How to Find Cheap Flights: The Ultimate Guide
Traveling the world can be an incredible experience, but let’s face it: flights are often the biggest expense. Finding cheap flights can feel like a challenge, especially with so many options out there. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can save a significant amount of money on your next trip.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through ten practical and effective tips for finding cheap flights. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a digital nomad, or just someone looking to stretch your travel budget, these tips will help you book the best deals on flights without sacrificing comfort.
Start Searching Early, But Not Too Early
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to book a flight, but generally, booking 6-8 weeks before your departure for domestic flights and 2-3 months for international trips is a good rule of thumb. However, you don’t have to always book in advance to snag a deal—sometimes, last-minute sales or flash deals can offer great savings.
To get a feel for pricing, start checking flights early but avoid booking too early. Keep an eye out for price drops and be ready to pounce when you see a deal.
Use Flight Search Engines Wisely
Flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are your best friends when it comes to comparing flight prices. These platforms aggregate prices from various airlines and booking sites, giving you a one-stop-shop for flight comparisons.
Additionally, many search engines let you set up price alerts, so you’ll be notified when fares drop for your desired route. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can use features like Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” option to easily compare prices across multiple dates.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
One of the simplest ways to find cheaper flights is by adjusting your travel dates by just a day or two. Flights can vary greatly in price depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even time of day. Weekends and peak travel seasons tend to be more expensive, while mid-week flights often offer lower fares.
Most flight search engines offer flexible date options that allow you to see how prices change based on your preferred travel window. If you can be flexible, you can easily save a chunk of money.
Use Nearby Airports
Flying into major airports like New York’s JFK or London’s Heathrow can be convenient, but it often comes at a premium. If you’re open to flying into a nearby airport, you might find a much cheaper option.
For example, flying into Paris Beauvais instead of Charles de Gaulle can save you quite a bit, even after factoring in the cost of transportation to the city center. Check airports in nearby cities or suburbs that offer lower fees and consider using public transport to get to your final destination.
Consider Alternative Routes and Connections
Direct flights are typically the most convenient, but they’re often more expensive. If you don’t mind a stopover, booking a multi-leg flight or connecting through a hub can lead to significant savings.
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to check alternative routes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of departure cities or connecting airports. Sometimes, an additional stop can make a big difference in your ticket price.
Take Advantage of Airline and Credit Card Deals
Many airlines offer newsletters and loyalty programs that give you access to exclusive sales, promotions, and early-bird deals. Signing up for these can help you catch a flight deal before it’s widely advertised.
Also, consider applying for travel credit cards that earn miles or points. These can be redeemed for free flights or used to earn perks like upgrades or access to airport lounges. Some cards even offer welcome bonuses that can get you closer to a free flight faster.
Clear Your Browser History or Use Incognito Mode
It’s a well-known trick—airlines and booking sites may track your search history and raise prices on flights you’ve viewed multiple times. To avoid this, use your browser’s incognito mode when searching for flights. This ensures that your previous searches won’t impact the prices you see. Alternatively, clearing your cookies or using a different browser can also help.
Look for Deals on Airline Websites
While flight search engines are excellent for finding prices, airlines sometimes offer exclusive deals on their own websites that don’t show up on comparison sites. After you’ve found a flight on a search engine, take the extra step of checking the airline’s website directly to see if they have any promotions or special offers.
Be Open to Budget Airlines
If you’re looking to save big, budget airlines are a great option. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest offer low-cost flights that can save you hundreds of dollars compared to traditional carriers. However, keep in mind that these airlines often charge extra for checked luggage, food, and seat selection, so be sure to account for these additional fees when comparing prices.
Despite the extra fees, budget airlines can be a great way to travel cheaply, especially if you pack light and don’t mind no-frills service.
Book Flights on the Right Day and Time
Research shows that flights are often cheaper if booked on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as airlines tend to release new sales on Mondays, and competition for those deals drives prices down by mid-week. Additionally, booking flights early in the morning or late at night can often result in cheaper prices compared to flying during peak hours.
Tools like Kayak’s Best Time to Book feature can help you identify the best time to book flights for a given route.
Want to Find Your Dream Flight Deal?
Finding cheap flights is all about strategy, flexibility, and knowing where to look. Now that you’ve got some tips in your travel toolkit, it’s time to put them to use and start booking those flights.
What’s the best flight deal you’ve ever scored? Or maybe you have your own favorite hack for finding cheap tickets—drop a comment below and share your secrets with the travel community!