Let’s be real—airfare can be one of the most expensive parts of traveling. But what if you could consistently book flights for way less than the average traveler? Scoring cheap flights isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation or a last-minute getaway, here’s how to snag the best flight deals every time.

1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is the golden rule of cheap flying. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even time of day. If you can shift your departure by a day or two, you’ll likely find lower fares.

Pro tip: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to have the cheapest flights. Use fare comparison tools with flexible date options to spot the best prices.

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo scan hundreds of airlines and booking platforms to find the best prices. Many of them let you set alerts for price drops, track historical trends, and explore destinations based on your budget.

3. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything. The general rule? Book domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 2-8 months ahead. Avoid booking too early or too late—both can cost you more.

Bonus hack: Flight prices often drop mid-week, especially Tuesday afternoons when airlines release deals.

4. Go Incognito

Flight prices can increase based on your search history. Avoid price hikes by browsing in incognito or private mode. This way, websites can’t track your repeated searches and artificially raise prices.

5. Consider Nearby Airports

Major airports tend to be more expensive. Expanding your search radius to include nearby or regional airports can open up cheaper options, especially if you don’t mind a short drive or train ride.

6. Sign Up for Fare Alerts and Newsletters

Airlines and travel sites often send exclusive deals to subscribers. Sign up for newsletters like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Dollar Flight Club, or airline-specific alerts to catch limited-time promotions before the public does.

7. Travel Light

Budget airlines offer ultra-low fares—but they make up for it with fees for bags, seat selection, and food. Traveling with just a carry-on can save you a ton, especially on short trips.

8. Use Points and Miles

Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, sign-up bonuses alone can cover a flight or two.

9. Book One-Way Tickets Separately

It’s not always cheaper to book round-trip. Sometimes, booking two one-way flights on different airlines can save money and offer better times or layovers.

10. Look for Hidden-City Ticketing

Websites like Skiplagged find flights where your destination is actually a layover city. These can be significantly cheaper, but be cautious: airlines frown upon this practice and it only works for one-way flights without checked bags.

Final Thoughts

Scoring cheap flights isn’t magic—it’s about knowing where to look and when to book. The more flexible and informed you are, the more likely you are to find a great deal. With these tips in your travel toolkit, you’ll be jet-setting for less in no time.

Authors

Dean Lowell