How To Book Cheap Flights – 18 Pro Tips
No doubt, in today’s age, airfare is one of the biggest travel expenses. You may overlook other travel costs, but booking cheap flights is no longer a mystery—this is the first step in planning your trip on a budget.
Ticket prices change daily, depending on how you navigate and find the best deals. Be smart and seize discounts or book cheap flights when you can.
We’ve gathered some tried-and-tested tips to help you save big, whether you are planning a family vacation or a solo trip these tips will help you to book cheap flights.
How to book cheap international flight tickets
1. Book Flights First, Then Plan the Rest of Your Trip
When we are excited to visit our favorite place we often make the mistake of planning our vacation first and booking flights later. This is the biggest mistake that can ruin your whole trip. Doing the opposite can save a ton.
Why? Because flight prices fluctuate every minute and everyone wants to lock in the best deal early. So this is always a smart play to look for flight deals first, then plan your trip around it!
2. Choose Your Destination Based on Flight Prices
One of the best ways to save money is to remain flexible with your destination. Do not start with a famous destination that is sure to have an expensive flight ticket.
Instead of deciding where you want to go, search for flights to several destinations and pick the one with the best deal. Avoid peak season, and remember that Europe’s peak season doesn’t necessarily align with the peak season in the U.S.
If you want a cheap international flight ticket, choose a less popular place. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save by letting the price guide you!
3. Set Up Free Flight Alerts – Install the Booking Apps or Use Websites
One of the smartest ways to snag cheap flights is by setting up free flight alerts it makes your life relaxed, and there is no need to check the website or app again and again. Instead, let technology do this job!
Airfare prices often change unpredictably. Several applications and online platforms enable you to set up personalized notifications tailored to your travel choices. Simply input your destination and dates of travel; you will receive alerts when fares decrease. This method allows you to secure bookings, at the rates without the need, for constant monitoring.
Here are a few easy-to-use options to get started:
Google Flights: Google Flights is incredibly user-friendly. You can track specific flights or general routes, and Google will send you email notifications when the prices change. Plus, you can explore nearby destinations if you’re flexible.
Another good feature is you can compare the flight prices.
Hopper: This app predicts the best time to book based on data from past flights. You can watch specific flights, and Hopper will alert you when it’s time to book for the best deal.
Download Hopper here
Skyscanner: Skyscanner lets you search for flights and set up alerts for price changes. It’s also great for comparing flights from different airlines and finding the best deals.
Check out Skyscanner here
By installing these apps and setting up alerts, you’ll save both time and money. It’s a hassle-free way to make sure you never miss a great deal!
4. Subscribe to Cheap Flight Deal Newsletters
If you’re not set on a specific destination, this tip will help you a lot in finding cheap flights. This way, you can explore more of the world without breaking the bank. Sign up for email alerts from top flight deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Google Flights to get deals straight to your inbox. These newsletters can help you score amazing deals before others even know they exist.
5. Don’t Always Fly Direct – Connecting Flights Can Save You Money
Not everyone likes long-haul flights it is very hectic and it costs you more. Consider flights with layovers it can save you hundreds of dollars.
Even a small gap between flights can make a significant change in flight costs. Flying direct is quicker, but it’s often more expensive.
While searching for cheap international flights don’t forget to uncheck the ‘direct flights only’ box on travel sites to see all your options. Yes, it might take longer to reach your destination, but the savings can make it well worth it.
If your first flight is late due to any reason, you can miss your other flight if there is less gap between flights.
6. How to Use Layovers to Your Advantage
Another way of getting an advantage from layover is if you want to fly from New York (Point A) to Chicago (Point B). A direct flight might be expensive. But, if you search for a flight from New York (Point A) to Denver (Point C) with a layover in Chicago (Point B), the price could be cheaper—even though your layover is actually where you want to go.
In this case, you’d book the flight to Denver and simply get off in Chicago, skipping the second part of the journey.
While this strategy can save you money, there are risks involved. You’ll need to travel light with just a carry-on, and there’s a chance your flight could be rerouted, making the plan more complicated. Websites like Skiplagged specialize in finding these “hidden city” flights and can help you spot these deals, but use this method with caution!
7. Fly on the Cheapest Days of the Week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday
What days are cheaper to book a flight? Is it just a myth or is it true?
Surprisingly it is true!
If you want to travel with your family or alone at an affordable price this trick can help you save money. Being flexible with your plans can make a huge difference in finding cheap flights.
We mean by avoiding weekends you can cut down on flight costs. it is not necessary to always travel on weekends little flexibility can go a long way in saving money.
Flying on less popular days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often leads to cheaper fares because fewer people are traveling.
