Traveling is an exciting experience, but the cost of flights can often be a significant burden, especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, finding the cheapest flights doesn’t have to be a stressful task.
With the right strategies, tools, and flexibility, you can score amazing deals and save money that you can use for other travel expenses.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven methods to help you find the best airfare deals, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international vacation.
Use the Right Flight Search Engines
One of the best ways to start your search for cheap flights is by using flight search engines.
While there are many platforms out there, some stand out for their ability to find great deals by searching across numerous airlines and even obscure budget carriers.
Google Flights
Google Flights is a robust tool that allows you to compare flight prices across various airlines.
You can view fare trends, set price alerts, and use the “Explore” feature to find affordable destinations. It also has a flexible date search option, which helps you find the cheapest days to fly.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is popular for its “Everywhere” search option, which is perfect if you’re flexible on your destination.
You can enter your departure city and select “Everywhere” as your destination to see a list of the cheapest places to fly.
Momondo
Momondo provides historical fare data, showing you the cheapest times to fly. It also compares both traditional and budget airlines, giving you a broader selection of options.
Set Up Price Alerts
Price alerts are an excellent way to monitor fare fluctuations and receive notifications when prices drop. Setting up alerts ensures you don’t miss out on deals without having to constantly check for updates yourself.
How to Set Up Price Alerts:
- Google Flights: After searching for a flight, toggle on “Track Prices” to receive alerts via email.
- Skyscanner: Use the “Get Price Alerts” option for any selected route, and Skyscanner will notify you of any changes.
- Kayak: Set up alerts by searching for your desired flight and selecting “Price Alert” to get notified of any significant fare changes.
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is key to finding the cheapest flights. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you have a better chance of scoring cheaper fares.
Fly on Cheaper Days
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to fly. Try adjusting your travel dates to include these days for lower fares.
Explore Different Destinations
If you’re open to visiting new places, consider using tools like Google Flights’ “Explore” feature or Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search. You might discover an amazing destination that’s not only cheaper but also offers a great travel experience.
Top Safest Countries (Based on Recent Data)
Use Flexible Date Searches
Most flight search engines have a flexible date option that shows you the lowest fares within a 3- to 7-day window. This way, you can see if adjusting your departure or return date by a day or two can save you money.
Book in Advance—But Not Too Early
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights.
While it’s generally recommended to book flights 1 to 3 months in advance for domestic travel and 2 to 8 months in advance for international flights, booking too early or too late can sometimes lead to higher prices.
Tips for Booking in Advance:
- Domestic Flights: Book 1 to 3 months ahead of time for the best rates.
- International Flights: Book 2 to 8 months ahead for significant savings.
- Avoid booking too early (more than 8 months in advance) or too late (within 2 weeks of departure) as prices tend to be higher.
Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often provide much lower fares than traditional carriers.
However, they come with trade-offs such as limited legroom, extra charges for luggage, and fewer in-flight amenities. Understanding these trade-offs and planning accordingly can help you save a lot on airfare.
Popular Budget Airlines
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
- North America: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar
Tips for Flying Budget Airlines
- Travel light to avoid baggage fees.
- Bring your own snacks and water.
- Choose your seat in advance to avoid seat selection fees.
Use Points and Miles
If you’re a frequent traveler or have a travel rewards credit card, using points and miles is an excellent way to reduce or even eliminate the cost of flights.
Tips for Using Points and Miles
- Join Frequent Flyer Programs: Sign up for the frequent flyer program of the airlines you use most.
- Maximize Credit Card Rewards: Use travel credit cards to earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for flights.
- Book During Off-Peak Times: Use your points and miles during off-peak seasons to get the most value.
Look for Airline Flash Sales and Error Fares
Airline flash sales and error fares are excellent opportunities to find deeply discounted flights.
Flash sales are temporary discounts, while error fares occur when there’s a mistake in the listing price—often resulting in huge discounts.
How to Find Flash Sales and Error Fares
- Subscribe to newsletters from sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, and The Flight Deal.
- Follow airlines on social media for announcements of upcoming flash sales.
- Act quickly! These deals don’t last long and may disappear within hours.
Consider Nearby Airports and Alternative Routes
Flying into or out of nearby airports can sometimes save you money. For example, instead of flying directly to New York City, consider nearby airports like Newark or even Philadelphia.
Tips for Using Nearby Airports
- Check for transportation options between the nearby airport and your destination.
- Compare prices for alternate airports within a 50-100 mile radius.
Conclusion
Finding the cheapest flights doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
By using the right tools, staying flexible with your travel dates and destinations, and taking advantage of price alerts and rewards programs, you can easily save money on airfare. Apply these tips, and happy travels!
