Finding cheap flights can be a daunting task, especially with fluctuating prices and an overwhelming number of options. But don't worry, with the right strategies, you can score great deals and save money for your adventures. Here are ten essential tips to help you find the cheapest flights available.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is your best friend when hunting for cheap flights. Airfare can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and holidays. Flying mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than weekends. Off-peak seasons like late fall and early spring tend to offer lower prices compared to peak travel periods such as summer and major holidays.
Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices across a range of dates. These platforms allow you to see the cheapest days to fly within a given month, helping you plan your trip around the most affordable options.
2. Set Fare Alerts
Don’t have time to constantly check prices? Set up fare alerts on websites like Airfarewatchdog, Kayak, and Hopper. These services will notify you when prices drop for your specified routes, so you can jump on deals as soon as they become available. Fare alerts can be a game-changer, especially for busy travelers who can’t monitor fares all day.
3. Book in Advance (But Not Too Far in Advance)
Booking early can often save you money, but there's a sweet spot. For domestic flights, booking one to three months in advance typically yields the best prices. For international flights, aim for three to six months ahead of your departure date. Booking too far in advance can sometimes lead to higher prices, as airlines tend to release their lowest fares closer to the departure date.
4. Use Incognito Mode for Searches
Have you ever noticed that flight prices seem to increase when you repeatedly search for the same route? This is due to cookies stored in your browser. To avoid this, use incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. This prevents your browsing history from being tracked and ensures you see the lowest prices available.
5. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, and EasyJet often offer significantly cheaper flights compared to full-service carriers. While you might have to sacrifice some comfort and amenities, the savings can be substantial. Be sure to read the fine print, as budget airlines often charge extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even onboard refreshments.
6. Mix and Match Airlines
Don’t limit yourself to round-trip tickets with a single airline. Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. Websites like Skyscanner and Kiwi.com make it easy to compare different combinations of flights to find the best deal. This strategy can be particularly useful for international travel, where different airlines might dominate different legs of your journey.
7. Use Points and Miles
Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can be a goldmine for cheap flights. Sign up for airline loyalty programs and consider getting a travel rewards credit card. These cards often offer sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights, and you’ll earn points on everyday purchases. Accumulating points and miles can lead to significant savings, or even free flights, if used strategically.
8. Check Nearby Airports
Flying in and out of nearby airports can sometimes be cheaper than your closest option. Larger cities often have multiple airports, and prices can vary between them. For example, if you're flying to New York City, compare prices between JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Similarly, consider nearby airports for your departure to see if you can find a better deal.
9. Look for Hidden City Ticketing
Hidden city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover in your actual destination city, then skipping the final leg of the journey. For example, if you want to fly from New York to Chicago, you might find a cheaper ticket from New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago. You simply disembark in Chicago and don’t take the final leg to Denver. Sites like Skiplagged specialize in finding these hidden city fares. However, be aware that airlines frown upon this practice and it can come with risks, such as your luggage being sent to the final destination.
10. Monitor Social Media and Newsletters
Airlines and travel companies often post flash sales and special deals on their social media channels and through newsletters. Follow airlines on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and subscribe to their newsletters to stay informed about promotions. Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal also share error fares and limited-time offers that can help you snag incredibly cheap tickets.
Putting It All Together
Finding cheap flights involves a combination of strategies and tools. By being flexible with your travel dates, setting fare alerts, booking at the right time, using incognito mode, considering budget airlines, mixing and matching flights, using points and miles, checking nearby airports, exploring hidden city ticketing, and monitoring social media and newsletters, you can significantly cut down on your airfare costs.
Here’s a quick recap to keep handy:
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Mid-week and off-peak seasons offer the best deals.
- Set Fare Alerts: Use services like Airfarewatchdog and Hopper to get notified of price drops.
- Book in Advance: One to three months ahead for domestic flights, three to six months for international.
- Use Incognito Mode: Prevent cookies from inflating prices by searching in private mode.
- Consider Budget Airlines: Look at low-cost carriers, but watch for additional fees.
- Mix and Match Airlines: Sometimes two one-way tickets are cheaper than a round-trip.
- Use Points and Miles: Leverage frequent flyer programs and travel rewards credit cards.
- Check Nearby Airports: Compare prices at alternative airports near your departure and destination.
- Look for Hidden City Ticketing: Save money by booking flights with layovers in your actual destination.
- Monitor Social Media and Newsletters: Stay updated on flash sales and special offers.
By incorporating these tips into your flight search process, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best possible deals. Happy travels, and may your adventures be both exciting and budget-friendly!