How to Find Cheap Flights

Learn the secrets to finding the best deals on air tickets and save money on your next trip.

7/17/20242 min read

black and yellow bus seats
black and yellow bus seats

Scoring low-cost airfare can make a big difference in your travel budget. Here are several effective strategies—some tailored to specific airlines—to help you land the best flight deals:

Stay Flexible with Travel Dates and Locations: Being open to different departure dates and destinations can greatly increase your chances of finding cheaper fares. Use flexible date tools on booking sites and consider flying into or out of nearby airports for potential savings.

Book Early: Locking in your tickets several weeks or months ahead of time—especially for busy routes—can help you access lower prices. Early planning often leads to better deals.

Set Up Fare Alerts: Use fare tracking tools offered by travel sites and apps to receive notifications when flight prices drop on your preferred routes. This can help you grab the best deals as soon as they appear.

Browse in Private Mode: To prevent your search history from affecting prices, use your browser’s incognito or private mode. Some sites may raise prices based on repeated searches, so private browsing can help avoid that.

Explore Budget Airlines: Low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, Ryanair, and Southwest frequently offer cheaper tickets than traditional airlines. Consider these options if you’re looking to cut costs.

Watch for Sales and Special Offers: Airlines regularly run promotions, flash sales, and seasonal discounts. Follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletters, and check deal aggregator sites to stay in the loop.

Join Airline Loyalty Programs: Frequent flyer programs offer perks such as discounted tickets, access to exclusive promotions, and potential upgrades. Membership is usually free and can lead to long-term savings.

Compare Fares Across Platforms: Use comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to view flight prices from multiple airlines and booking services, helping you find the most affordable options.

Look into Indirect Routes or Stopovers: Choosing flights with layovers or alternative routing can sometimes lower your travel costs. A little extra travel time could lead to significant savings.

Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Booking flights that depart late at night (red-eye) or during less busy times of the week can result in cheaper fares. Midweek and overnight flights are often more budget-friendly than peak-hour departures.