Many airlines now make it easier to find these deals by offering “calendar view” features that show flight prices across a full week, making it simple to spot the most affordable travel dates.
Which are the cheapest days to fly?
According to Expedia
“Analysis of domestic and international airfare prices reveals that flying out on Fridays can often be cheaper. Since many travelers prefer to start their trips on Sundays, departing earlier in the week increases your chances of securing a lower fare. In fact, starting your trip on a Friday could save you nearly 11% compared to flying on a Sunday. So, when booking flights online, choose your departure day wisely!”
Which day of the week is the best day to buy cheap airline tickets?
“When you’re booking flights, choosing the right day to buy your tickets can save you money. For both U.S. and international travel, buying your tickets on Sundays is usually cheaper. On the other hand, Fridays are often the most expensive day to book a flight. By simply picking the right day to purchase, you could save up to 6% on your airfare, according to past trends. So, if you’re looking to save, aim for Sunday when booking your next flight!”
Websites like Skyscanner, Expedia and Google Flights are great for this. Skyscanner provides a helpful graph view of flight prices over several days, while Google Flights has a calendar that shows you the lowest prices for the dates you’re considering. These tools can help families find the best travel dates that fit their budget.
Also, think about the time of your flight. Early morning flights, like those at 6 AM, are often cheaper, but it’s important to plan ahead. Consider whether public transportation is available that early or if you’ll need to arrange a ride to the airport.
8. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons for the Best Prices
Avoid flying during holidays, school vacations, and major travel periods if you want to find cheap flights.
In the summer, most destinations are crowded, so flight costs are high. The same goes for Christmas time. If you can avoid these months, like June to August and late December to the end of January, you can get better prices.
Off-season travel saves you money and means fewer crowds at your destination!
For Example, if you want to visit Destin Florida It is less crowded during October and April and airfares and hotel prices are noticeably affordable at that time.
You need to do thorough research before planning a trip this is the best way to avoid expensive airline tickets.
Next Read: Can Planes Fly in Snow? What Level Of Snow Can Affect Flight Operations?
9. Sign Up for Discount Flight and Airfare Notifications
In addition to newsletters, make sure you’re signed up for specific airline notifications. This will keep you in the loop about flash sales, last-minute deals, and loyalty rewards.
You can become a member of these websites and will get rewards points on every booking.
Earn Points and Miles to Fly for Nearly Free
Loyalty programs and travel rewards credit cards are your ticket to nearly free flights. Accumulate points and miles through everyday spending, and redeem them for discounted (or even free!) flights.
Quick Hack: How to Find Cheap Flights Fast
If you’re short on time, use Google Flights and set up alerts for price drops. This will give you real-time notifications and help you secure a cheap flight in minutes!
10. Start Your Search with Google Flights – Your Best Friend for Cheap Flights
Google Flights is one of the most powerful tools for finding cheap airfare. You can easily compare prices, track fare trends, and even explore destinations based on your budget.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ Explore Feature
Don’t know where you want to go? Use the “Explore” feature to find destinations based on price. This tool is a goldmine for spontaneous travelers looking to save!
11. Book flight and hotel together
Package holidays can be a great way to save money, especially when booking flights and hotels together. Travel companies often secure large discounts by purchasing in bulk, which they pass on to customers. This means you can get a package deal that includes flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and even activities, often for less than the price of a regular flight. These all-inclusive deals can make your trip more affordable and convenient.
However, it’s always a good idea to compare the costs of booking separately. Sometimes, booking directly with airlines and hotels can offer better prices and added perks, like upgrades or special offers. Package deals tend to be cheaper when airlines and hotels have excess inventory to sell, but they usually come with restrictions and are less flexible.
12. Book in Advance – Do not pay high fares at the last minute
Booking your travel in advance is one of the smartest ways to avoid those unbearable last-minute price hikes. When you plan ahead, you give yourself the chance to get the best deals and beat the rush. Airlines and hotels often offer lower rates for early birds, so it pays to be proactive. Plus, with a little bit of foresight, you can take your time to explore your options and find the perfect fit for your trip without breaking the bank.
On the flip side, waiting until the last minute can lead to skyrocketing fares that will leave your wallet feeling light. Don’t let high prices catch you off guard! By booking early, you not only save money but also gain peace of mind, knowing that your travel plans are locked in. So, take the plunge and secure your tickets in advance—your future self will thank you for it!
13. Book through Travel agents
Booking through a travel agent can make travel planning easier and stress-free. They know the ins and outs of destinations, have access to exclusive deals, and can save you time by handling all the details. Plus, if something goes wrong, like a flight delay or hotel issue, they’re there to help fix it fast. You might even get perks like room upgrades or special discounts you wouldn’t find on your own.
