14 Easy Tips to Always Find Cheap Flights
Traveling doesn't have to be a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets. With the right strategies, anyone can find affordable flights and stretch their travel budget further. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, these 14 tips will help you consistently uncover the best flight deals and make your dream trips a reality.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
One of the most effective ways to find cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Airline pricing is highly dynamic and influenced by demand. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) are often cheaper because they fall between the busier days of Monday and Friday when business travelers are more active. Similarly, flying early in the morning or late at night can sometimes yield lower prices due to less demand.
Beyond the day of the week, consider traveling during the shoulder season—those periods just before and after the peak tourist seasons. For example, Europe’s shoulder season is typically from April to early June and September to October. During these times, the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner, and the prices are lower.
2. Use Multiple Flight Search Engines and Aggregators
Don’t rely on just one search engine when looking for flights. Different platforms can yield different results due to variations in how they gather and present flight data. Google Flights is excellent for its user-friendly interface and quick search results, allowing you to see a broad range of options at a glance. Skyscanner is another favorite, known for its flexibility in searching for the cheapest month to fly. Kayak, meanwhile, offers a mix of search options, including the ability to set up price alerts.
It’s also worth checking out Momondo, which often uncovers deals that other search engines miss. By cross-referencing multiple sites, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible price.
3. Set Fare Alerts for Your Desired Routes
Patience can be your best friend when hunting for cheap flights. If you have a specific destination in mind but aren’t ready to book, setting up fare alerts is a smart strategy. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to track specific routes and will notify you when there’s a significant drop in price.
Fare alerts are particularly useful for monitoring prices over time, helping you identify patterns and decide when to book. Some platforms even offer insights into whether prices are expected to rise or fall, giving you an added edge in your decision-making process.
4. Book Your Flights Early—or at the Last Minute
Timing can significantly impact flight prices. If you’re planning a big trip, especially internationally, booking early—often six to eight months in advance—can secure you a better deal. This is particularly true for popular destinations or during peak travel seasons when prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches.
On the flip side, if you’re flexible and can handle a bit of uncertainty, last-minute bookings can also offer substantial savings. Airlines often slash prices in the final weeks before departure to fill empty seats. While this approach requires flexibility with your destination and dates, it can lead to unexpectedly affordable fares.
5. Explore Nearby Airports
When searching for flights, don’t limit yourself to just the main airport in your destination city. Many cities have multiple airports, and flying into or out of a smaller, nearby airport can be cheaper. For instance, if you’re heading to New York City, compare prices for flights into Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia. Similarly, when flying into London, check fares for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.
Additionally, some cities are within a short train or bus ride of another major airport, so it’s worth considering flights to nearby cities. For example, if you’re visiting Amsterdam, you might find cheaper flights to Brussels, which is just a two-hour train ride away.
6. Take Advantage of Airline Miles and Points
Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can be game-changers in reducing travel costs. If you’re not already enrolled in an airline’s frequent flyer program, it’s time to sign up—especially if you regularly fly with the same carrier. Over time, you can accumulate miles that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other travel perks.
Travel rewards credit cards are another excellent way to earn points for flights. Many cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses, which can be enough for a free domestic flight or a heavily discounted international ticket. By using these cards for everyday purchases, you can quickly build up points that translate into travel savings.
7. Don’t Overlook Budget Airlines
Budget airlines have revolutionized air travel by offering no-frills flights at unbeatable prices. While you might sacrifice some comfort and perks (like free meals or extra legroom), the savings can be substantial, especially on short-haul flights. In Europe, airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air offer incredibly low fares. In Asia, AirAsia and Scoot are known for their budget-friendly prices.
However, be sure to factor in any additional costs when booking with budget airlines. Many of them charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and even carry-on luggage. By carefully reading the fine print and packing light, you can avoid these fees and truly maximize your savings.
8. Search for Flights in Incognito Mode
Believe it or not, your browsing habits can influence the prices you see when searching for flights. Many travel websites use cookies to track your search history, and if they notice that you’re repeatedly searching for the same flight, they may increase the price to create a sense of urgency.
To avoid this, use incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. This prevents websites from tracking your history and ensures you see the most accurate and potentially lower prices.
9. Embrace Layovers and Stopovers
While non-stop flights are the most convenient, they are often more expensive. Opting for flights with layovers can significantly reduce your fare. For example, instead of flying directly from New York to Paris, you might find a cheaper option with a layover in London or Reykjavik.
Some airlines also offer free or discounted stopovers in their hub cities, allowing you to explore an additional destination without paying for an extra flight. For instance, Icelandair offers stopovers in Reykjavik for up to seven days at no additional cost, giving you the chance to experience Iceland before continuing to your final destination.
10. Book Directly with the Airline
While third-party booking sites can sometimes offer lower prices, booking directly with the airline often has its own set of advantages. Airlines are more likely to accommodate changes, cancellations, or issues if you booked directly through them. In addition, airlines frequently offer exclusive discounts or bonus miles to members of their loyalty programs who book through their official website.
Booking directly can also provide more transparent communication in case of delays, cancellations, or other disruptions, making it easier to manage your trip and avoid unnecessary stress.
11. Use Flexible Date Search Tools
When you’re not tied to specific travel dates, flexible date search tools can be incredibly useful. These tools allow you to see prices for a range of dates, helping you identify the cheapest days to fly. For example, Google Flights offers a calendar view that highlights the lowest fares on any given day. Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” view allows you to see the cheapest flights across an entire month.
By using these tools, you can adjust your travel plans to coincide with the most affordable options, potentially saving you a significant amount on airfare.
12. Subscribe to Airline Newsletters and Deal Alerts
Airline newsletters and travel deal websites can be a goldmine for finding flash sales and special promotions. By subscribing to these newsletters, you’ll receive notifications about limited-time offers that might not be advertised elsewhere. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, and Secret Flying specialize in uncovering error fares and other unbeatable deals, often saving travelers hundreds of dollars.
Just make sure to act quickly when you see a good deal—these offers often have short booking windows, and prices can increase rapidly once they’re discovered.
13. Experiment with One-Way Tickets
Round-trip tickets aren’t always the best deal. In some cases, booking two one-way tickets—potentially with different airlines—can result in significant savings. This strategy also allows for greater flexibility, especially if you’re planning an open-ended trip or want to visit multiple destinations.
For example, you might find a cheap one-way flight from New York to London on one airline and an affordable return flight on another airline. This mix-and-match approach can help you find the lowest possible fares for your travel plans.
14. Be Ready to Book When You Find a Good Deal
When it comes to cheap flights, timing is everything. Prices can change rapidly, sometimes within hours or even minutes. If you come across a great deal, it’s crucial to be ready to book immediately. Hesitating could mean missing out on the best prices.
To ensure you’re always prepared, have your payment information ready, know your travel dates, and be flexible with your plans. Additionally, consider using fare alerts and deal-finding websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights to stay informed about the latest discounts. The more proactive you are, the more likely you’ll secure the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights is an art that requires a mix of strategy, flexibility, and a bit of luck. By applying these 14 tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy traveler who consistently uncovers the best airfare deals. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-term international adventure, these strategies will help you make the most of your travel budget.
Remember, the key to affordable travel is patience and persistence. Keep an open mind, explore different options, and always be ready to seize a good deal when it comes your way. With these tips in your arsenal, the world is within reach—happy travels!
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