1. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap flights. Airfares can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day you choose to fly. If you can adjust your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of securing a lower fare.
- Best days to fly: Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly. Weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.
- Off-peak travel: Avoid flying during peak seasons like holidays or school vacations. Traveling during shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) can help you find lower fares.
- Flights at odd hours: Early morning and late-night flights are often cheaper than those at more desirable times during the day. If you don’t mind a bit of inconvenience, these can save you a significant amount of money.
Pro Tip: Use a flight search engine like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak, which allow you to see a calendar of fares and compare prices across multiple dates.
2. Use Fare Comparison Websites and Apps
To find the best deals, you need to search multiple platforms at once. Fare comparison websites and apps help you compare flights from hundreds of airlines, helping you spot the best deals available.
- Google Flights: Google’s flight search engine is powerful and user-friendly. It shows you a variety of options based on your dates and allows you to track prices for specific routes. You can also set up price alerts to monitor fluctuating fares.
- Skyscanner: Skyscanner is known for its flexibility and comprehensive search options. It allows you to search for flights over an entire month, giving you a broad view of the price trends and helping you find the cheapest time to fly.
- Momondo: This site offers unique insights into fares and includes results from low-cost carriers that some other engines might miss. It also helps you uncover deals that are often hidden under “secret” fares.
Pro Tip: Use multiple comparison sites to double-check prices. Some sites have exclusive deals that others don’t offer, so it’s worth running searches on more than one.
3. Set Price Alerts
If you have your heart set on a particular destination but the prices are still too high, setting price alerts can help. These alerts will notify you when the price of your desired flight drops.
Most flight search engines offer this feature. For example, Google Flights allows you to track specific flights and will email you when prices fluctuate. Similarly, apps like Hopper track airfares over time and predict the best time to book based on historical data.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long after receiving a price alert. Flights can rise again quickly, so if the price drops to a level you’re comfortable with, go ahead and book it.
4. Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of a different airport can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. While this might not always be convenient, it’s worth considering when searching for budget flights.
- Check for alternate airports: For major cities, there are often multiple airport options. For example, in New York City, you have three major airports to choose from—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Similarly, London has several airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Compare fares for each to see if there’s a better deal available.
- Consider transportation costs: When flying into a nearby airport, factor in any transportation costs to get to your final destination. Sometimes the savings from a cheaper flight are offset by the cost of getting to your hotel.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ “Nearby Airports” feature to explore multiple options for airports close to your destination.
5. Book in Advance—but Not Too Early
Booking your flight in advance is important, but there’s a sweet spot when it comes to finding the best prices. According to experts, the optimal time to book a flight is generally between three and eight weeks before departure for domestic flights and two to six months for international flights.
Booking too early (more than six months in advance) can result in higher fares, while waiting until the last minute often means missing out on the best deals or getting stuck with sky-high last-minute prices.
Pro Tip: For popular holiday seasons or peak travel times (like Christmas or summer vacations), book as early as possible to avoid skyrocketing prices.
6. Use Airline Miles and Points
If you’re a frequent flyer or have a credit card that earns travel points, you can use your accumulated miles or points to reduce the cost of flights. Many airlines and credit cards offer loyalty programs where you can earn points with each purchase, which can later be redeemed for free flights or discounts.
- Sign-up bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer large sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards offer points that transfer to a variety of airline partners.
- Frequent flyer programs: If you fly with a specific airline regularly, sign up for their frequent flyer program. These programs offer perks like free flights, priority boarding, and seat upgrades.
Pro Tip: Check the Airline Rewards Programs or Frequent Flyer Websites for tips on maximizing the value of your miles and points.
7. Look for Airline Sales and Promotions
Airlines frequently run sales, often with limited-time offers that provide significant discounts on flights. Signing up for email newsletters and following airlines on social media can help you stay in the loop about these sales.
- Flash sales: Flash sales can happen at any time and often last for only a few hours or days. These sales typically offer the best deals for budget-conscious travelers.
- Promotions and discount codes: Many airlines offer promotional codes for discounts on flights, hotel bookings, or vacation packages. Websites like RetailMeNot or CouponFollow can help you find these codes.
Pro Tip: Set up a dedicated email for travel deals to keep your inbox organized and not cluttered with irrelevant promotions.
8. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Southwest, Ryanair, and EasyJet often provide incredible deals on domestic and international flights. However, be mindful of their additional fees—many budget carriers charge for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even food and drinks.
To make the most of a budget airline:
- Pack light: Avoid checked baggage fees by sticking to carry-on luggage.
- Bring your own snacks: Save money by packing snacks and drinks for the flight.
- Book directly through the airline: Budget airlines often offer the best deals when you book directly through their websites.
Pro Tip: Always check the total cost, including taxes and fees, before booking. Sometimes a slightly higher-priced flight with a full-service airline may offer better overall value.
