How to Find Cheap Flights: Tips and Tricks for Savvy Travelers
Finding cheap flights can be a game-changer for your travel plans, allowing you to explore new destinations without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul adventure, these strategies will help you secure the best deals on airfare.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find cheap flights, complete with useful tools and resources to make your search easier.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
One of the most effective ways to find cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day you choose to fly.
The Science of Flexibility
Studies have shown that flying on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tends to be cheaper than flying on weekends. Additionally, flying during off-peak seasons, such as late fall and early spring, can result in significant savings. Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices across a range of dates and identify the cheapest options.
Use Flight Search Engines and Aggregators
Flight search engines and aggregators are invaluable tools for finding cheap flights. These platforms compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies, helping you find the best deals available.
Best Flight Search Engines
Google Flights: Google Flights is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities. You can explore destinations based on your budget, track prices, and set up alerts for fare drops.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner allows you to search for flights across an entire month to find the cheapest days to fly. It also has a “Everywhere” feature, which shows the cheapest destinations from your departure city.
Momondo: Momondo offers a comprehensive flight search, comparing prices from hundreds of airlines and travel sites. It also provides insights into the best times to book and the cheapest routes.
Kayak: Kayak is another popular flight aggregator that offers price alerts, flexible date searches, and a variety of filters to customize your search.
Hopper: Hopper predicts future flight prices with 95% accuracy and notifies you when to buy your tickets to get the best deal.
Set Fare Alerts
Fare alerts are a great way to stay updated on price changes for your desired routes. Most flight search engines and travel websites offer this feature, allowing you to receive notifications when prices drop.
How to Set Up Fare Alerts
On Google Flights, you can track prices for specific flights or routes by toggling the “Track prices” button. Similarly, Skyscanner and Kayak offer price alert services that notify you via email when there are changes in airfare.
Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often offer significantly cheaper fares compared to traditional carriers. While these flights may come with fewer amenities, they can be a great option for short trips or if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort for savings.
Popular Budget Airlines
In Europe, airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air frequently offer low-cost flights. In Asia, AirAsia and Scoot are popular choices. In North America, you can find budget deals with airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.
Book in Advance
Booking your flights in advance can often lead to better deals. While last-minute deals do exist, they are less common and can be risky if you’re on a tight schedule.
Optimal Booking Windows
According to studies, the best time to book domestic flights is typically between one and three months in advance, while international flights are best booked two to eight months in advance. Use tools like Google Flights and Kayak to monitor prices and book when you find a good deal.
Be Open to Alternate Airports and Routes
Flying into or out of alternate airports can sometimes result in cheaper fares. Major cities often have multiple airports, and smaller, regional airports can offer lower prices.
Exploring Alternate Options
For example, if you’re flying to New York City, consider checking prices for flights into Newark (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), and John F. Kennedy (JFK). Similarly, if you’re traveling to Los Angeles, compare prices for Los Angeles International (LAX), Burbank (BUR), and Long Beach (LGB).
Use Points and Miles
Frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards can be a great way to save on flights. Accumulating points and miles through travel and everyday spending can lead to significant discounts or even free flights.
Maximizing Rewards
Sign up for frequent flyer programs with airlines you often use and consider credit cards that offer travel rewards. Use your points and miles strategically to get the most value, such as booking flights during off-peak times or taking advantage of special promotions.
Clear Your Browser Cookies
Airlines and travel websites sometimes track your search history and may increase prices if they see you repeatedly searching for the same flights. Clearing your browser cookies or using incognito mode can help prevent this.
How to Clear Cookies
To clear your browser cookies, go to your browser’s settings and find the privacy or security section. From there, you can clear your browsing data, including cookies. Alternatively, use an incognito or private browsing window when searching for flights.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights requires a combination of flexibility, research, and the right tools. By being open to different travel dates, using flight search engines and aggregators, setting fare alerts, considering budget airlines, booking in advance, exploring alternate airports, using points and miles, and clearing your browser cookies, you can significantly reduce your travel costs. Happy travels!
