Former airline worker reveals her expert travel hack on how to buy cheap plane tickets - and the best time to book

Want to land a bargain flight for your next vacation? Then read on. 

A former airline worker has claimed that booking flights at the airport can bag you significant savings. 

Revealing the money-saving hack via a series of TikToks, Houston-based Avianca DeBoest warns viewers against booking through third party sites such as Booking.com and Hotwire. 

In one clip she explains: 'Baby I've been telling y'all this since 2021, but I'mma tell y'all again. Do not book your flights on third-party apps. Do not do it. 

'If you want cheap flights come to the airport and get cheap flights that's the cheapest route you can go.' 

Revealing the money saving hack via a series of TikToks, Houston-based Avianca DeBoest warns viewers against booking through third party sites such as Booking.com and Hotwire

If you can't get to the airport, Avianca recommends booking directly with the airline instead (stock image)

While many apps and websites claim to offer the best deals, Avianca says nothing beats the rates you will get at airline ticket counters.

She continues: 'Can't no app give you nothing cheaper than what we giving at the ticket counter.  

'And if you can't come to the airport to get your ticket, buy it directly from the website, and this is with any airline, not [just] us.' 

If you can't get to the airport, Avianca recommends booking directly with the airline instead, either by calling them or via their website. 

She warns that otherwise, third party sites can offload any responsibility if something goes wrong with your booking and it can be a nightmare getting through to a customer service agent. 

A number of websites back Avianca's claims. According to flight deal website, nextvacay.com, flights can be cheaper at the airport especially if you plan on traveling with a budget carrier. 

It notes: 'If an airline includes online service charges in their fees, you may be better off buying at the airport for cheaper flights. However, not all airlines apply an online booking fee.

'You may already know where this is going, but you'll find that most airlines applying online booking fees are the same ones with seemingly endless additional fees: budget airlines. We're talking about ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit.

'If you're flying one of these budget carriers, you may be able to save a few hundred dollars by buying a cheaper flight at the airport counter instead of booking online.

'However, keep in mind that some tickets purchased at the airport contain fees that aren't included in online bookings. If that's the case, the 'savings' you get by purchasing flights at the airport may ultimately go up in smoke.'

Many of Avianca's fans also claim they have saved dollars by employing her tactics and they also warn against third party websites.

One commenter wrote: 'As an airline customer service representative, I second, third, fourth and fifth this. Third party bookings are literally so restricted you’re asking for problems.'

Another viewer said: 'I went to San Juan round trip [for] $35. Bought from the ticket counter.' 

Some commenters also note that the same thing applies to hotels, and it is best to call properties directly for the best rates and for the most reliable information. 

When quizzed about the prime time to book flights, Avianca recommends in another TikTok around four to six weeks in advance and never on the same day.

She tells viewers: 'Don't ever buy your flights the same day.

'Always book your flights four to six weeks in advance.

'So your birthday coming up in June. This is May. Buy your tickets in May.

'You feel me? Four to six weeks. I always say six weeks before. The six weeks is really good, however. Go to Google and do it.'