Finding cheap flights is often one of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of trip planning. With so many airlines, booking sites, and travel dates to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with a little research, flexibility, and the right strategies, you can score great deals on flights to your next dream destination. Here’s how to find the best cheap flights for your next trip.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the more likely you are to find cheaper flights. Airfares can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even time of day. Flights tend to be cheaper during off-peak seasons and on weekdays, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday. Avoid flying on weekends or around holidays, as these tend to be the most expensive times. Use flight comparison tools that allow you to view flexible dates and see the cheapest days to fly.
2. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites and search engines are invaluable tools for finding cheap flights. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo search across multiple airlines and booking platforms to show you the best prices for your destination. These sites allow you to set price alerts, which notify you when flight prices drop, so you can book at the right time. Many comparison sites also offer a “whole month” or “cheapest month” option, allowing you to see which dates offer the best deals.
3. Set Price Alerts
One of the easiest ways to track flight prices is by setting price alerts. Most flight comparison websites and apps, such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper, offer price alert features. Once you input your desired route and travel dates, these tools will monitor flight prices and send you an email or notification when prices drop. Setting alerts for a few weeks or even months before your trip can help you find lower fares as airlines adjust prices based on demand.
4. Consider Alternative Airports
When searching for cheap flights, consider flying into alternative airports near your destination. Many cities have multiple airports, and flights to secondary or less popular airports can sometimes be significantly cheaper. For example, if you’re flying to New York, flying into Newark instead of JFK or LaGuardia could save you money. Once you arrive at the alternative airport, you can usually take a train or bus into the city center for a relatively low cost. Always factor in the additional transportation costs to determine if it’s worth it to fly into a secondary airport.
5. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early)
While booking flights months in advance can often result in cheaper fares, booking too early doesn’t always guarantee the best deal. For most domestic flights, the sweet spot for booking is 1-2 months in advance. For international flights, booking around 2-6 months ahead is typically ideal. Booking too early can sometimes result in paying higher fares, as airlines often release their cheapest tickets closer to the date of travel. Conversely, booking last-minute can also be expensive, as airlines know passengers will pay a premium for last-minute bookings.
6. Use Incognito Mode
Airlines and booking websites often track your search history and can increase prices based on your repeated searches for a specific route. To avoid this, use incognito mode or a private browsing window while searching for flights. This prevents websites from storing cookies and prevents prices from inflating based on your searches. This simple trick can sometimes save you money when booking flights.
7. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines, or low-cost carriers, are a great option for finding cheap flights. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Southwest, Spirit, and Norwegian Air often offer lower fares than full-service carriers. However, be aware that budget airlines may charge additional fees for checked baggage, seat selection, food, and other services, so factor these costs into the overall price. To get the best deal, try to book directly through the airline’s website to avoid booking fees, and always read the fine print regarding fees and restrictions.
8. Book Connecting Flights Instead of Direct
Nonstop flights are convenient, but they’re often more expensive than flights with layovers. If you don’t mind spending a bit more time traveling, booking a connecting flight can save you money. Use flight comparison websites to search for options with layovers or multiple connections, and see if they offer a significant price difference compared to nonstop flights. Make sure the layovers aren’t too short, as you’ll want enough time to make connections without the stress of missing your next flight.
9. Look for Special Deals and Promotions
Airlines and booking websites often offer flash sales, seasonal promotions, and limited-time discounts. These deals can be a great way to save on flights, but you have to act quickly. Sign up for airlines’ newsletters and follow them on social media to stay informed about special offers. Travel deal websites like Airfarewatchdog and The Flight Deal can also help you find promotional fares, including discounted flights and error fares (when airlines accidentally publish extremely low prices).
10. Use Airline Miles or Points
If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, now is the perfect time to use them. Many airlines offer award flights, allowing you to book a flight for a fraction of the cost. Credit cards that offer travel rewards, such as the Chase Sapphire or American Express Platinum, can also help you redeem points for flights. Keep an eye out for promotions where you can earn bonus miles or transfer points to airline partners to get even more value for your miles.
11. Check for Student, Military, or Senior Discounts
If you belong to specific groups like students, military personnel, or seniors, you may be eligible for special flight discounts. Some airlines offer reduced fares for students or members of the military, while senior travelers can sometimes access discounts or exclusive deals. Websites like StudentUniverse or STA Travel are specifically designed to help students find discounted flights. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and any documentation needed to qualify for these discounts.
12. Book Multi-City or Open-Jaw Tickets
If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations, consider booking a multi-city or open-jaw ticket. Instead of booking separate one-way tickets for each leg of your journey, a multi-city flight allows you to travel between several cities at a lower overall cost. For example, if you’re flying from New York to Paris and then from Barcelona back to New York, booking a multi-city flight can often save money compared to booking two one-way tickets.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights is all about strategy, flexibility, and timing. By following these tips—using flight comparison websites, booking in advance, considering alternative airports, and keeping an eye out for promotions—you can save money and book your next trip without breaking the bank. Remember, the earlier you start looking, the better your chances are of finding a great deal. So, start planning your next adventure and let these smart strategies help you fly for less!
