6 Expert Hacks for Cheap Airline Tickets & Huge Savings!
In 2024, airfares in the US dropped after a big increase in 2023. But, prices during holidays can go over $500 for round trips. This guide shows how to save up to 20% on mid-week flights and 25% with layovers. You can travel affordably without giving up convenience.
This article shares six effective ways to find cheap airline tickets. You’ll learn about the best times to book and how to use budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. Tools like Google Flights’ “Cheapest” tab and apps like Going can reduce costs by 90%. Being flexible with dates and airports can also lead to big savings. These tips help stretch your travel budget, whether you’re flying within the US or abroad.
Key Takeaways
- Mid-week flights (Mon-Wed) save 13–20% compared to weekends.
- Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier offer 50% savings on one-way trips but charge fees for extras.
- Google Flights’ new “Cheapest” tab simplifies finding the lowest fares.
- Booking one-way or round-trip separately can save hundreds on poorly connected routes.
- Travelers using apps like Going save up to $550 per ticket on average.
Understand the Pricing Trends of Airline Tickets
Airline prices change a lot, influenced by demand and timing. A single seat’s price can change up to 35 times before it’s booked. Prices have gone up 25% on average from 2023. Knowing these trends can help find cheaper flights.
The Importance of Time and Seasonality
Prices for flights go up during holidays. For example, flights for Christmas and New Year’s can be 30% more expensive. But, flying in January or September can save you 20% compared to summer.
After Labor Day, round-trip fares to U.S. destinations often drop to $400, says travel expert Scott Keyes. International flights also have savings, with capacity 20-40% lower than before the pandemic.
Knowing Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel Times
Summer vacations make prices 25% higher. But, booking in early spring or fall can save you 30%. A flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, for instance, costs $685 in peak times but $320 in off-peak.
Airlines also lower prices when demand is low. So, traveling during off-peak times is a great way to save money.
How Day of the Week Affects Prices
Traveling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can save you money. Weekend flights are 20-30% more expensive. Google Flights data shows midweek flights are the cheapest.
Prices drop weekly as airlines release unsold seats. So, check fares every Tuesday for the best deals.
Use Price Comparison Websites Effectively
Flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo make finding low-cost airfare deals easy. They gather data from airlines and other sellers. This helps find the best value routes, often showing discounts missed by direct booking.
Google Flights’ “Cheapest” tab helps find budget-friendly places. Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) sends out alerts for error fares and sales. Skyscanner and Momondo’s tools can save up to 60% on bookings.
Popular Tools and Apps to Consider
- Google Flights: Use the “Cheapest” tab to find budget routes and set airfare alerts for price drops.
- Skyscanner: Leverage “Best Time to Book” and “Price Lock” to secure deals without immediate purchase.
- Momondo: Its “Flexible Dates” and “Multi-City” options reveal savings by adjusting travel plans.
- Going: Subscribers get exclusive access to low-cost airfare deals up to 90% off regular fares.
How to Set Price Alerts for Ideal Fares
Apps like Hopper and Airfarewatchdog let you track routes and get airfare alerts when prices fall. Setting alerts 1–3 months in advance can save a lot. For example, Hopper’s price predictions are 95% accurate, helping you buy at the best time.
Always turn on notifications on platforms like Kayak or Kiwi.com for last-minute deals. Using these tools with flexible date searches can save 30–60%. This is key for those watching their budget.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
Being flexible can save a lot on budget plane tickets. Airlines offer big discounts for those who can change their plans. Even small changes, like different departure days or airports, can lead to big savings.
Choosing Alternative Airports for Better Deals
Look at airports within 50 miles of your destination. For instance, flying into Newark instead of JFK can save $50–$100 roundtrip. Use tools like Google Flights’ “nearby airports” filter to find the best deals. Remember to include ground transport costs to get the full picture.
Adjusting Travel Dates for Lower Prices
- Flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays are often cheapest.
