How to Find Cheap Flights: Insider Tips and Tricks
Finding affordable flights doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right strategies and tools, you can save big on airfare and put more of your budget toward enjoying your trip. Here are the top insider tips and tricks to help you learn how to find cheap flights for your next trip whether you are traveling solo or as a group.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day and time of travel. Being flexible with your schedule allows you to take advantage of the cheapest fares.
- How to Do It:
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) when fares tend to be lower.
- Avoid flying during peak seasons, holidays, or weekends.
- Use fare comparison tools to find the cheapest days within your range.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search flights with the “Flexible Dates” option.
2. Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to finding cheap flights. One of the best tips to use when learning how to find cheap flights is to book at the right time. Booking too early or too late can lead to higher prices.
- Domestic Flights: Book 1-3 months in advance.
- International Flights: Book 2-8 months in advance for the best deals.
- Flash Deals: Keep an eye out for last-minute discounts or special promotions.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Hopper to track price trends and get alerts when fares drop.
3. Search in Incognito Mode
Airlines and travel websites sometimes use cookies to track your searches and increase fares for frequently checked routes.
- How to Do It:
- Use incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights.
- Clear your cookies and cache before starting a new search.
Pro Tip: Compare fares across multiple devices or browsers to confirm consistency.
4. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Comparison sites help you quickly compare fares across airlines, dates, and destinations.
- Top Flight Comparison Tools:
- Google Flights: Find flexible options and track prices.
- Skyscanner: Explore the cheapest destinations for any date.
- Momondo: Discover deals from lesser-known budget airlines.
- Kayak: Offers fare alerts and historical price trends.
Pro Tip: Always book directly through the airline’s website after finding deals to avoid extra booking fees.
5. Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of nearby airports can save you hundreds of dollars.
- How to Do It:
- Search for flights to alternative airports near your destination.
- Use public transport or affordable transfers to reach your final location.
Example: If flying to New York City, check flights into Newark (EWR) or nearby cities like Philadelphia (PHL).
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ “Nearby Airports” filter to find cheaper alternatives.
6. Take Advantage of Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often offer lower fares compared to full-service carriers, especially for shorter flights.
- Popular Budget Airlines:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar.
- U.S.: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier.
Important Tip: Watch out for additional fees for baggage, seat selection, or meals, and pack light to avoid extra costs.
7. Set Price Alerts
Flight prices fluctuate constantly, so setting price alerts helps you book when fares drop.
- How to Do It:
- Use tools like Hopper, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to monitor routes and receive price notifications.
- Adjust your alerts for nearby airports or flexible dates.
Pro Tip: Book as soon as you receive a fare drop notification since prices can spike quickly.
8. Look for Airline Sales and Error Fares
Airlines often run promotions, and error fares (mistakenly low prices) can pop up unexpectedly.
- How to Find Deals:
- Sign up for airline newsletters to stay informed about flash sales.
- Follow deal-hunting websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, or Secret Flying.
Pro Tip: Book error fares immediately—airlines may cancel them, but it’s worth trying!
9. Fly with Layovers
Nonstop flights are convenient but often more expensive. Choosing flights with layovers can significantly lower costs.
- How to Do It:
- Use search tools to find routes with layovers.
- Make the layover a bonus stop by exploring a new city for a few hours.
Pro Tip: Check visa rules for long layovers to ensure you can leave the airport.
10. Use Travel Rewards and Points
Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards are excellent tools for reducing airfare costs.
- How to Maximize Rewards:
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs to earn miles.
- Use travel credit cards for everyday purchases to accumulate points.
- Redeem points for flights, upgrades, or travel perks.
Pro Tip: Look for cards with sign-up bonuses to give your travel fund a boost.
Final Thoughts: Score Your Next Cheap Flight
Finding cheap flights doesn’t have to be complicated. By being flexible, staying organized, and knwoing how to find cheap flights, you can save big and travel more often. Whether it’s setting price alerts, choosing budget airlines, or leveraging travel rewards, every small effort adds up to huge savings.
