13 Tricks to Get the Cheapest Flights

How often have you chosen to wait on lower ticket prices because prices are out of this world? According to a recent survey by CNBC, 52 percent of travelers say the high cost of flights is a problem regarding their travel plans. The good news is there are ways to beat the system and land cheap flights.

Here are 13 actionable tips to help you find budget-friendly airline tickets.

Book Your Flight During the “Prime Time” Window

Timing your booking is essential to get the best out of airfare. According to a CheapAir.com 2023 study, domestic flights are cheapest when booked 1–3 months in advance, and international flights are booked 3–6 months before departure.

Set reminders so you never miss this golden window of time, or use tools like Google Flights to see when prices are flying high so you can be on the lookout.

Fly Midweek

According to the travel booking app Hopper, Tuesday and Wednesday aren’t the only good days to avoid crowded airports; they are also the least expensive days to fly.

Skip weekend or Friday trips as airlines jack up prices to capitalize on peak demand from business and leisure travelers.

Use Incognito Mode or Clear your Cookies

Did you know that prices may go up after you do multiple searches for flights? Usually, airlines and booking platforms store cookies to monitor your search behavior. If you want to avoid price hikes, book your flight in an incognito browser window or clean your browser cookies first before starting a new search.

Sign Up for Fare Alerts

Skyscanner, Kayak, and Airfarewatchdog all have tools that alert you if the price of a specific route drops. Setting fare alerts will save you time and energy by allowing you to always monitor prices without having to search websites indefinitely.

Be flexible Concerning your Destination

You can save a lot if you’re open to traveling anywhere. With platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner, you can search many destinations to see where the direct flight prices are. Selecting “Everywhere” or “Explore” will uncover the cheapest destinations for your next adventure.

Take Advantage of Budget Airlines

Need cheap flights within the US? Budget airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, and Breeze are good budget options that save money.

However, they tend to charge for things like seat selection and baggage, so pack light and Read the T&Cs carefully. On international routes, some markets are dominated by low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Air Asia.

Use Points and Miles

Depending on what airline you fly or which credit card is linked to your rewards points, you can enjoy a host of programs to lower your out–of–pocket costs.

These include frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, or credit card reward points. Chase Sapphire Preferred is one example of many travel credit cards that offer lucrative signup bonuses that can be turned into free or discounted flights.

Check Nearby Airports

This means you will generally get cheaper fares from smaller or regional airports. For example, lower prices might be available for travelers to/from Southern California who depart from Long Beach Airport versus LAX. You can do a quick search and come up with some budget-friendly and less chaotic airports.

Take Advantage of Last-Minute Deals

While there is a tendency to book flights early, some travelers prefer to wait. Airlines often drastically lower the price of flights as the departure date approaches, and they have empty seats to fill.

Apps like Hopper and Last Minute Travel will help you take advantage of these spontaneous discounted travel opportunities.

Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

You’ll pay higher prices if you want to travel during holidays, spring break, or summer vacation. Instead, aim for the “shoulder seasons” between peak and off-peak periods—like late April and early October—where flights are more affordable, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at your destination.

Keep an Eye on Luggage Fees

Booking a cheap flight with a budget airline doesn’t necessarily mean low prices. If you can’t travel light, hide your carry-on, or check it in, you may cough up fees later. Compare ticket prices with all costs included, ensuring the “cheap” flight doesn’t become costly once you add your luggage.

Leverage Error Fares

Airlines sometimes need to correct pricing and sell tickets for much lower than intended. Fortunately, websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights (now known as Going) or Secret Flying relentlessly track such mistake fares. However, they are often corrected within hours, so act quickly.

Travel Off-Hours

In most cases, red-eye flights or flights that depart during odd hours, such as early morning or late at night, typically cost less. These flights also come with the perk of quieter airports and shorter lines at security.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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