Airfare is often one of the biggest expenses of any trip, but with the right strategies, you can
score amazing deals on flights and save hundreds of dollars. Whether you’re planning a weekend
getaway or a long international adventure, knowing how to navigate airline pricing and take
advantage of insider tips can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the best ways to get cheap
flights and travel smarter.
1. Be Comfortale with Your Time and Destinations
One of the easiest ways to find cheaper flights is by being flexible with your travel dates and
destinations. Airlines use complex algorithms to price tickets, and even small changes in your
itinerary can result in significant savings.
Search for flights on multiple dates: Prices can vary depending on the day of the week
or time of the year. Flying midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or during off-peak
seasons (like fall or post-holidays) can lead to better deals.
Use “Flexible Dates” tools: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow
you to search for flights with flexible dates, showing you the cheapest options within a
certain timeframe. This gives you a clear view of which dates offer the lowest fares.
Consider alternative airports: Major cities often have multiple airports, and flying into
or out of smaller, secondary airports can save you money. For example, choosing
Oakland instead of San Francisco or Gatwick instead of Heathrow can result in cheaper
flights.
2. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when looking for deals. They search hundreds of
airlines and travel agencies to provide a comprehensive list of available flights.
Google Flights: One of the most powerful tools for finding deals. Google Flights shows
you an interactive calendar with pricing for different days, allows you to explore
destinations based on budget, and alerts you when prices are expected to rise or drop.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is great for comparing flights across a range of budget and
major airlines. Its “Everywhere” feature helps you discover the cheapest destinations if
you’re open to exploring new places.
Momondo: Known for finding hidden deals, Momondo often pulls prices from smaller
travel agencies, which can lead to cheaper tickets than other websites.
Hopper: Hopper uses data to predict whether flight prices will rise or fall. It advises you
when to book or wait for a better price and sends alerts when a price drop occurs.
3. Book at the Right Time
While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, certain booking windows and days of the week tend
to offer better deals.
Book 2-3 months in advance: For domestic flights, the sweet spot for finding good deals
is usually between 1 to 3 months before your travel date. For international flights, try
booking 3 to 6 months ahead. However, avoid booking too early (more than 6 months) or
too late (within a week of travel), as these times usually result in higher fares.
The best day to book: Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a magical day like Tuesday
that guarantees cheap flights, but data suggests that booking flights midweek (Tuesdays
or Wednesdays) often results in lower prices. Also, avoid booking flights during
weekends when demand is higher.
Set price alerts: Flight prices can fluctuate frequently. Set up price alerts on platforms
like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper. These apps will notify you when the price
drops, helping you book at the lowest possible fare.
4. Take Advantage of Airline Sales and Error Fares
Airlines occasionally offer flash sales or error fares (when they accidentally list a flight for a
lower price than intended). These can provide some of the biggest discounts on flights.
Follow airlines on social media: Many airlines announce flash sales on their social
media channels like Twitter and Facebook. Following them gives you the chance to jump
on these deals before they disappear.
Sign up for newsletters: Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, and
Secret Flying alert subscribers about mistake fares, sales, and limited-time discounts.
These newsletters often offer some of the best deals you wouldn’t find through regular
searches.
Book quickly: Error fares don’t last long, sometimes disappearing within hours. If you
spot a deal, book immediately. Many airlines will honor the fare, but even if they don’t,
you can typically cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
5. Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Travel Credit Cards
Another way to save money on flights is by utilizing frequent flyer miles and rewards points
from travel credit cards.
Join airline loyalty programs: Signing up for frequent flyer programs can help you
accumulate miles every time you fly. Even if you don’t fly frequently, you can earn
points through airline alliances and partner companies like hotels or car rentals.
Get a travel rewards credit card: Many credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses and
points on everyday purchases, which you can redeem for free or discounted flights. Cards
like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and American Express Platinum
are popular options for frequent travelers.
Redeem wisely: Make sure you’re using your points or miles strategically. Some routes
or travel times offer better redemption rates than others, so compare your options before
booking.
6. Clear Your Browser Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
It’s a common belief that flight prices increase the more you search for them. While the evidence
is mixed, it’s worth clearing your browser’s cookies or using incognito mode when browsing for
flights. This ensures airlines and booking websites don’t track your search history and potentially
raise prices based on demand.
Final Thoughts
Scoring the best deals on flights doesn’t require luck—just some smart planning and a bit of
research. By being flexible with your dates, using flight comparison tools, and keeping an eye
out for sales and promotions, you can significantly reduce your airfare costs. Combine these
strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to traveling the world without breaking the bank