- Weekend departures (Friday–Sunday) may cost 20–30% more.
- Shifting dates by 1–2 days can slash costs by $100–$200.
Airlines like Delta and American Airlines often lower fares for last-minute bookings. Tools like Skyscanner’s “best time to book” feature can help find the best times.
Travelers who use alternative airports and flexible timing save an average of $200 per trip. With 70% of travelers sticking to their plans, those who adapt have a big advantage. Focus on travel flexibility savings to find deals others miss.
Take Advantage of Airline Sales and Promotions
Flash sales and promotional fares are quick to disappear. But, by tracking them, you can save a lot. Airlines like Alaska and Lufthansa offer big discounts in the shoulder seasons, with up to 25% off in September and October. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also great times to find deals, with JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines cutting prices by half. Remember, most sales last less than 24 hours, so set up alerts and check early.
- Watch for shoulder season (September–October) when airlines like Ryanair and Scandinavian Airlines drop fares by 20–30% on routes to Asia and Europe.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday see the biggest drops, with Cathay Pacific and Emirates joining in. Last year, JetBlue’s $49 one-way fares and Hawaiian’s $94 flights highlighted these events.
- Mid-November pre-holiday sales often include Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic deals and Finnair’s Nordic route discounts.
Timing Your Search for Flash Sales
Flash sales usually happen early in the morning or late at night. Airlines like Southwest and EasyJet often release deals at midnight. Use tools like Google Flights to track price drops. Remember, the “24-hour rule” means you must book quickly before prices go back up.
Signing Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Join Delta or United newsletters for exclusive deals. Services like Secret Flight Club send alerts for Qantas’ Australia-Vietnam routes or Etihad’s Middle East sales. Check airline credit card offers for early access—Chase Sapphire cardholders get previews of promotional fares.
- 54% of travelers find deals via social media; follow airlines there.
- 30% of travelers miss sales windows—set calendar reminders for Black Friday and shoulder season.
Combine strategies: pair promotional fares with flexible dates for bigger savings. January and February also offer 20–30% cuts on winter routes.
Consider Budget Airlines for Savings
Budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant can help you save money on flights. These airlines focus on keeping costs low but have hidden fees. For example, Avelo’s round-trip flights from Las Vegas to San Francisco start at $123. But, extra fees for bags or seat choices can double the cost.
Pros and Cons of Flying with Low-Cost Carriers
Budget airlines cut costs by reducing overhead. Southwest offers two free checked bags and no seat fees, while JetBlue includes WiFi. But, Spirit charges $33 for a carry-on and $28 for a checked bag.
Lower base fares are a plus, but there are downsides. These include limited customer service and fewer routes. For instance, Breeze’s “Nicer” fare includes a free checked bag but costs more upfront.
What to Know About Extra Fees
Hidden costs can add up fast. Allegiant’s $147 flight to Las Vegas saw fees for seat selection, bags, and cancellations totaling $149.50. It’s important to compare options:
| Airline | Checked Bag | Seat Selection | Cancel Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | $33–$80 | $15–$40 | $100 |
| Allegiant | $20–$75 | $15–$40 | $150 |
| Frontier | $30–$60 | $20–$30 | $50–$100 |
When choosing budget airlines, consider all costs. Southwest’s free changes offset fees, while Spirit’s 24-hour refund window demands last-minute flexibility. Always compare total costs to find the best savings.
Maximize Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Airline loyalty programs and travel credit cards help you get best airfare discounts. By spending wisely, you can earn points for free flights. Travel credit cards and airline loyalty programs make it easier to save money. Some cards even give 3 points for every dollar spent on dining or groceries.
