For budget travelers, finding cheap flights can be a never-ending quest. Finding cheap flights can be challenging, with rapidly fluctuating prices, a plethora of airlines, and a multitude of online booking websites. However, with good planning and the right tools, you can find great deals and make flying easier and more comfortable. We’re sharing some tips, tricks, and tricks to help you find the best deals and travel more without breaking the bank.
1. Plan ahead (but not too far in advance)
Booking early is one of the most common secrets to finding cheap flights. While this is generally true, timing is crucial. Booking too early or too late can drive up airfare prices. Research shows that six to eight weeks before your flight is generally the best time to book.
Book too early, and you might miss out on last-minute deals; book too late, and airlines know that passengers will rush to buy tickets and charge higher fees. Booking a few weeks in advance often offers the best deals, as this allows you to get the best combination.
2. Be flexible with your dates to get the best deals
Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the season, day of the week, and time of day. For example, weekday flights (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend flights. Flights in the early morning or late evening are also often cheaper than flights during peak periods such as the afternoon.
If you have multiple dates to choose from, use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to view the prices for each flight. This will help you find the cheapest option. Simply moving your travel plans forward or back a day or two can save you a lot of money.
3. Set up fare alerts to find the best deals
Flight prices change quickly, and manually tracking prices can be time-consuming. However, thanks to technology, setting up fare alerts is easier than ever. Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner allow you to set price alerts for specific routes, locations, and travel times.
When prices drop to a certain level, these websites will send you an email or message offering the lowest price. By setting up alerts, you won’t miss any deals, allowing you to take advantage of them as soon as they become available.
4. Switch to “Private Browsing” and delete all cookies
Many travelers don’t realize that their search history can lead to higher flight prices. Airlines and booking sites track your web activity, and if they see you search for the same route, they can raise prices. This is called “dynamic pricing,” and many sites exploit it to give people the feeling they have to act quickly.
To prevent this, always use private or incognito mode when searching for travel. This prevents websites from tracking your searches and adjusting prices accordingly. You can also avoid seeing inflated prices by clearing your browser cookies before searching.
5. Consider alternative airports
When booking flights, don’t focus solely on the main airport in your region. Many cities and towns have more than one airport, and choosing an alternative airport can save you a lot of money. These smaller airports are often less crowded and have lower fares, which airlines pass on to passengers.
For example, if you’re going to New York City, it’s better to fly to Newark Airport instead of John F. Kennedy Airport or LaGuardia Airport. Flying to London Gatwick Airport or Stansted Airport can also be cheaper than flying to Heathrow. Flight comparison websites make it easy to view flights from multiple airports. This can be inconvenient, but the savings are worth it.
6. Use a flight comparison website
Many websites allow you to compare flights by combining prices from different airlines and booking engines. By using these websites, you don’t have to constantly check every airline’s website. They also ensure you find the best deal. Here are some of the best-known and most trusted flight comparison tools:
- Google Flights is known for its user-friendly layout and extensive search options.
- Skyscanner lets you search for flights all month long and offers several options to find the best deal.
- Kayak offers a price alert system and various date options to keep you informed about flight prices.
7. Check multiple websites to ensure you get the best deal.
Well-made and reliable. If you don’t mind sacrificing some comfort for a lower price, budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest Airlines are good choices.
These airlines often offer cheaper fares, but keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even in-flight meals. However, you can save a lot of money by booking with a budget airline and avoiding extra fees.
8. Check for airfare errors
Sometimes airlines make pricing errors, resulting in fares that are too low. These are called “far error.” Technical issues, misunderstandings, or human error can cause these errors, which often remain unnoticed until a savvy traveler takes advantage of the deal.
To find fare errors, follow websites and social media accounts that share these offers. Take advantage of these rare opportunities by searching for fare errors on websites like SecretFlying and The Flight Deal. If you see such an offer, be prepared to book quickly, as they can disappear within hours.
9. Plan one-way or round-trip flights
When booking round-trip flights, the cheapest option isn’t always the best or most cost-effective option. Booking two separate one-way flights can be more cost-effective, especially if you’re traveling with different airlines.
If you plan to visit multiple locations, you can also save money by booking flights to multiple cities instead of separate one-way flights. You can fly to one city, see what it has to offer, and then depart from another, saving you time and money instead of making multiple trips.
10. Use your airline miles and points
You may already have airline miles or points in your account. If you fly frequently or use a credit card, you can redeem them for free or discounted flights. Many airlines offer programs that allow you to earn miles for every ticket you book. You can then use these miles to pay for future trips.
Many travel credit cards also allow you to earn points on everyday purchases, which you can use for flights or other travel expenses. These services can help you save significantly on airfare.
Summary
Finding the best airfare might seem daunting at first, but if you know how to save, it’s easy to save money on your next trip. Book in advance, choose flexible dates, set price alerts, and check out other cities to find great deals. Don’t forget to use tools like flight comparison websites to compare cheaper airlines or fares that offer access to multiple destinations for even more savings.
Being aware of these tips and tricks beforehand will help you travel more often and spend less. Happy flying!