21 Insider Tips For Finding Cheap Airfare
Here’s the catch – there’s no “secret” savings plan when it comes to flights. However, there are tricks and methods that you can implement into your search to save your hard-earned money. For example, trying different booking sites, altering your dates, and sometimes just waiting until the right time to make your purchase can drastically change the price of your flight. I’ve flown to the same place numerous times and saved hundreds of dollars the second time around when I implemented these tips for finding cheap airfare!
Planning that next big vacation? Have a last-minute flight to catch?
If you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, you could save big on your next flight.
21 Tips For Finding Cheap Airfare
Here are the 21 tips for finding cheap airfare I’ve learned over the years and ways I have been able to save big on travel – and you can too!
Book in Advance
If possible, you should book your flight several months before you depart.
If I’m booking a holiday, especially if it’s overseas, I’ll book the flights at least 2 or 3 months in advance. Airlines constantly offer early bird specials, so give yourself the best chances of securing a deal and book early. Knowing the best time to book can lead to significant savings.
Be Flexible
Depending on the website you use, you may be asked whether your travel dates are flexible or not. There is a very good reason for this – flying on the weekend is typically more expensive than during the week.
If you’re flexible with the day you fly on, it greatly increases the chances of finding cheap airline tickets. Specifically, flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday often results in the cheapest flight options.
Travel Light
If you don’t read the airlines’ luggage allowances carefully, you may be slugged with a hefty fee once you arrive at the airport. You can prevent this by traveling as lightly as possible and finding out exactly how much you’re allowed to check-in with and take on board. Additionally, packing light can save money on domestic flights where baggage fees tend to be higher.
This is a great carry on bag, it’s typically free of charge to bring this and it fits so much!
Buy Early
If you’re planning that next big trip, I would suggest buying 3-6 months in advance. Prices fluctuate, but they always go up closer to travel time. Especially for flights during peak season, where flight options may be limited as they sell out quicker than other times – planning in advance can save you big time! Early planning is crucial for both domestic and international flights.
Buy Late
Complete opposite of my first tip, I know, but I promise you I’m not just making things up. If airlines have failed to fill the plane, sometimes you can buy tickets at the last minute for a great discounted price. Sites like LastMinuteTravel.com are great for this exact scenario. Use this and other similar sites to check for flights if you are looking for something last minute!
Use Apps to Track Flights
Use apps such as Hopper to track your flights. Hopper predicts prices for flights with 95% accuracy up to a year in advance. You can watch a trip right in the app, and they will send you a notification when it’s the best time to buy — recommending you to either book now or giving you a heads-up when it’s smarter to wait a little longer.
Check Different Airports
If you live close to more than one airport – always check your options! Most travel sites enable you to select “all nearby airports” when searching for flights.
This flexibility can help you find the cheapest flights available, whether you’re looking for domestic or international flights.
Join Loyalty Programs
Some credit cards can help you build up miles more quickly, and all airlines offer incentive and membership clubs/bonuses.
Do your research and implement flying loyalty programs as often as you can! This is a great strategy for frequent flyers and business travelers looking to save money over time.
Monitor Flight Prices
Keep your eyes on your flight. If fares go down after you’ve purchased your ticket, you may ask for a refund!
You might not always get one, as policies vary by airline — but many airlines will honor this. Although they don’t advertise the fact, they will refund you the difference if the price of your flight goes down. This is especially useful when booking during peak seasons.
Use a Travel Agency
Travel agencies often have access to deals that are not available to the general public. They can sometimes find the cheapest flight for you based on their relationships with airlines and their access to special rates. It’s worth consulting a travel agency, especially for complex itineraries or international flights.
Search Incognito
When searching for flights, use your browser’s incognito mode.
Websites can track your search history and may increase prices if they see you repeatedly searching for the same flights.
This trick can help you find the cheapest flights without prices being artificially inflated.
Set Fare Alerts
Set fare alerts on websites like Google Flights. These alerts can notify you when there are price drops on flights you’re interested in, helping you snag airline tickets at the best prices. Google Flights is a powerful tool for tracking and finding cheap flights.
Consider Alternative Routes
Sometimes flying into a nearby city and then taking a train or a low-cost airline to your final destination can be cheaper. This strategy requires a bit more planning but can result in significant savings. It’s a great way to save money on both domestic and international flights.
Utilize Layovers
Direct flights are often more expensive than those with layovers. If time is not a critical factor, consider booking flights with layovers to save money. Many search engines allow you to filter results by layover duration, making it easier to find suitable options.
Book One-Way Tickets
In some cases, booking two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket can be cheaper. This is especially true if you’re using different airlines for each leg of your trip. This approach can help you find the cheapest flight combinations.
Be Aware of Hidden Fees
When comparing flight prices, make sure to consider all potential fees. Low-cost airlines often have hidden fees for things like seat selection, baggage, and in-flight meals. Always read the fine print to ensure you’re getting the best deal without unexpected costs.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Traveling during off-peak times, such as mid-week or shoulder seasons (just before or after peak season), can result in lower airfare. Business travelers typically fly on Mondays and Fridays, so avoiding these days can help you find cheaper tickets.
Check Foreign Websites
Sometimes booking flights from a foreign version of an airline’s website can result in lower prices. This trick is particularly useful for international flights. However, make sure to check for any currency conversion fees or foreign transaction charges from your bank.
Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines often announce special promotions and flash sales on their social media accounts. Following airlines on platforms like Twitter and Facebook can give you early access to these deals, helping you save money on your next flight.
Use Points and Miles
If you have a travel rewards credit card or frequent flyer miles, use them to book flights. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of your airfare. Be strategic about when you use your points to get the most value.
Avoid Peak Travel Dates
Peak travel dates, such as holidays and school vacations, tend to have higher airfare due to increased demand. If possible, plan your trips outside these periods to take advantage of lower prices.
By incorporating these tips and tricks into your travel planning, you can find cheap flights and save a significant amount of money on airfare. Whether you’re booking domestic flights or international travel, staying flexible, planning ahead, and utilizing all available resources can lead to the best deals and the cheapest flights.
Happy travels!
Read more of my favorite travel hacks here.
