booking. Expedia often has bundle deals (flights + hotel), which can sometimes help save money on accommodation as well. I didn’t need a hotel for this particular trip, but Expedia’s flight options had a smooth interface, and the checkout process was straightforward. Plus, Expedia provides a price match guarantee, which gave me additional peace of mind that I was getting the best deal.
10. A Quick Look at Flight-Booking Strategies
One thing I’ve learned from booking multiple trips over the years is the importance of flexibility. If you’re willing to adjust your dates or departure airport, you’re more likely to find cheaper flights. Also, don’t underestimate the value of booking early, even if it means paying a little extra upfront. The peace of mind and savings can be well worth it.
Each platform I used, from Skyscanner to Google Flights, has its own set of advantages. Skyscanner gives you a broad view of available options, Google Flights helps you track price trends, Kayak offers insights into nearby airports, and Expedia’s clean interface makes booking easy.
Exploring Rochester from New York is a short yet rewarding journey. Finding the most affordable flight isn’t always easy, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, you can land a great deal. If you plan to make this trip yourself, I hope the tips I’ve shared help you navigate the often overwhelming process of booking flights. Enjoy your travels!