Flying can be expensive, but smart strategies can help you save a lot. This guide shares seven ways to cut flight costs in half or more. By timing your bookings, using comparison tools, and being flexible, you can find affordable flights. Let’s explore how to save on cheap flights!
Key Takeaways
- Last-minute bookings can reduce fares by up to 50%.
- Flight comparison sites save up to 30% compared to direct bookings.
- Midweek flights are 20-30% cheaper than weekend options.
- Flexible dates and destinations cut costs by 15-25%.
- Dynamic pricing increases costs by 10% per click; use incognito mode.
- Student discounts and credit card rewards add extra savings.
Understand the Best Times to Book Flights
Timing is key when looking for discount airline tickets or affordable plane tickets. Airlines change prices every hour. Knowing when to book can save a lot of money. Forget the old myth about Tuesdays—today, it’s all about the right time to book.
Airlines offer the best deals at certain times. For domestic flights, book 1–3 months in advance. For international trips, 2–8 months is best. For example, a Chicago-to Miami flight in April cost just $88 when booked early. Discount airline tickets also pop up for Mexico and Caribbean routes 37–87 days before.
Book in Advance
Domestic flights are cheapest 38 days before. International flights to Europe are cheaper 129 days in advance. Here’s how to book at the right time:
| Type | Best Window | Example |
|---|
| Domestic | 1–3 months | $88 Chicago to Miami |
| International | 2–8 months | $366 Mexico (59 days) |
Use Fare Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices. Set alerts for price drops and midweek flights. Flying Tuesday-Thursday saves $56+ on average. Expedia’s 2024 report shows Sunday bookings save 6%—a $18 saving on a $300 ticket.
Act fast when alerts go off. Airlines limit low-priced seats, so book quickly to get deals.
Utilize Flexible Travel Dates
Flexible travel dates can really help you find cheap flights. Airlines often lower prices when it’s not busy. By changing your travel days, you can save up to 30%.
Google Flights shows that moving your travel dates by a few days can save you $65 per ticket. Here’s how to make your travel cheaper.
Explore Off-Peak Seasons
Traveling in the shoulder seasons, like April–June and September, can save you a lot. For example, flights to Europe can cost as low as $600 in these months. This is compared to $950 during peak times, saving you 58%.
Airlines Reporting Corporation data also shows big savings in Australia (50%) and Southeast Asia (56%).
- Book in May or September for up to 40% lower fares than summer highs.
- September trips often cost 30% less than July, with mild weather and smaller crowds.
- Use Skyscanner’s calendar view to highlight cheapest months at a glance.
Consider Midweek Flights
Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are great for saving money. Airlines charge 20% less than weekends. Google Flights data shows these days have lower demand from business travelers.
- Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for 20–30% savings.
- Allegiant Air’s flexible search tool saves 18% on average (MIT).
- Check Southwest’s fare calendar to find Tuesday deals—saving $50 roundtrip.
Changing your travel dates by days or weeks can reveal hidden savings. Flexible travelers can save up to 40% by traveling during off-peak times and midweek. Tools like Google Flights and airline calendars make it easy to find these deals.
Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites make finding deals on flights easier. They gather prices from many airlines and booking sites. Start with Google Flights, which works with over 500 airlines. It shows real-time prices and has tools like the “Explore” feature.
This feature helps find discounted flights to places you might not have thought of.
Popular Comparison Tools
- Google Flights: Tracks prices with alerts and guarantees refunds if fares drop post-booking.
- Skyscanner: Highlights budget-friendly carriers and sorts results by price or popularity.
- Momondo: Offers price trend graphs to time purchases for the lowest rates.
- Kiwi: Finds multi-airline combinations, like splitting tickets to cut costs by up to 42%.
How to Use Them Effectively
Start by searching with an open calendar to find off-peak deals. Use filters to exclude hidden fees or find nonstop flights. For example, Kayak’s “hidden city” feature can find cheaper routes.
Set up price alerts to catch discounted flights at the last minute. Remember, no single site lists every airline.
Use browser incognito mode to avoid price hikes from tracking. When booking, check if discounts work with credit card rewards. This way, you save money without losing convenience.
