Finding cheap flights can feel like hitting the travel jackpot. With the right approach, you can score major deals and save a significant amount of money on your next trip. Here are some of the best travel hacks for cheap flights to help you book your dream vacation without paying full price.
This article provides essential travel hacks for cheap flights. Learn how to save big by booking in advance, being flexible with travel dates, using budget airlines, setting price alerts, and more. From finding error fares to using airline rewards, these tips will help you score the cheapest airfare for your next trip.
Travel Hacks for Cheap Flight
By using these travel hacks for cheap flights, you can significantly reduce the cost of airfare and leave more room in your budget for your adventures. Flexibility, smart tools, and a little research can go a long way in finding the best flight deals.
Ready to take off on your next budget-friendly trip? Start searching now and enjoy the savings!
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
One of the top hacks for getting cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Airlines often charge more for flights during peak times such as weekends, holidays, and school breaks. If you're able to fly mid-week or during off-peak seasons, you’ll usually find much cheaper fares.
Pro Tip: Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner’s “Explore” feature, which allows you to search for the best flight prices based on flexible dates.
2. Set Up Price Alerts
If you have a specific destination in mind but aren’t ready to book, set up price alerts. Websites like Kayak, Hopper, and Skyscanner let you track flight prices and will notify you when fares drop. This allows you to wait for the best deal before booking.
Pro Tip: Sign up for fare alerts as early as possible, especially for international flights. Monitoring price changes over time can help you recognize a great deal when you see one.
3. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!)
Booking in advance is a well-known strategy, but there’s a sweet spot for locking in the best price. For domestic flights, the best deals tend to pop up between 1-3 months before departure, while international flights are usually cheapest 3-6 months in advance.
Pro Tip: Avoid booking flights more than 6 months ahead, as airlines often charge higher prices for early bookings unless there’s a major sale or special offer.
4. Use Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Southwest, Ryanair, and JetBlue offer significantly cheaper fares than major airlines. While budget airlines may not offer all the bells and whistles, they can be a great option if you’re looking to save money on flights.
Pro Tip: Watch out for additional fees on budget airlines, such as charges for baggage or seat selection. Be sure to read the fine print to avoid unexpected costs.
5. Fly with Layovers
Direct flights are often more expensive than flights with layovers. If you're not in a rush, booking a flight with one or two stopovers can save you hundreds of dollars. In some cases, you might even have the opportunity to explore a new city during a long layover.
Pro Tip: Look for “hidden city” fares, where you book a flight with a layover in your desired destination, but don’t continue to the final leg of the journey. Use tools like Skiplagged to find these hidden deals.
6. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Your Cookies
When you repeatedly search for flights, prices may seem to increase over time. This is often due to your browser’s cookies, which track your activity. To avoid this, search for flights in incognito mode or clear your browser’s cookies to prevent airlines from adjusting prices based on your search history.
Pro Tip: Make your flight searches anonymous by using incognito mode on Chrome or private browsing on Safari and Firefox.
7. Book Flights on the Right Day
There’s been a lot of debate about the best day to book flights, but many travel experts agree that Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the cheapest days to find and purchase flights. Airlines often announce sales early in the week, making it an ideal time to book.
Pro Tip: Start your search on a Sunday or Monday and then compare prices throughout the week. Sometimes prices fluctuate based on competition and demand.
8. Use Airline Miles and Rewards Programs
Loyalty pays off when it comes to travel. Join airline rewards programs to accumulate points or miles every time you fly. These can eventually be redeemed for free or discounted flights. If you frequently use a specific airline, consider signing up for a travel rewards credit card to earn miles even faster.
Pro Tip: Don’t stick to just one airline—many airlines are part of larger alliances, allowing you to transfer points or miles between carriers.
9. Consider Nearby Airports
If your destination has multiple airports, compare fares for each one. Smaller airports or airports farther from the city center often have lower prices. The extra travel time to or from the airport may be worth it if the savings are significant.
Pro Tip: Use the “Nearby Airports” option on flight search engines to see prices for all airports in the vicinity of your destination.
10. Look for Error Fares
Error fares happen when airlines mistakenly list flights at extremely low prices due to technical glitches or human error. These rare finds can lead to major savings if you're quick to book. Websites like Secret Flying and Airfare Watchdog specialize in finding and listing these deals.
Pro Tip: If you spot an error fare, book it immediately! Be cautious about making non-refundable travel plans (like accommodation or tours) until the airline confirms your ticket.