Finding cheap airfare can be tough. But, with the right tips, you can score amazing flight deals and discounts. If you can save on flight tickets, then you will have extra money to spend on your trip. Whether planning a quick trip or booking in advance, these cheap flight hacks will help you save money on every journey.
Quick Guide: How to Find Cheap Flights Every Time
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates:
- Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays for lower fares.
- Avoid peak seasons (summer, Christmas) and travel during shoulder seasons.
- Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare dates.
- Use Incognito Mode:
- Search in private browsing mode to avoid price hikes.
- Clear cookies or use a VPN to prevent tracking.
- Book at the Right Time:
- Domestic flights: Book 1–3 months in advance.
- International flights: Book 3–6 months ahead.
- Last-minute deals can be risky but offer savings for flexible travelers.
- Use Flight Comparison Websites:
- Google Flights: Tracks prices over time.
- Skyscanner: Sets alerts for price drops.
- Momondo: Finds hidden deals.
- Kayak: Offers price trend insights.
- Set Price Alerts:
- Use Google Flights or Hopper for fare alerts.
- Follow airlines on social media for flash sales.
- Consider Alternative Airports:
- Nearby airports often have cheaper flights.
- Multi-city searches can reveal hidden deals.
- Leverage Airline Rewards & Miles:
- Join frequent flyer programs.
- Use travel rewards credit cards.
- Redeem miles for discounted flights.
- Fly with Budget Airlines:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet.
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot.
- North America: Southwest, Spirit.
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees.
- Look for Error Fares & Flash Sales:
- Use sites like Secret Flying and Jack’s Flight Club.
- Sign up for airline newsletters for exclusive deals.
- Bundle Flights with Hotels or Car Rentals:
- Expedia and Priceline offer discounts on bundled bookings.
- Some bundles include free checked luggage.
Pro Tip:
Book flights on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays, as airlines often release deals and discounted fares.
Important Tip:
Always double-check baggage fees and cancellation policies when booking with budget airlines. Hidden charges can increase the overall cost.
1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
The best time to book flights often depends on supply and demand. Airfare prices fluctuate based on seasonality, day of the week, and time of booking. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of cheaper options.
Tips for Flexible Travel:
- Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. These days are usually cheaper than Fridays and Sundays.
- Avoid peak seasons like summer holidays, Christmas, and New Year to score lower fares.
- Check Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. They help you compare dates and find the best prices.
- Consider travelling during the shoulder season —spring and autumn—for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Example Savings:
A flight from London to New York in August might cost £600+, but in October, the same route could be as low as £350.
2. Use Incognito Mode When Searching
Airline websites and booking platforms use cookies to track your searches. If they see you looking for the same route often, they might raise the prices.
How to Avoid Price Increases:
- Search for flights in private browsing (incognito) mode.
- Clear cookies or use a VPN to reset pricing and find better deals.
- Compare prices on different devices and networks to check for inconsistencies.
How to Enable Incognito Mode:
- Google Chrome: Press Ctrl + Shift + N
- Firefox: Press Ctrl + Shift + P
- Safari: Click on ‘File’ then ‘New Private Window’
3. Book at the Right Time
Finding the best time to book flights can lead to significant savings. Studies show that booking too early or too late can result in higher fares.
Booking Windows to Consider:
- Domestic flights: Book 1–3 months in advance for the best deals.
- International flights: Book 3–6 months ahead to secure lower prices.
- Last-minute deals: Some airlines offer discounts 1–2 weeks before departure. This can be risky, so it’s best for flexible travelers.
- Best time of day to book: Prices tend to be lower in the early morning or late at night when demand is lower.
4. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Instead of booking directly with airlines, use aggregator websites. They compare many airlines and routes for you.
Best Websites for Flight Deals:
- Google Flights – Allows you to track prices over time and find alternative routes.
- Skyscanner – Searches budget airlines and lets you set alerts for price drops.
