Booking a flight is often one of the most expensive parts of planning a trip. But with the right strategies, you can save hundreds of dollars—even on international routes. The secret is knowing where, when, and how to search. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best tricks for finding cheap flights so you can travel more often without emptying your wallet.
Start by understanding that there’s no single “best time” or “best website” to book flights. Airline pricing is dynamic and influenced by complex algorithms. However, patterns and tools exist that give savvy travelers a real advantage. Here’s what you need to know.
Be Flexible With Your Dates
Flexibility is the single most powerful weapon in the quest for cheap airfare. If you can avoid fixed dates, you open yourself up to drastically cheaper options. Flights are often much cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Flying mid-week instead of on weekends can save you 20–40% instantly.
Use fare search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo with the “flexible dates” option. They’ll show you a calendar or graph of the lowest prices across weeks or months, making it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly.
Use the Right Tools and Search Engines
Not all flight search engines are created equal. Some are faster, some more thorough, and others better at showing deals. For the most comprehensive results, compare across several platforms.
- Google Flights: Fast, user-friendly, great for exploring flexible dates and seeing price trends.
- Skyscanner: Excellent for finding deals and exploring “Everywhere” as a destination.
- Momondo: Known for digging deep into budget and lesser-known airlines.
- Hopper: Great for predicting future prices and notifying you when to book.
- ITA Matrix: Powerful (but complex) tool for advanced users looking for multi-city trips.
Clear your browser’s cookies or use incognito mode when searching multiple times. This prevents sites from tracking your searches and potentially increasing prices.
Book at the Right Time
Timing your purchase is key. Most experts agree that the best time to book domestic flights is 1 to 3 months in advance, while for international travel, 2 to 8 months is ideal. Avoid booking too early or too late—both extremes tend to be more expensive.
Flights are often cheaper if you book on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Airlines typically release new fares Monday night, and by Tuesday, competitors have adjusted their prices, creating price drops. Sign up for fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper to be notified when prices dip.
Don’t Dismiss Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers often offer deals that major airlines can’t match, especially within Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Examples include Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Frontier, and JetSmart. These airlines operate on slim margins and charge for extras—but if you pack light and plan ahead, you can travel for a fraction of the cost.
Always read the fine print with budget airlines. They may charge for things like carry-on luggage, seat selection, printing boarding passes, or check-in. Know the rules and avoid add-on fees to keep your trip truly affordable.
Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of smaller or alternate airports can make a significant difference. For example, instead of flying into San Francisco (SFO), try Oakland (OAK). In Europe, you might find cheaper fares flying into Brussels instead of Paris, or Milan instead of Rome.
Use Google Flights or Skyscanner’s “nearby airports” feature to compare prices. Just a short train or bus ride can result in major savings.
Mix and Match Airlines
Booking round-trip tickets on a single airline is convenient but not always the cheapest. Consider mixing airlines on your outbound and return journeys. Many search engines, including Skyscanner and Momondo, automatically show these “hacker fares.”
Also, try booking one-way segments separately—even on different websites or with different low-cost carriers. It may involve more effort but can save money, especially for long-haul or multi-stop trips.
Travel Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
One of the biggest hidden costs in air travel today is luggage. Many budget tickets don’t include even a carry-on. Traveling with only a personal item or carry-on can save you $30–$100 per flight.
Invest in a compact, well-organized backpack or small suitcase that meets airline size regulations. Learn to pack efficiently using packing cubes, rolling clothes, and choosing versatile outfits.
Take Advantage of Stopovers and Layovers
Some airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers in their hub cities. This is a chance to visit two places for the price of one. For example:
- Icelandair offers stopovers in Reykjavik
- TAP Air Portugal allows stops in Lisbon or Porto
- Turkish Airlines offers layover programs in Istanbul
- Qatar Airways provides discounted hotels for long layovers in Doha
Use tools like AirWander to find flights with creative stopovers. You’ll stretch your dollar while expanding your adventure.
Sign Up for Deal Newsletters
Stay in the loop with fare drop notifications and mistake fare alerts by subscribing to flight deal newsletters. Some of the most reliable include:
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com)
- Secret Flying
- Airfarewatchdog
- TravelPirates
- The Flight Deal
These services constantly monitor and publish unadvertised deals and rare price drops, some of which only last a few hours.
Use Points and Miles
If you travel often, start earning airline miles and credit card points. Even if you fly infrequently, sign up for frequent flyer programs—they’re free and can accumulate faster than you think.
Use credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses, category bonuses, and travel redemptions. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture are popular among beginners. Points can often be transferred to airline partners for excellent value flights.
Consider Different Travel Seasons
Avoid peak travel seasons—summer holidays, Christmas, New Year, and spring break—as prices are almost always inflated. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) when weather is pleasant but demand is lower.
You’ll not only save on flights but also on accommodation, tours, and attractions. Plus, you’ll deal with fewer crowds.
Final Thought: Cheap Flights Start With Smart Travelers
Scoring cheap flights isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing how the system works. With flexible dates, smart tools, and a few creative strategies, you can unlock travel opportunities you never thought possible. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure across Europe or a tropical escape, use these tricks to find the best airfare and keep your budget intact.