How to Book Cheap Flights: Your Ultimate Guide

Booking cheap flights can feel like a daunting task, especially with fluctuating airfares and the myriad of booking platforms available. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can save a significant amount on your next trip. This guide will walk you through the best tips and tricks to book cheap flights and make your travel dreams more affordable.

1. Start with Flexible Dates and Destinations

One of the easiest ways to find cheap flights is to stay flexible with your travel plans. Here’s how flexibility can work to your advantage:

• Midweek Travel: Flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays compared to weekends. Avoid traveling during peak times, such as holidays or Fridays.
• Off-Peak Seasons: Flying during off-peak seasons (e.g., fall or late winter for many destinations) often results in lower fares.
• Destination Flexibility: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for flights to “Anywhere” and find the cheapest destinations.

2. Set Fare Alerts

Fare alerts can help you monitor flight prices and snag deals when they drop. Here’s how to set up alerts:

• Google Flights: Use the “Track Prices” feature to get email updates for specific routes.
• Hopper: This app predicts the best time to book and sends notifications for price drops.
• Skyscanner: Set up price alerts to monitor fares for your chosen destination.

By staying vigilant, you’ll know exactly when to book at the lowest price.

3. Use Incognito Mode for Searches

Have you ever noticed flight prices increasing after repeated searches? Airlines and booking platforms may track your browsing history and raise prices accordingly. Use incognito or private browsing mode to prevent this:

• On Chrome, open a new incognito window by pressing Ctrl + Shift + N (or Command + Shift + N on Mac).
• For other browsers, look for “Private Browsing” or similar options.

Refreshing your browser and clearing cookies can also help.

4. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms

Don’t settle for the first price you see. Use multiple search engines to compare options:

• Google Flights: Offers a comprehensive overview of prices and flexible date searches.
• Skyscanner: Great for finding the cheapest routes and dates.
• Kayak: Provides fare predictions and price trends.
• Momondo: Highlights both standard and budget airlines, giving you more choices.

Additionally, check the airline’s official website, as they sometimes offer exclusive discounts or waive booking fees.

5. Book Early — But Not Too Early

Timing is crucial when booking flights:

• Domestic Flights: Book 1-3 months in advance for the best deals.
• International Flights: Aim for 2-8 months ahead, depending on the destination.
• Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally, airlines drop prices to fill empty seats, so if you’re flexible, last-minute bookings can work in your favor.

Avoid booking too early (more than 9 months in advance), as airlines may not have released their discounted fares yet.

6. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines often offer significantly lower fares compared to major carriers. Popular budget airlines include:

• Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
• Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, IndiGo
• North America: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air

Keep in mind that budget airlines may charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other services, so read the fine print carefully.

7. Mix and Match Airlines

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. Tools like Kiwi.com can help you find these “hacker fares” by combining flights from different carriers.

8. Take Advantage of Frequent Flyer Programs and Credit Card Rewards

• Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Join frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, or Emirates Skywards to earn points for every flight.
• Credit Card Points: Use travel rewards credit cards that offer points or miles for purchases. Examples include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, or Capital One Venture card.
• Redeem Rewards: Combine airline miles and credit card rewards to book free or heavily discounted flights.

9. Look for Hidden City Tickets

“Hidden city ticketing” involves booking a flight with a layover at your desired destination and skipping the final leg. Websites like Skiplagged specialize in finding such tickets. However, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid checking in luggage, as it will likely be sent to the final destination.
• Be cautious about using this strategy frequently, as some airlines frown upon it.

10. Be Aware of Additional Fees

The base fare isn’t always the full price. Watch out for hidden costs:

• Baggage fees (especially on budget airlines)
• Seat selection fees
• Meal charges
• Booking fees for using certain credit cards

Calculate the total cost before booking to avoid surprises.

11. Travel Light

Reducing luggage can save you money, especially with budget airlines:

• Pack only a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees.
• Use compression bags to maximize space.
• Check the airline’s baggage policies before booking.

12. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters

Airlines frequently send exclusive deals and flash sales to their subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite airlines to stay informed.

13. Explore Alternative Airports

Flying to or from secondary airports can be cheaper than major hubs:

• Search for flights from nearby airports within a reasonable driving distance.
• Look for budget airlines that operate out of less crowded airports.

For example, in New York, flying out of Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA) can sometimes be cheaper than JFK.

14. Book Connecting Flights

Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. Opt for connecting flights to save money. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare direct and connecting options.

15. Check for Student and Senior Discounts

Many airlines and travel agencies offer discounts for students and seniors. Websites like StudentUniverse and STA Travel specialize in student fares, while AARP often features deals for older travelers.

Conclusion

Booking cheap flights requires a mix of research, flexibility, and savvy use of technology. By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses and enjoy more trips without breaking the bank. Whether it’s setting fare alerts, leveraging credit card rewards, or exploring budget airlines, there’s always a way to find great deals.

Happy travels!