Normally, he works behind the scenes to make sure our magazine is printed fresh and on time – but anyone who talks to John Janson quickly realises: he’s not only an expert in colour and paper, but also a genuine travel pro. Whether it’s flight bookings, smart saving tips or hidden deals – John knows his stuff like few others.
How do I find the cheapest flight? What’s really behind air miles and points programmes? And what should you watch out for on the ground to avoid hassle and extra costs? In our four-part series, John shares his best tips for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary expenses on big trips – well-founded, tried and surprisingly easy to apply!
Flexibility beats everything
“If the destination is secondary and I just want to get away, I almost always find a good deal,” says John. His recipe for success: don’t tie yourself to specific days or direct routes. Travelling midweek or with stopovers saves real money. Saturday to Saturday? Only those who like paying extra book that.
The best sites to start with
For planning, John recommends two websites that list all deals from major airlines:
travel-dealz.de – daily new offers, from economy to business.
premium-flights.com – particularly useful for premium classes.
ITA Matrix – the pro tool
Once the travel period is set, John uses matrix.itasoftware.com – a powerful yet lesser-known search tool with precise filters: length of stay, booking class, transfer times, etc. “Although it’s based on the same data, I often find better options there than on Google Flights,” John notes.
Think outside the box – and fly around it
John loves creative routings. For example, a flight via Stockholm and Zurich to Johannesburg was cheaper for him than a flight with just one stop in Zurich. Airports like Milan are currently hot spots for saving. Also important: always keep an eye on seasonal trends – summer destinations are often cheaper in winter and vice versa, and school holidays should be avoided both in the home country and at the destination. For popular business destinations such as Singapore, however, flights are always fairly expensive.
Travel open – book smart!
Fixed dates and large groups? That gets expensive. Those travelling alone or as a pair and staying flexible on dates are more likely to find a bargain. And: always book all flights on one ticket – otherwise, if you miss a connection, the whole trip can collapse. Tickets should always be booked directly with the airline – never through third parties. “If there are problems, the direct route is simply safer.”
Always stay curious
The most important thing is to always stay informed! John does this, for example, with the help of community blogs like Reisetopia or YouTube channels such as traveltv. He also always keeps an eye on which airports currently offer good prices.
But the right flight search is only half the battle – those who also collect air miles and points open up a whole new set of opportunities. How it works, which programmes are worthwhile and which tools and tricks help you get the maximum out of them – John reveals all that in the next part of our series!
This article was originally published in REESEN No. 17 (Spring 2025).
