How to Use Positioning Flights to Score Better Deals

At Jet Set Club, we’re all about helping you travel smarter and save more. One of the lesser-known strategies frequent travelers use to unlock better prices and more flexibility is booking positioning flights. This simple hack can often shave hundreds of dollars off your trip—or help you catch a deal that isn’t available from your home airport.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Positioning Flight?

A positioning flight is a separate, independently booked flight that gets you from your home airport to another airport—often a larger hub—where your main flight (usually international or long-haul) departs.

These flights are not connected on the same ticket, which means you’ll need to plan carefully, but the payoff can be well worth it.

Example: You live in Phoenix (PHX) and spot a great deal on a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo for $349 roundtrip. Since that deal doesn’t exist from PHX, you book a separate $79 flight to LAX to position yourself for the Tokyo trip.

Why Use a Positioning Flight?

1. Score Lower Fares

Large international hubs usually have more airlines, more flights, and more competition—which often means cheaper prices.

Example: A traveler from Kansas City (MCI) finds a roundtrip flight to Rome for $439 out of Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The same flight from MCI costs $915. Booking a separate $98 flight to Chicago saves nearly $400 overall.

2. Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Sometimes the best flight deals—especially mistake fares or time-limited promos—are only available from certain cities. Having the flexibility to get to that city can help you snag these deals before they disappear.

Example: A deal pops up from Boston (BOS) to Lisbon for $284 roundtrip. You’re based in Raleigh (RDU), so you book a $65 positioning flight to BOS to take advantage of the savings.

3. More Route and Airline Options

Not all airlines fly out of every city. By positioning yourself to a larger airport, you open up access to airlines and routes that might not be available from your smaller or regional airport.

Example: You want to fly to Southeast Asia and see a great route from San Francisco (SFO) to Bangkok via Taipei. Flying from your home airport in Reno (RNO) limits your options, but a $49 positioning flight to SFO gives you access to more efficient and affordable routes.

When to Consider a Positioning Flight

• You live near a smaller airport with limited international service or higher fares

• You’re trying to score a flash sale or mistake fare out of a major U.S. hub

• You’re willing to put in a bit more planning to save hundreds

• You’re booking international travel, especially to Europe or Asia

• You have flexibility in your schedule and want to travel on your terms

  
  

What to Watch Out For

Positioning flights can save you money, but they do come with risks. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Missed Connections

Since you’re booking separate tickets, there’s no airline protection if your first flight is delayed. Always allow a generous buffer between flights—or better yet, arrive the day before.

Baggage Transfers

You’ll often need to collect your bags and re-check them when switching flights. This adds time and hassle, so consider packing carry-on only if possible.

Extra Costs

A hotel stay, airport transfers, or meals during long layovers may be necessary, especially if you’re arriving early to play it safe. Factor those into your total savings.

Tips for Successful Positioning

✅ Build in buffer time. We recommend at least 4–6 hours between flights or arriving the night before.

✅ Use carry-on luggage. This minimizes transfer time and avoids baggage claim stress.

✅ Book flexible flights. If you can, use flights with low or no change fees.

✅ Monitor both flights. Stay updated on schedule changes so you can adjust as needed.

✅ Use the right credit card. Some cards offer trip delay or cancellation protection even on separate bookings.

Final Thoughts

Positioning flights can be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a little extra effort for a big reward. With the right planning, they can unlock lower fares, better routes, and the kind of flexibility that lets you take advantage of incredible deals.

At Jet Set Club, we help you spot these deals and show you how to travel smarter—not just cheaper. Ready to try this strategy? Join the club and let the deals determine your destination.