When planning a trip, it’s tempting to tackle flights and hotels as separate tasks. You find the cheapest airfare first, then hunt for lodging later. But if you’re looking to stretch your travel budget even further, bundling your hotel and flight together can unlock significant savings — sometimes as much as 20–30% off the total trip cost.
The trick is knowing how to bundle smartly, when it makes sense, and how to layer in even more savings through cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta.
Here’s how to make your booking strategy work harder for your wallet.
Why Bundling Works
Travel providers love bundles because they sell more inventory at once. You, the traveler, benefit from package discounts designed to move both flights and hotel rooms together. Many online travel agencies (OTAs) offer exclusive bundle pricing not available when booking separately.
Sites like Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz often show a lower combined price versus booking flights and hotels individually. Plus, bundles sometimes include additional perks like free breakfast or airport transfers.
Use Cashback Apps to Stack the Savings
Here’s where it gets interesting: cashback apps can layer extra savings on top of already discounted bundles.
Start by purchasing gift cards for your preferred booking platform through Fluz. You’ll earn instant cashback at the time of purchase, reducing your upfront trip costs immediately. Fluz regularly features top travel brands, so whether you’re booking with Expedia or a hotel directly, you can shave dollars off your spend before you even check out.
Rakuten is another strong option. Before you finalize your bundle purchase, activate Rakuten to earn cashback on the entire transaction. Rakuten frequently partners with platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Expedia.
Ibotta also features travel offers from time to time, especially during peak travel seasons, making it worth a check before you book.
Book at the Right Time
Bundling works best when booked slightly in advance. Experts suggest that bundling two to four weeks ahead of your travel date often yields better savings than booking last-minute.
Flexibility is another advantage. Some booking platforms allow you to mix and match airlines and hotels, giving you more control over price and preferences while still getting the bundle discount.
Watch for Added Perks
Bundles can come with hidden perks beyond the price tag. These might include seat upgrades, baggage allowances, or discounts on activities and car rentals. Always review the full package details before you confirm to see if there are extras you’d otherwise pay for separately.
Maximize Loyalty Benefits
Even when booking bundles, you might still be eligible to earn loyalty points. Check the terms of your airline and hotel loyalty programs to see if your bundled booking qualifies. If you purchased your hotel gift card through Fluz, you may also use it when you check out at the hotel, helping you double-dip on savings and points.
Bundling flights and hotels is a powerful way to save on travel, especially when you add cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta into the mix. With a little planning and smart timing, you can lower your travel costs and pocket the difference for experiences at your destination. The next time you’re booking a trip, think bundles first — your wallet will thank you.
