Finding cheap flights can make a huge difference in your travel budget, allowing you to visit more destinations without spending a fortune. With airfare prices constantly fluctuating, knowing a few smart hacks can help you save big. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning your next vacation, these expert tips will help you score the best flight deals.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Destinations
One of the best ways to find cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Airline prices change based on demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week.
- Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to check flight prices on different dates.
- Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays is usually cheaper compared to weekends or Mondays.
- Consider off-peak travel seasons when flights are generally more affordable. For example, visiting Europe in late fall or early spring is much cheaper than in summer.
- Use the “Everywhere” search feature on Skyscanner to find the cheapest destinations from your departure city.
Flexibility can save you hundreds of dollars, so keep your options open when booking flights.
2. Book Flights at the Right Time
Timing is crucial when it comes to getting the best flight deals.
- Studies show that the best time to book domestic flights is 1-3 months in advance, while international flights should be booked 3-6 months before departure.
- Avoid last-minute bookings, as prices tend to skyrocket within the last few weeks before departure.
- Set up price alerts on websites like Google Flights and Hopper to get notified when fares drop.
- If you’re planning to travel during peak seasons (holidays or summer), book even earlier—6-12 months ahead for the best deals.
Booking at the right time can help you avoid unnecessary price hikes and secure the cheapest fares.
3. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Your Cookies
Airlines and travel booking sites use cookies to track your searches, and if they notice repeated searches for the same route, prices may increase.
- Always search for flights in incognito mode or private browsing mode to avoid dynamic pricing.
- Clear your browser cookies or use a different device when checking flight prices multiple times.
- Use VPN services to check fares from different locations, as airlines sometimes offer different prices based on region.
This simple trick can sometimes help you find flights at a lower price than what you initially see.
4. Take Advantage of Budget Airlines and Stopovers
Budget airlines offer significantly cheaper fares compared to full-service carriers, especially for short-haul and regional flights.
- Check airlines like Ryanair, AirAsia, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue for low-cost options.
- Book one-way tickets separately instead of round-trip, as mixing airlines may result in cheaper fares.
- Consider flights with long layovers or stopovers. Sometimes, booking two separate flights to your final destination can be cheaper than a direct flight.
For example, flying from New York to Bangkok might be expensive, but booking a separate flight from New York to Dubai and then another from Dubai to Bangkok can sometimes save you money.
5. Use Airline Miles, Rewards Programs, and Credit Card Points
One of the best ways to save on airfare is by taking advantage of airline loyalty programs and travel credit cards.
- Sign up for frequent flyer programs with major airlines to accumulate airline miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.
- Use travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, or Capital One Venture to earn miles on everyday purchases.
- Look for bonus sign-up offers on travel credit cards that can give you thousands of free miles.
- Book flights with points and miles instead of paying cash, especially for long-haul or business-class tickets.
If you travel frequently, using credit card rewards and airline miles can save you a lot of money on flights.
6. Consider Alternative Airports and Routes
Flying into or out of smaller, secondary airports can sometimes be much cheaper than major international hubs.
- If you’re flying to London, check flights to Gatwick or Stansted instead of Heathrow.
- If visiting Paris, look at flights to Beauvais Airport instead of Charles de Gaulle.
- Consider nearby cities—for example, flying into Kuala Lumpur and taking a budget airline to Bali might be cheaper than flying directly to Bali.
Being flexible with your departure and arrival airports can help you unlock better flight deals.
7. Avoid Extra Fees and Hidden Costs
Many budget airlines offer low base fares but make up for it with additional fees.
- Pack light and travel with only a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees.
- Bring your own snacks and water bottle to avoid expensive in-flight food purchases.
- Avoid seat selection fees by letting the airline assign you a random seat for free.
Understanding airline policies can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your trip within budget.