However, using a travel agent can sometimes cost more, as they may charge fees for their services. Also, you might not have as much control over the planning process if you prefer to book everything yourself online. It’s great for convenience, but not always the cheapest or most flexible option.
14. Book cheap multi-city flights
I recently found out that booking separate flights for a long trip can actually be cheaper than booking a single ticket with a layover. Isn’t it surprising?
Instead of booking a flight from A to C with a stop at B, I tried booking A to B and B to C as two separate flights. Surprisingly, this saved me around 30% of the overall cost! No doubt it takes more time to reach the destination.
But keep the cost low you can try this method maybe it works for you.
Now it comes to mind how this mechanism works and whether there is any downside. Since these flights are booked separately, you’d have to collect your luggage at B, go through immigration, and then check your bags in again for the next flight. It’s not a traditional connection, so the airline won’t automatically transfer my bags for me.
If your first flight gets delayed or cancelled, you could end up missing the second flight and losing the ticket, since they’re not linked. It’s a bit of a gamble, but the savings might be worth it!
15. Pay for flights with a credit card
Paying for flights with a credit card can be a smart way to save money and get extra benefits. Many credit cards offer rewards like cashback, points, or miles when you book flights, which you can use for future trips or other purchases. Some cards even have travel-related perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, or airport lounge access, which can save you money on extra fees. Plus, if your flight gets cancelled or delayed, credit cards often provide travel insurance or protection, so you’re covered in case of emergencies.
For Example; If you book flights directly using an American Express card, especially with their travel-focused cards like the American Express® Gold Card or Platinum Card®, you can earn significant rewards.
For example, with the Amex Platinum Card, you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. So, if you spend $500 on a flight, you’ll earn 2,500 points. These points can then be redeemed for future flights, and hotel stays, or even transferred to airline loyalty programs for even more value. In addition to earning points, American Express often offers perks like free travel insurance, lounge access, or flight delay compensation, which add even more value to your booking.
16. Use Multiple Flight Search Engines, but Beware of OTAs
While Google Flights is a great starting point, you should also check other flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak. However, be cautious of booking through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) – sometimes it’s better to book directly with the airline to avoid hidden fees and ensure customer support.
17. Don’t Rule Out Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Ryanair often offer much lower prices than major carriers. Just be sure to read the fine print for extra fees (like baggage or seat selection) and make sure the total cost is still a deal.
18. Use Positioning Flights to Save on Long-Haul Travel
When booking long-haul flights, prices can be steep, especially if you’re flying directly from your home airport to an international destination. One effective way to save money on these expensive trips is by using positioning flights. This strategy involves flying from your home city to a nearby hub or major airport, where cheaper long-haul flights are available, and then continuing your journey from there.
How Positioning Flights Work
A positioning flight is a short, separate flight that takes you to a city with a major airport offering lower-cost international flights. Instead of flying from your smaller local airport, which may have fewer options and higher fares, you position yourself in a larger city with more airlines and better deals.
For example, let’s say you’re flying from a smaller U.S. city to Europe. Instead of booking a flight from your local airport, which might be costly, you can find a cheaper long-haul flight from a nearby major city like New York or Chicago. To get to that city, you book a short, inexpensive flight—this is your positioning flight. From there, you take your long-haul flight to your destination.
Conclusion
Stop Overpaying for Flights!
Now that you’ve got these insider tips, there’s no reason to overpay for flights anymore. Be flexible, use the right tools, and don’t be afraid to jump on a great deal when you see one. Happy travels!
Common Cheap Flight Myths
Let’s check some of the most common myths about finding cheap flights:
Myth #1: “Tuesdays are the best day to find cheap flights”
To some extent, this is true. Weekdays are less busy and you can find the best deals but Sunday is also a good choice because the weekend has ended so no one is planning a weekend out.
Myth #2: “Flight prices go up the more you search”
These are simply not true! Prices fluctuate based on demand, and airlines aren’t tracking your searches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Flights
What are the cheapest months to fly in 2024?
January and September often offer the best deals. January is just after Christmas and the New Year celebration is not very crowded. The same goes with September most summer vacations end in August so September is an empty and less crowded month.
Can layovers save money on international flights?
Yes, they often do!
What’s the best day of the week to book flights?
There’s no magic day – instead, focus on flying midweek for better deals.
When should I book my flight?
Try to book 1-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 3-6 months for international trips.
Which Airline is the cheapest for international flights?
In reality, it depends on your destination but still, some airlines are cheap compared to others like AirAisa, Easy Jet, and Southwest Airlines.
If you compare through Google Flights and other search engines this is the best way to get accurate information about cheap international flights.
