1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to search multiple airlines and booking platforms at once. These sites provide filters to help you find the best prices based on your travel dates, airports, and even budget. Setting up price alerts will also notify you when fares drop, helping you secure the lowest price for your flight.
2. Book in Advance
Booking your flight at least 3-6 weeks before your departure date can significantly lower the cost. Flights tend to be cheaper during off-peak times, so planning ahead gives you a better chance of scoring discounted rates. Booking well in advance also allows you to compare prices over time and track fare fluctuations.
3. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper flights. Flights mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) tend to be less expensive than weekend flights. Additionally, consider flying from or into smaller airports near your destination, which may have lower fees and cheaper flights compared to major international hubs.
4. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies
When searching for flights online, travel sites can track your searches using cookies, potentially raising prices if they detect you’re interested in specific routes. To avoid this, search in incognito or private browsing mode. This prevents websites from tracking your searches, helping you find the lowest available prices.
5. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters
Many airlines offer exclusive deals and discounts to subscribers of their email newsletters. Signing up for these newsletters keeps you updated on flash sales, last-minute offers, and special promotions. Some airlines even offer discounts for members of their loyalty programs, so joining frequent flyer clubs can lead to additional savings.
6. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, and JetBlue often offer significantly cheaper tickets compared to full-service airlines. While these airlines may charge additional fees for things like checked bags, seat selection, or food, the base ticket price can be much more affordable. Just be mindful of the extra costs to ensure you’re still getting a good deal.
7. Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program or have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you can redeem miles or points to reduce the cost of your flights. Many credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which can be enough to cover a significant portion of your airfare. Check for opportunities to transfer points to airline partners for added flexibility.
8. Look for Flash Sales
Airlines often run flash sales with significant discounts, but these sales typically last only for a few hours or days. Signing up for deal alerts from specific airlines, flight deal websites (e.g., The Flight Deal, Airfarewatchdog), and deal apps can help you catch these limited-time offers before they expire.
9. Check for Student or Group Discounts
If you’re a student, teacher, or part of a large group, you may be eligible for special discounted fares. Websites like StudentUniverse and STA Travel offer exclusive prices for students and young travelers. Additionally, if you’re booking for a group, airlines sometimes provide discounts or offer group rates for larger parties, so it’s worth inquiring.
10. Use Alternative Booking Methods
Sometimes, booking flights via alternative platforms like Momondo or even directly through an airline’s website (after finding the best price on a comparison site) can yield savings. Occasionally, booking round-trip tickets or one-way flights with different airlines can also be cheaper than booking with the same airline for the entire journey.
By combining these strategies, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights and save money on your next trip.
