Finding Cheap Flights: 14 Easy Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Finding cheap flights can make the difference between taking that dream vacation and staying home. With airfares often being the most expensive part of a trip, mastering the art of finding budget-friendly flights is crucial. Here are 14 proven tips to help you always find the cheapest flights possible.
1. Ignore the Myths
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no magic day or time for finding cheap flights. Myths like booking on Tuesdays, using incognito mode, or predicting prices based on specific timelines are outdated. Airlines use complex algorithms to set prices based on various factors, making these old tricks ineffective.
Instead, focus on strategies that actually work. For example, use multiple search engines, sign up for fare alerts, and be flexible with your travel plans. These tactics take advantage of how modern airline pricing works rather than relying on outdated myths.
2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Times
Flight prices fluctuate based on the time of year, day of the week, and upcoming holidays. Traveling off-season, mid-week, or during early mornings and late nights can save you significant money. For example, traveling to Europe in the fall or spring instead of summer can save you hundreds of dollars. Similarly, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. Use tools like Skyscanner to view the cheapest months to fly to your desired destination.
When searching on Skyscanner, click on the date field to expand the calendar view and see the cheapest months to fly. For instance, if you’re flying from NYC to Paris, you might find that traveling in September, November, or December is much cheaper than in June or July.
3. Be Flexible with Destinations
If your travel dates are fixed, consider being flexible with your destination. Tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search option or Google Flights’ “Anywhere” feature allow you to compare prices to various destinations, helping you in finding cheap flights.
For example, if you want to travel to Europe but have no specific city in mind, search for flights to “Europe” instead of individual cities. You might find a great deal to Berlin, and from there, you can use budget airlines or trains to reach your final destination.
4. Sign Up for Special Deals
Subscribe to airline and travel deal newsletters. Websites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), The Flight Deal, Holiday Pirates, and Secret Flying provide alerts for significant airfare discounts.
These sites often feature deals that are available for a limited time, sometimes as short as a few hours. For example, you might find a round-trip flight from the US to Japan for $700, which is half the usual price. Signing up for these newsletters ensures you don’t miss out on these fleeting opportunities.
5. Fly Budget Carriers
Budget airlines can offer substantial savings, especially on short and medium-haul routes. While they might not offer the same amenities as major carriers, the cost savings can be worth it. Be mindful of additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other extras, which can add up. For example, Ryanair and EasyJet often have low base fares, but the total cost can increase significantly if you need to check a bag or choose a seat.
Here is a list of some popular budget airlines:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Norwegian Air, Wizz Air, Vueling
- Asia: Air Asia, Scoot, Peach Air, SpiceJet
- North America: Southwest, Spirit Airlines, Frontier
- Australia/New Zealand: JetStar, Tigerair Australia
6. Don’t Always Fly Direct
Sometimes, flying indirect routes can be cheaper. For example, booking a flight to a major hub and then a budget carrier to your final destination can save money. Use tools like Google Flights and Rome2Rio to explore alternative routes and connections.
For instance, if you’re flying from New York to Paris, check flights to London or Dublin first. You might find a cheaper flight to one of these cities, and from there, you can take a budget airline or train to Paris. This approach can save you hundreds of dollars, even if it means a longer travel time.
7. Use Multiple Search Engines
No single search engine captures all airlines and flights. Use multiple search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare prices. Each platform has its strengths, and comparing several can help you in finding cheap flights.
For example, Skyscanner is excellent for finding budget airlines and non-English websites, while Google Flights offers a user-friendly interface and powerful search tools. By using both, you can ensure you’re getting the most comprehensive view of available flights.
8. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you’re a student or under 26, numerous airlines offer discounted fares. Websites like Flight Centre and Student Universe specialize in finding cheaper flights for students, making it worthwhile to explore these options.
For example, Lufthansa offers student discounts that can be applied to partner airlines like Swiss Airlines and Austrian Airlines. This can provide significant savings on international flights, especially if you’re planning a multi-leg journey.
9. Mix and Match Airlines
Booking separate legs of a trip on different airlines can sometimes be cheaper than a single ticket. While this requires more effort, the savings can be significant. Websites like Kiwi.com help by piecing together the best deals from various airlines.
For example, if you’re flying from New York to Paris, you might find that booking a flight from New York to London on one airline and then a separate flight from London to Paris on another airline is cheaper than booking a direct flight. This strategy requires careful planning, but the cost savings can be substantial.
10. Use Points and Miles
Travel credit cards can be a goldmine for free flights and travel perks. Accumulate points and miles through everyday spending and redeem them for flights. Platforms like point.me help you maximize your points’ value across multiple loyalty programs.
For example, if you sign up for a travel credit card with a large welcome bonus, you can quickly accumulate enough points for a free flight. Use these points strategically, such as booking flights during peak travel times when prices are highest.
11. Search for Individual Tickets
When booking for a group, airlines often show the highest price ticket. Search for individual tickets instead to see the lowest available fares, and then book seats together during checkout.
For instance, if you’re booking for a family of four, search for one ticket first to find the lowest price. Then, book each ticket individually to avoid paying the highest fare for all four tickets. This strategy can save you a significant amount of money, especially on long-haul flights.
12. Look for Tickets in Other Currencies
If your currency is strong, search for flights in countries with weaker currencies. This can sometimes yield cheaper prices. Ensure you use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to avoid additional charges.
For example, if the US dollar is strong compared to the euro, searching for flights on European versions of airline websites might reveal lower prices. This strategy takes advantage of currency exchange rates to find cheaper fares.
13. Book Early (But Not Too Early)
The best time to book a flight is typically 2-3 months before departure. For peak seasons, aim for around five months in advance. Booking too early or too late can lead to higher prices.
For instance, if you’re planning a summer trip to Europe, start searching for flights in January or February. Prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches, so booking during this window can help you secure the best deal.
14. Book Hidden City Fares
A more advanced and riskier tactic for finding cheap flights is booking a flight with a layover at your desired destination and exiting at the layover. Use Skiplagged to find hidden city fares but be aware of the risks, such as the airline canceling the rest of your itinerary if you miss a segment.
For example, if you want to fly from Austin to Atlanta, you might find a cheaper flight from Austin to New Orleans with a layover in Atlanta. Book this flight and simply exit at Atlanta, but remember that your checked bags will continue to the final destination, and this tactic should not be used frequently to avoid being flagged by the airline.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights requires flexibility, creativity, and a bit of effort. By following these tips, you can save money on airfare and make your dream trip a reality. Start your search with Skyscanner and use these strategies for finding cheap flights. Happy travels!