- Momondo – Often finds cheaper deals than traditional search engines.
- Kayak – Offers price trend insights and deal notifications.
5. Set Price Alerts for Flight Deals
If you’re not in a rush to book, setting price alerts can help you catch airfare drops before they disappear.
How to Set Price Alerts:
- Use Google Flights or Hopper to monitor fare changes.
- Enable email notifications for airline promotions.
- Follow airlines and booking websites on social media to stay updated on flash sales.
6. Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of a secondary airport can often save you money. Flying into Gatwick instead of Heathrow can save you money. Also, choosing Brussels Charleroi over Brussels International can lead to big savings.
How to Use Alternative Airports:
- Search for nearby airports when looking for flights.
- Consider flying into a neighbouring city and taking a budget train or bus to your final destination.
- Use multi-city search functions on booking websites to compare options.
Example Savings:
A direct flight from London to Paris might cost £120, but flying into Beauvais Airport (BVA) and taking a bus to Paris could cost just £50.
7. Take Advantage of Airline Rewards and Miles
Frequent flyer programmes and travel credit cards can help you earn free or discounted flights.
Ways to Maximise Miles:
- Sign up for airline loyalty programmes (e.g., British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards).
- Use a travel rewards credit card that earns points for everyday spending.
- Redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, and free checked bags.
- Take advantage of airline promotions offering bonus miles for sign-ups.
8. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers have lower prices. However, they often add fees for baggage, seat selection, and meals. If you’re willing to pack light and forgo luxury, you can score significant savings.
Popular Budget Airlines:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, VietJet.
- North America: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier.
- Australia: Jetstar, Tigerair.
Tips for Budget Airlines:
- Check baggage fees before booking—some budget airlines charge high fees for checked luggage.
- Print your boarding pass in advance to avoid check-in fees.
- Pack snacks since many budget airlines charge for food and drinks.
9. Look for Error Fares and Flash Sales
Sometimes airlines mistakenly list flights at incredibly low prices. Being quick can secure you a bargain.
Where to Find Error Fares:
- Secret Flying – Posts real-time mistake fares and flash sales.
- Jack’s Flight Club – A subscription service offering hand-picked cheap flights.
- Airline newsletters – Subscribe to major airlines for exclusive deals.
Example Savings:
A London to Tokyo return flight typically costs £800, but an error fare might offer it for £250 or less.
10. Bundle Flights with Accommodation or Car Rentals
Many travel websites offer discounts when you book flights alongside hotels or rental cars.
Best Sites for Bundles:
- Expedia – Offers discounts for combined bookings.
- Priceline – Has special “Express Deals” for flights and hotels.
- Booking.com – Sometimes offers discounts for bundled travel.
Additional Perks:
- Some bundles include free checked luggage .
- Many travel sites offer flexible cancellation policies when booked together.
FAQs: How to Find Cheap Flights Every Time
1. What is the best day to book cheap flights?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to book flights. Airlines often release deals early in the week, making these days ideal for finding lower fares.
2. How far in advance should I book for the best price?
For domestic flights, book 1–3 months in advance. For international flights, aim for 3–6 months ahead. Booking within these windows offers the best chances of getting lower prices.
3. Does using incognito mode help find cheaper flights?
Yes. Searching in incognito mode prevents airlines from tracking your searches, reducing the chances of seeing inflated prices due to repeated lookups.
4. What are the best websites for comparing flight prices?
Top flight comparison websites include Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak. These platforms help you track prices and find the best deals.
5. Are budget airlines worth it for cheap flights?
Yes, budget airlines often offer lower fares. However, be aware of extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Always check the total cost before booking.
Save More on Every Flight
By using these cheap flight hacks, you can always find the best time to book flights. You will also get wonderful flight deals and discounts. Some research, flexibility, and strategic booking can help you save money on travel.
Do you have a go-to method for scoring cheap flights? Share your tips in the comments below!