Leverage Airline Discounts and Offers
Getting exclusive discounts from airlines can make flying cheaper. Airlines like Southwest and Delta offer special deals to their members. By signing up for newsletters and following them on social media, you can find cheap flights before they’re open to everyone.
Sign Up for Newsletters Rewards
Make a special email just for airline updates. This way, you won’t miss out on special deals. Airlines like Southwest and Delta send out promo codes that can cut prices by 10-30%. For example, Delta’s newsletters have had 15% off on certain routes when booked directly.
- Get early notice of flash sales and special offers
- Look out for seasonal deals like Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fares (up to 40% off)
Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines like Spirit and Frontier announce sales first on Twitter and Instagram. Follow accounts like @SouthwestAir for $39 round-trip deals or @FrontierAirlines for weekend specials. These deals can sell out fast, so it’s important to get alerts quickly.
- Join Twitter Spaces or Instagram Live for access to unpublished fares
- Watch for posts from low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air for discounts on regional routes
Use these tips with loyalty programs. American Express Platinum cardholders get 5 points per dollar on airfare, which can be used for free flights. Even if you’re not a member, Southwest’s no-change fee policy lets you rebook without losing your savings. With these strategies, you can find affordable flights without giving up convenience.
Consider Nearby Airports
Looking for budget airfare isn’t just about your closest airport. Nearby airports might have discount airline tickets. But remember, you’ll also have to pay for travel to get there. For example, flying from Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) instead of San Francisco (SFO) could save money. Yet, you should first compare the cost of getting to these airports.
Google Flights is a great tool. It lets you check up to seven airports at once. This way, you can find cheaper flights.
Tools are key. Rome2Rio helps you see the total cost, including buses or trains to far airports. Google Flights also has a calendar view to show fare trends. And its multi-airport search can uncover hidden deals.
For instance, choosing Chicago’s Midway (MDW) over O’Hare (ORD) can save you $50–$200. This depends on how busy the airport is.
- Check public transit options or car rentals to nearby airports
- Use Google Flights’ “nearby airports” filter for price comparisons
- Verify baggage fees and schedule reliability of budget carriers
| Airport Pair | Flight Savings | Ground Cost | Total Savings |
|---|
| OAK vs SFO | $40–$100 | $20–$50 | $20–$80 net |
| MDW vs ORD | $30–$70 | $15–$35 | $15–$55 net |
For international trips, look at cross-border airports. Flying into Brussels instead of Paris Charles de Gaulle could save you $100+. Trains can connect cities. Always weigh the savings against travel time and costs to find the best deal.
Use Incognito Mode for Searches
Looking for deals on flights online can be tricky. Airlines and booking sites change prices based on demand and how many seats are left. Some think using incognito mode stops prices from going up, but research shows it’s not always true.
Avoid Price Increases with Smart Browsing
Airline prices change a lot, but your search history usually doesn’t make them go up. A 2016 study by Consumer Reports found incognito mode helped find affordable plane tickets 7% of the time. But, it made prices go up 5% of the time. Most searches (88%) didn’t change anything.
Airlines set prices based on how many seats are left, not who’s searching.
How to Activate Incognito Mode
Here’s how to browse privately:
- Chrome: Menu > New Incognito Window (Ctrl+Shift+N)
- Firefox: File > Private Window
- Safari: File > New Private Window
- Edge: Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac)
| Scenario | Percentage | Impact |
|---|
| Incognito led to lower prices | 7% | Potential savings |
| Incognito showed higher prices | 5% | Risk of overpayment |
| No change in prices | 88% | Neutral outcome |
Research from Berkeley, Yale, and the University of Chicago says your searches don’t affect airline prices. But, using incognito mode is free. Try clearing cookies weekly and use VPNs to find better deals. This way, you can find the best deals on flights!
Embrace Budget Airlines
Flights from Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant can cut costs by up to 60% compared to big airlines. But, to save money, you need to plan carefully to avoid extra fees.
Budget airlines focus on simplicity. They don’t offer checked bags, assigned seats, or meals on board. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you book.
