The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

Last updated on November 2nd, 2024

Traveling by air can be one of the most expensive parts of a trip, but with the right strategies, you can significantly cut down on airfare costs. This guide will walk you through various tips and tricks to find the cheapest flights available.

 

1. Flexibility is Key

a. Travel Dates: The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better your chances of finding cheaper flights. Airlines often have varying prices for different days of the week. Midweek flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper compared to weekends. It is very important to know what the best time to book flights is.

b. Airports: Consider flying into and out of alternative airports. Smaller airports or those a bit farther from your destination might offer lower fares.

c. Seasons: Avoid peak travel seasons. Traveling during off-peak times, such as shoulder seasons (spring and fall), can result in substantial savings.

2. Use Fare Comparison Websites and Apps

Leverage technology to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies. Some popular fare comparison tools include:

a. Google Flights: Allows you to explore destinations based on your budget and see price trends.

b. Skyscanner: Excellent for finding the cheapest months and dates to fly.

c. Kayak: Offers a variety of tools like fare alerts and price forecasts.

d. Hopper: Predicts future flight prices and notifies you when to book for the best deal.

3. Set Fare Alerts

Sign up for fare alerts to get notifications when prices drop for your preferred routes. Websites like Airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and Google Flights offer this service. This way, you can monitor prices over time and book when they hit a low.

4. Book in Advance… But Not Too Far

Booking in advance can often yield cheaper tickets, but there’s a sweet spot. For domestic flights, aim to book 1-3 months in advance. For international flights, 2-8 months is typically the optimal booking window. Booking too early or too late can sometimes lead to higher fares.

5. Be Open to Layovers

Direct flights are convenient but often come with a higher price tag. Consider flights with layovers to save money. Use tools like Kiwi.com to find “hidden city” tickets where you disembark at a layover stop instead of the final destination (note that this can have some risks and restrictions).

6. Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points

Frequent flyers can take advantage of loyalty programs and credit card points. Sign up for airline loyalty programs to earn miles each time you fly. Use travel credit cards that offer points for purchases and sign-up bonuses. Redeeming miles and points can significantly reduce your airfare costs or even get you free flights.

7. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines like Southwest, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer lower fares compared to traditional carriers. Be mindful of additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Sometimes, even with these add-ons, budget airlines can be a cheaper option.

8. Check for Discounts and Deals

Always be on the lookout for discounts and special deals. Airlines frequently have sales, especially during holiday seasons or for new route launches. Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on social media to stay informed about upcoming promotions.

9. Use Incognito Mode

When searching for flights, use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode. Travel sites often track your search history with cookies and can raise prices based on repeated searches for the same route. By using incognito mode, you can avoid this potential price increase.

10. Mix and Match Airlines

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket with one airline. This approach, known as “hacker fares,” can be facilitated by fare comparison sites like Kayak and Skyscanner.

11. Consider Alternative Routes

Instead of flying directly to your destination, consider booking a flight to a nearby city and then taking a train or bus. For example, flying into a major hub like Chicago or Los Angeles might be cheaper, and then you can find a low-cost flight or ground transport to your final destination.

12. Book with Foreign Currencies

If the airline allows, booking your flight in a different currency can sometimes be cheaper due to exchange rate differences. This strategy works best when your home currency is strong compared to the foreign currency.

13. Travel Light

Baggage fees can add up quickly. By traveling light with only carry-on luggage, you can avoid these fees. Ensure you understand the airline’s baggage policy to avoid surprises at the airport.

14. Utilize Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

If you qualify, take advantage of discounts available for students, military personnel, and seniors. Many airlines offer these discounts, but they are not always advertised. You may need to contact the airline directly or check their website for these special rates.

15. Book at the Right Time

Research suggests that the best time to book a flight is typically on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons when airlines release their weekly fare sales. Additionally, avoid booking flights too early in the morning or late at night when demand might be lower.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights requires some effort and a bit of strategy, but the savings can be significant. By being flexible with your travel plans, using technology to compare fares, and taking advantage of discounts and rewards programs, you can make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank. Happy travels!