Leverage Travel Credit Cards for Rapid Point Accumulation
Find cards that fit your spending style. For instance:
| Card | Bonus | Spending Requirement | Redemption Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 60,000 points | $4,000 in 3 months | Up to $750 in travel |
| Hilton Honors American Express | 175,000 points | $8,000 in 6 months | Equivalent to $1,750 in awards |
| Capital One Venture | 75,000 miles | $4,000 in 3 months | Transferrable to 15+ airline partners |
Strategic Redemption for Best Value
Use mileage rewards for long-haul flights to save up to 25%. Delta SkyMiles members don’t pay “close-in fees.” United MileagePlus lets you transfer points to 30+ partners. Always check how much points are worth: luxury flights might give 2.2 cents per point, while economy seats offer 1 cent.
Use Points Path to track award prices. Consider pooling points with family to reach redemption goals faster. For example, spending $1,500 on a Chase card can earn 750 points, adding to your travel credits.
Book Your Flights in Advance
Timing your purchase is key to finding inexpensive airline ticket specials. Airlines offer advance booking discounts at certain times. But, knowing the optimal booking window depends on the route.
Domestic flights usually have the best deals when booked 1-3 months in advance. Jack’s Flight Club says this can save up to 25% compared to last-minute buys. For international flights, you need to book 2 to 8 months ahead to get early bird airfare deals.
For example, booking mid-December travel 71 days in advance can save a lot, Google Flights 2023 data shows.
How Far Ahead Should You Book?
- Domestic: Book 1-3 months before departure for maximum savings
- International: Aim for 2-8 months out to catch bulk seat releases
- Holiday travel: Mid-December flights save most when booked 71 days early
The Balance Between Early and Last-Minute Deals
Booking early gets you a seat but might not always be the cheapest. Sunday bookings can save 6-17% compared to weekdays. Europe flights on Wednesdays can save 10% compared to peak days.
Last-minute discounts are rare, mostly seen in off-peak times like after holidays. Use apps like Hopper to track fare trends and predict price drops.
Explore Package Deals for Additional Savings
Booking flights, hotels, or car rentals together can save you money. can be cheaper than buying each part separately. For example, Caribbean all-inclusives might offer affordable flight promotions when you book a vacation package.
Why Bundling Works
- Hidden inventory: Airlines and hotels might only sell unsold rooms/seats through packages.
- Guaranteed savings: You can save 15-25% on off-peak dates.
- Flexibility: Some packages let you keep the flight and cancel the rest if it’s cheaper.
Compare Booking Channels
| Option | Average Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OTA Packages (Expedia/Priceline) | 15-30% | Flexible dates & last-minute trips |
| Airline Vacation Divisions (Delta Vacations) | 10-20% | Loyalty members & frequent travelers |
| Traditional Agencies | 10-25% | Complex itineraries needing expert advice |
Look for vacation packages with free trip cancellation coverage. This can save you hundreds. Make sure the package includes extras like airport transfers or luggage add-ons. This way, you get more value than buying each part separately.
Europe city breaks often have the biggest savings when bundled. But, luxury destinations might need unbundling for better deals. Always compare the total cost of a package to buying each part separately to see if you really save money.
Stay Informed on Travel Restrictions and Fees
Getting discounted airfare is just the start. To keep your savings safe, watch out for hidden costs that can add up. Airlines change their baggage fee rules often, so knowing this helps you save more.
Understanding Baggage Policies and Additional Costs
Budget airlines might charge for carry-ons and checked bags. A flight with a layover can double the baggage fees. Make sure to check the size limits, as they can be strict.
Starting May 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID for domestic flights in the U.S. Travelers to the UK must pay $13 for an ETA, valid for two years. The EU’s ETIAS will also need pre-trip approval by 2025. Look up airline websites for their fee rules. Use credit cards that offer baggage fee waivers to save money.
Now, federal rules require refunds for delayed bags or failed services like WiFi. This includes flights changed automatically.
Being Aware of Travel Insurance Value
Travel insurance protects you from sudden cancellations or medical issues. Look for policies that match your travel plans. New rules mean airlines must offer refunds for changes, but insurance covers more.
Keep an eye on Google Travel for updates and check DOT rules for customer service access. Always document any improper fees and dispute them using the latest airline policies.