How to Find Cheap Flights: All you Need to Know
Planning a trip on a budget? Or just want to save money on your next trip? Here is our guide on finding cheap flights to book for all destinations
The cost of flights can make traveling so expensive, and can sometimes mean that you don’t get to take that trip at all if the cost is too prohibitive.
With the expense of the total cost of a trip, if you can save money anywhere, on any part of that trip, it can really make a difference to your budget and wallet. One of the things you can save money on is the cost of a flight.
Here are some effective tips to help you save money on airfares to absolutely any destination.
Be Flexible with Dates and Times?
Flights used to be cheaper on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, however that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
Early morning and late-night flights tend to be less expensive however, and that does seem to still be the case.
The airlines used to release tickets on certain days, which is why you could snag a good ticket on certain airlines. But now that isn’t the case anymore, and most of the airlines have quite complex algorithms that they follow, which makes knowing when to book difficult.
Use fare comparison tools to explore different date combinations and see what kinds of different results and prices that you get.
Use Flight Search Engines and Apps
Utilize search engines such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to compare prices across multiple airlines.
Skyscanner is a great search engine to use for cheap flights, as it also includes budget airlines too (many search engines only include the major carriers).
Google Flights is another great search engine. It allows you to select multiple destinations and departure cities, and it has so many filtering options.
Set up fare alerts to get notifications about price drops.
Book Directly with the Airline
Opinions on this approach differ, but it does seem to be true that you can get good deals if you book directly with the airline itself, and not through a third party.
This can be particularly useful if you hold an airline credit card for miles and points.
It usually also gives you a little bit of a buffer, as most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours of making the booking at no charge, and it is also far easier to manage a flight when you book directly with the airline you are flying with.
Book in Advance (but Not Too Far Ahead)
The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is typically 1-3 months in advance.
For international flights, aim for 2-8 months ahead. Book in less time for out of season deals, and more time for high season.
Last-minute deals can occasionally be found, but it’s risky. If you know quite far ahead that you will be taking a flight try to book as early as possible.
Consider Nearby Airports
Check prices for flights into nearby airports, which might be cheaper than your primary destination.
Places like New York for instance have several different airports that you can choose from.
However if you are flying to a nearby airport and not the direct airport, you should make sure that you factor in the cost of ground transportation to your final destination.
You may need to take a train or a taxi, or hire a car to get to your ultimate destination which can push costs up and might not make it worth it to not fly directly. It can also add on more time for travel, and less time at your destination.
Use Incognito Mode When Searching
Airlines and travel sites may use cookies to track your searches and increase prices.
Search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to avoid this. It is easy on your web browser to search incognito and you will see immediately the difference in prices that you get for being invisible!
Join Frequent Flyer Programs and Credit Cards
Sign up for airline newsletters and frequent flyer programs to access exclusive deals. All the airlines have frequent flyer programs that are free to join.
Use points and miles to save on airfare by signing up for credit cards that give you air-miles and points when you spent with them.
Some credit cards will also give you special perks such as advanced boarding, free checked luggage and more. Some also have sign-up bonuses where they will give you a large amount of miles.
Look for Airline Sales and Error Fares
Follow airlines on social media and subscribe to newsletters to stay informed about sales and promotions.
Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal can help you find error fares.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Avoid peak travel seasons like holidays and school vacations when flights are more expensive.
Traveling during shoulder seasons can offer a good balance of decent weather and lower prices.
Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest can offer significant savings.
Be mindful of additional fees for baggage and other services however, and always read all the fine print (trust me, you will be glad you did).
By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your savings and make your travel dreams more affordable. Happy travels!
Planning a trip on a budget? Or just want to save money on your next trip? Here is our guide on finding cheap flights to book for all destinations