It’s the holiday season, which means people are traveling at higher fares – and paying big for it.

Luckily, Esther Sturrus, a flight attendant who shares her knowledge on TikTok, shared her top tips for flying cheaper this busy season.

Sturrus, 23, recommends paying attention to travel dates and opting to fly in the middle of the week.

“Book flights during the week as they tend to be cheaper than weekend flights,” she told What’s The Jam. “You can also set up rate alerts to quickly identify price drops.”

Another top tip from the Netherlands-based flight attendant is to be able to adapt to both your travel dates and how you get to your final stop. For example, if you choose a connecting flight instead of a direct flight, you could make significant savings.

“Be flexible with your travel dates and destination,” she added. “Sometimes a difference of a day or so can save a lot.”

Some airlines also offer hidden discounts if you book through their app, the KLM Airlines official revealed.

“Always make sure to compare prices between the website and the app,” she advised.

Sturrus also offered advice on how to stay calm and reduce stress during the chaos of holiday travel.

For those traveling with gifts, “consider mailing them in advance to avoid bulky luggage or customs issues,” she said.

“And when you’re packing for your trip, try to pack smart,” she added. “Keep essentials in your carry-on luggage, especially on long-haul flights.”

She also shared that it’s useful to get to the airport early “to reduce stress and allow time for unexpected delays.”

Sturrus says noise-cancelling headphones should always be in your carry-on luggage.

“They have made all the difference for me this year, especially on busy flights,” she shared.

Finally, Sturrus said, “It’s always useful to use airline apps to stay up to date on flight changes and check in quickly.”

She noted that despite all the excitement, many airlines are happy to embrace the holiday spirit and encourage their passengers to do the same.

“Traveling during the holidays can be stressful, but it’s also a time to make memories,” she said. “Don’t forget to relax, enjoy the journey and take in the festive atmosphere, whether you are at the airport or on board the plane.”