Traveling is all about planning everything that helps us create unforgettable experiences. But before that, we need to secure the most important thing: Cheap flights.
Flights are, without a doubt, one of the biggest expenses we face when planning our trips. That’s why it’s essential to know a few tips that can help us book flights efficiently while also saving money.
Booking a flight is one of the most stressful parts of travel planning. We often find ourselves skeptical, wondering if it’s the right time to book, whether we should wait longer, or if it’s already too late to snag the best deal. Many people hold out, hoping for a price drop, but unfortunately, most of the time, that strategy doesn’t work.
The algorithms used by airlines are complex, taking numerous factors into consideration to determine the final price: demand, seasons, weekdays versus weekends, holidays, and more. The truth is, there aren’t many foolproof tricks, and often, booking early is best.
However, traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning, you can score incredible flight deals. Here’s a 7 step guide to help you find cheap flights for your next adventure!
How to find a cheap flights
1. Use Flights Comparison Websites
Start by searching for flights on multiple platforms to compare prices. Here are some popular tools: But very important, you need to consider the option of browsing in incognito mode when looking for a flight: the aim is to prevent cookies from tracking visitors’ activities and, as often happens, from setting algorithms in motion to change fares.
- Google Flights: Offers a user-friendly interface, price trends, and calendar view for finding the cheapest days to fly.
- Skyscanner: Great for exploring flexible destinations and dates.
- Kayak: Includes price alerts and predictions on whether to book now or wait.
- Momondo: Known for its ability to find deals others might miss.
Always double-check the price on the airline’s official website, as sometimes booking directly can be cheaper.
2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Flight prices vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even time of day. Here’s how flexibility can save you money:
- Travel in the off-season: Avoid peak travel times, like holidays and school breaks.
- Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly.
- Check alternative times: Red-eye flights (late-night or early-morning) are usually cheaper.
Use tools like Google Flights’ “Date Grid” or Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” feature to find the best fares.
3. Be Open to Different Destinations
If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, use features like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search or Google Flights’ map tool to find the cheapest destinations from your home airport. (my all time favourite feature)
For example:
- Search “London to Everywhere” on Skyscanner to explore budget-friendly options.
- Use Google Flights’ map view to visually explore nearby locations with lower fares.
4. Book at the Right Time for cheap flights
Timing is critical when booking cheap flights. Follow these general rules:
- Domestic flights: Book 1-3 months in advance.
- International flights: Book 2-6 months in advance.
- Last-minute deals: Sometimes airlines drop prices on unsold seats a week or two before departure. This is less reliable but can yield savings.
5. Use Frequent Flyer Miles or Credit Card Points
Maximize rewards from travel credit cards or airline loyalty programs. Strategies include:
- Joining airline loyalty programs to earn discounts and free flights.
- Signing up for a credit card with a welcome bonus for flights.
- Earning miles through daily spending and redeeming them for flights.
6. Don’t Wait Too Long to Book
While it’s smart to wait for the right time, don’t delay once you see a great deal. Cheap flights often don’t last long, especially during sales or high demand periods.
7. Take Advantage of Error Fares to spot cheap flights
Error fares happen when airlines or travel agencies mistakenly list flights at super low prices. You can find these deals on websites like:
- Secret Flying
- The Flight Deal
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going)
Book quickly, as these deals often disappear within hours.
By combining these strategies, you’ll maximize your chances of finding cheap flights and saving money on your travels. Hope you will find this helpful.
Also Check it out: How to Plan Your Backpacker Trip: Complete guide
