Finding cheap flights is one of the best ways to save money while traveling. However, with constantly changing airfare prices, hidden fees, and countless booking options, it can be tricky to get the best deal. In this guide, we’ll share proven tips and strategies to help you book the cheapest flights for your next adventure.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flight prices vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find the best deals.
How to Save:
- Fly on weekdays (Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days).
- Avoid peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, and school vacations).
- Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to find the cheapest dates.
Pro Tip:
Use the “Whole Month” or “Cheapest Month” feature on Skyscanner to find the most affordable travel dates.
2. Use Flight Search Engines
Not all booking sites show the same prices. To maximize savings, compare prices on multiple search engines.
Best Flight Search Engines:
- Google Flights – Great for flexible searches and price tracking.
- Skyscanner – Finds the cheapest flights worldwide.
- Momondo – Compares multiple booking sites for hidden deals.
- Hopper – Uses AI to predict when ticket prices will drop.
Pro Tip:
Always check the airline’s official website before booking, as they sometimes offer exclusive discounts or waive service fees.
3. Set Up Price Alerts
Flight prices change daily, sometimes even hourly. Setting up price alerts helps you book when fares drop.
How to Do It:
- Use Google Flights or Hopper to track price changes.
- Enable email alerts for specific routes on Skyscanner or Kayak.
- Be ready to book as soon as you see a good deal—prices can rise quickly!
4. Book at the Right Time
When you book your flight can significantly impact the price.
Best Time to Book:
- Domestic flights: 1–3 months in advance.
- International flights: 3–6 months in advance.
- Last-minute deals? Sometimes airlines drop prices 1–2 weeks before departure if they have unsold seats.
Pro Tip:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book flights, as airlines often release new deals.
5. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost airlines offer significantly cheaper fares, but they may charge extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and onboard meals.
Popular Budget Airlines by Region:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, IndiGo
- North America: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest
- South America: Viva Air, Sky Airline
- Australia: Jetstar, Tigerair
Pro Tip:
Read the fine print! Some budget airlines charge extra for carry-on bags, airport check-ins, or even printing your boarding pass.
6. Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
Frequent flyers can save hundreds of dollars by using travel rewards.
How to Earn Miles:
- Sign up for frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, or British Airways Executive Club.
- Use travel credit cards that offer miles on everyday purchases (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum).
- Book flights through airline alliances like Oneworld, Star Alliance, or SkyTeam for more redemption options.
Pro Tip:
Look for sign-up bonuses on credit cards that offer thousands of miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement.
7. Fly to Nearby Airports
Some destinations have multiple airports, and flying into a smaller or secondary airport can save you money.
Examples:
- Instead of flying to London Heathrow (LHR), try London Gatwick (LGW) or Luton (LTN).
- Instead of New York JFK, look for flights to Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA).
- Flying to Bologna instead of Florence can be significantly cheaper in Italy.
Pro Tip:
Use Google Flights’ “Nearby Airports” feature to compare alternative options.
8. Book One-Way Tickets Separately
Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket.
How to Save:
- Compare round-trip vs. one-way fares for different airlines.
- Check budget airlines for cheaper outbound or return flights.
- Use sites like Kiwi.com to find mix-and-match flight combinations.
Pro Tip:
This strategy works well for international flights, where you may find cheaper return flights from a different airport or country.
9. Use a VPN to Find Cheaper Prices
Airlines sometimes show different prices based on your location. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you find lower fares.
How to Use a VPN for Cheap Flights:
- Download a VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark).
- Set your location to a low-cost country (e.g., India, Mexico, or Thailand).
- Search for flights and compare prices.
Pro Tip:
Try searching in the local currency of the airline’s home country—it sometimes results in cheaper fares.
10. Avoid Extra Fees
Many airlines advertise cheap flights but make money by adding hidden fees.
How to Avoid Extra Costs:
- Pack light: Avoid baggage fees by traveling with carry-on only.
- Bring your own food & water: Airport meals and in-flight food can be expensive.
- Check in online: Some budget airlines charge extra for airport check-ins.
- Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to avoid extra currency conversion fees.