Traveling solo is an incredible way to explore the world on your terms, but finding affordable flights can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to secure the best flight deals. Whether you’re looking for a budget airline or just trying to make the most of your travel budget, here’s how to find great flight deals for your solo adventure.
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites are essential tools for solo travelers looking for affordable flights. These sites allow you to compare fares across multiple airlines, booking platforms, and travel dates. Popular websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak let you enter your destination and dates to see which airlines offer the best deals.
For example, Skyscanner is great for finding a variety of options and prices, while Google Flights provides a helpful calendar view to show when the lowest fares are available. Kayak is also beneficial for setting up price alerts to notify you when prices drop.
2. Sign Up for Alerts
One of the best ways to save money is by signing up for fare alerts. Many flight comparison sites, including Hopper and Airfarewatchdog, allow you to set up notifications for your preferred routes. These services monitor flight prices and will notify you when there’s a drop in price.
Booking early is key to securing lower prices, but last-minute deals can also pop up, especially during sales or seasonal promotions. Alerts help you stay informed and make sure you never miss a great deal.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility with your travel dates can be a game-changer when it comes to finding cheaper flights. Prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. Avoid flying on weekends or holidays when fares tend to be higher.
Most flight comparison sites allow you to view prices on different dates. For instance, Skyscanner offers a “whole month” search option, which lets you see the cheapest days to fly. Being open to adjusting your trip by a few days can save you a significant amount on airfare.
4. Consider Nearby Airports
When searching for flights, consider flying into airports that are near your destination but not necessarily the main one. Google Flights and Kayak allow you to explore nearby airports, which can offer lower fares, particularly in major cities where multiple airports are in operation.
For example, if you’re flying to New York, consider flying into Newark instead of JFK. While it might be a bit farther away, the cost savings can be worth it.
5. Use Airline Loyalty Programs
If you travel frequently, it’s a good idea to join an airline loyalty program. Even as a solo traveler, these programs can help you accumulate miles and earn perks that save you money. Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, and American Airlines AAdvantage are some of the top programs for U.S.-based airlines. For international travel, programs like Emirates Skywards or Qantas Frequent Flyer can be very rewarding.
Many airlines offer credit cards that allow you to earn miles for every dollar spent, so consider signing up for one to further boost your miles.
6. Look for Package Deals
If you’re also booking hotels or rental cars, look for package deals. Travel websites like Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com often offer discounts when you bundle flights with accommodations or car rentals. Even if you’re only booking a flight, these sites can provide valuable insights into additional offers, such as free cancellations or added perks like seat upgrades or luggage discounts.
7. Use Incognito Mode When Searching
Airlines and booking websites often use cookies to track your search behavior. If a particular flight route or airline is searched multiple times, the price may increase. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito mode or clear your browser cache. This prevents flight websites from tracking your searches and artificially inflating prices.
8. Book Through Airline Websites Directly
After using comparison websites to find the best options, consider booking directly through the airline’s website. Some airlines offer exclusive deals or bonus miles if you book directly, and it can make it easier to resolve issues such as flight changes or cancellations.
Popular airlines like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are known for offering deals that are not available through third-party websites. Additionally, booking directly ensures you have access to customer service in case of problems with your flight.
9. Check for Student or Solo Traveler Discounts
Some airlines and booking sites offer discounts specifically for solo travelers or students. StudentUniverse is a popular website for student discounts on flights, and many airlines, including Air Canada and British Airways, offer special discounts for solo travelers.
Even if you’re not a student, check to see if any discounts apply to solo travelers, as they can make your flight even more affordable.