Pros and Cons of Budget Carriers
- Base fares often 40-60% cheaper than legacy carriers
- No baggage fees if you pack light (carry-on only)
- Operational challenges: Spirit reported $2.5B losses in 2020
- Safety records match industry standards per FAA data
Tips for Booking Budget Flights
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|
| Use fee calculators | Reveal total costs before checkout |
| Bring snacks/water | Avoid $3-$5 beverage charges |
| Print boarding passes at home | Avoid $5-10 printing fees |
| Compare with legacy “basic economy” | JetBlue’s basic fares often undercut budget carriers |
Keep in mind: Frontier’s 2024 premium seating and Spirit’s 2023 bankruptcy show the industry’s ups and downs. Always add up all costs, including getting to the airport, to make sure you’re saving. Budget airlines are great for those who want to save money but are okay with fewer perks.
Consider Multi-City Flights
Planning a trip to multiple places? Multi-city flights can make your journey exciting and affordable. By booking stops like Atlanta to London, Paris, and Madrid together, you save up to 20%. This way, you also get to explore cities like Reykjavik or Istanbul without extra cost.
Google Flights and discounted flights aggregators make finding deals easy. Use KAYAK to compare over 1,200 sources, or try Kiwi.com for itineraries from 750+ airlines. For instance, a 17-day trip to six cities saved $211 by booking with Kiwi instead of Google Flights.
| Strategy | Savings | Time Saved |
|---|
| Multi-city vs Round-Trip | Up to 20% | 2–3 hours |
| Stopovers | $0–$50 extra | Full days exploring hubs |
Begin searching 6 months early. Airlines release schedules 11 months in advance. But, waiting too long can make prices go up. Choose Tuesday/Wednesday flights for cheaper fares. Always compare one-way and multi-city options, as prices differ by site.
Check baggage rules: single check-in on multi-city tickets often cuts fees. Open-jaw flights also save by flying into one city and out of another. Whether you’re looking for inexpensive airfare or cultural experiences, multi-city bookings make travel affordable.
Be Aware of Hidden Fees
Even with cheap flights, unexpected charges can add up fast. Airlines often advertise base fares without including taxes, fees, or add-ons. This makes total costs hard to predict. Over 70% of travelers face extra fees averaging $40–$70 per ticket, according to industry data.
Hidden costs like baggage, seat selection, and cancellation fees can double the price of inexpensive airfare.
What to Look Out For
Baggage fees alone contribute over $4.5 billion annually. Checked bags cost $30–$50 one-way, while seat selection charges average $20. Some airlines add fuel surcharges or credit card fees.
Canceling a ticket may cost $200–$300, and resort fees at hotels can pile on extra costs. Southwest Airlines avoids seat fees, but competitors like Delta or United often charge for basics.
How to Avoid Surprises at Checkout
Compare total prices using tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner, which display full costs upfront. Book directly on airline sites to bypass third-party fees. Pack light to skip baggage charges and sign up for airline rewards programs to unlock perks.
Review fare terms before finalizing—20% savings on cheap flights vanish if fees exceed the base price. Always check for fees like those listed on Hilton or Hyatt’s websites, which may waive resort fees for loyalty members.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book a flight for the best price?
For domestic flights, book 1-3 months ahead. For international trips, aim for 2-8 months before. This varies by destination.
What is the best way to find cheaper flight options?
Use flight comparison sites and set up fare alerts with Google Flights or Skyscanner. Being flexible with travel dates also helps.
Are there specific days that offer cheaper flights?
Yes, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are cheaper. They have less business travel, making them more affordable.
How can I use alternative airports to save on airfare?
Look for secondary airports with lower fees and competition. Just remember to factor in extra travel costs.
Is it beneficial to sign up for airline newsletters?
Absolutely! Airlines share exclusive deals in their newsletters. These can offer discounts not found elsewhere.
What are some common fees I should watch out for when booking flights?
Watch for fees on baggage, seat selection, and in-flight services. Reading the fine print can avoid surprises.
How does using Incognito Mode impact flight prices?
Some think Incognito Mode keeps prices low by avoiding price tracking. It’s worth trying to see if it works.
What should I know about budget airlines?
Budget airlines save money but charge extra for services. Always calculate the total cost, including fees for luggage and seats.
How do multi-city flights save money?
Multi-city flights offer more travel for less. They can be cheaper than round-trip tickets, with stopovers at extra destinations.
What happens if I don’t read the fine print when booking tickets?
Ignoring the fine print can lead to unexpected fees. Always check what’s included and look for extra charges before buying.
