Booking a flight is a necessary step when planning a trip, and finding the best flight deals is essential to keep your travel budget under control. With the rise of budget airlines and online travel agencies, it’s now easier than ever to find cheap flights, but it can also be overwhelming to navigate the different options available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find the best flight deals and make the most out of your travel budget.
1. Be flexible with your travel dates
The cost of a flight can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the time of the year. If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, you can save a lot of money by avoiding peak travel periods and choosing the cheapest days to fly. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends, and shoulder seasons (the period between peak and off-peak travel seasons) can offer some of the best deals. Use a flight search engine that allows you to search for the cheapest dates in a given month or year, such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo.
For example, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider traveling in the fall or winter instead of the summer, when prices are higher and crowds are bigger. Similarly, if you’re traveling for a holiday or event, try to book your flight well in advance or after the peak season to avoid the surge in prices.
Another way to be flexible with your travel dates is to use the “flexible dates” option in the flight search engine. This feature allows you to see the prices for different departure and return dates within a range of a few days or weeks, so you can choose the cheapest combination. Some search engines also offer the “price calendar” feature, which shows you the cheapest dates to fly in a month or year, so you can plan accordingly.
2. Use multiple flight search engines
No single flight search engine can guarantee to offer the best deals every time. That’s why it’s a good idea to use multiple search engines to compare prices and find the cheapest flights. Some of the most popular flight search engines include Kayak, Expedia, Orbitz, and CheapOair. Keep in mind that some airlines, such as Southwest or Ryanair, may not appear on third-party search engines, so it’s worth checking their websites directly.
When using a flight search engine, make sure to clear your cookies and browsing history or use the incognito mode to avoid being tracked by the website. Some search engines may use cookies or IP addresses to increase the prices if they detect that you’re searching for the same flight multiple times or from the same device.
Another tip is to use the “hidden city” or “stopover” feature in some flight search engines, such as Skiplagged or Kiwi.com. This feature allows you to book a flight with a layover at your destination city, which may be cheaper than a direct flight to that city. However, you need to make sure that you don’t check any bags, as they will be sent to the final destination and you may not be allowed to board the connecting flight.
3. Book your flight in advance
Booking your flight well in advance can help you save money, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holidays. Generally, the cheapest time to book a flight is around six to eight weeks before your departure date, but this can vary depending on the destination and the airline. Keep an eye on the prices and set up price alerts to get notified when the fare drops. Some search engines allow you to set up price alerts for specific flights or routes, so you can receive an email or a notification when the price changes. This way, you can catch the best deals before they sell out or expire.
On the other hand, booking too far in advance may not always be the best option. Airlines may release their flights and prices up to 11 months in advance, but the prices may be inflated at first and then drop as the departure date approaches. If you’re not sure when to book your flight, you can use the “price predictor” feature in some search engines, such as Hopper or Airfarewatchdog. This feature uses historical data and machine learning algorithms to predict whether the price of a flight will rise or fall in the future, and when is the best time to book.
4. Consider alternative airports
Flights to major airports are often more expensive than flights to smaller, alternative airports nearby. If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel plans, you can save money by flying to a nearby airport and then taking a train, bus, or rental car to your final destination. For example, if you’re traveling to New York City, you might find cheaper flights to Newark or Philadelphia instead of JFK or LaGuardia. Just make sure to factor in the transportation costs and the travel time.
You can also consider flying to a different city or country and then taking a connecting flight or a train to your final destination. This may take longer and involve more transfers, but it can be significantly cheaper than a direct flight. Some airlines offer “multi-city” or “open-jaw” tickets, which allow you to fly into one city and out of another, or to visit multiple cities on the same trip.
5. Sign up for airline newsletters and loyalty programs
Airlines often offer exclusive deals and promotions to their email subscribers or loyalty program members. Sign up for the newsletters of your preferred airlines and check their websites for special offers. You can also earn frequent flyer miles or points by joining a loyalty program and using a co-branded credit card. These rewards can add up and help you save money on future flights or upgrades.
Some airlines also offer discounted fares for students, seniors, military personnel, or members of certain organizations. If you qualify for any of these categories, make sure to check the airline’s website or contact their customer service to see if you can get a discount.
6. Be open to connecting flights
Direct flights are often more convenient, but they can also be more expensive than flights with one or more connections. If you’re willing to take a longer route or make a stopover, you can save money on your flight ticket. Some airlines, such as Norwegian or WOW Air, specialize in offering cheap connecting flights between Europe and North America. Just make sure to allow enough time between flights and check the visa requirements if you’re transiting through a different country.
When booking a connecting flight, make sure to check the layover time and the airport distance. Some airports may require you to change terminals or go through security again, which can be time-consuming and stressful. If possible, choose a connecting flight with a layover time of at least two hours, so you have enough time to catch the connecting flight and avoid missing it due to delays or cancellations.
7. Use a travel agent or a flight booking service
If you’re not comfortable with booking your flight online or if you’re looking for a personalized service, you can use a travel agent or a flight booking service. These services can help you find the best flight deals, plan your itinerary, and handle any issues or changes before, during, or after your trip. Travel agents and booking services may charge a fee or a commission, but they can also save you time and money by doing the research for you and offering insider tips and recommendations.
8. Check for hidden fees and restrictions
When booking a flight, make sure to read the fine print and check for any hidden fees or restrictions that may apply. Some airlines may charge extra fees for checked bags, seat selection, in-flight meals, or other services that are not included in the ticket price. These fees can add up quickly and make the “cheap” flight not so cheap after all.
Similarly, some airlines may have strict rules regarding cancellations, changes, or refunds. Make sure to understand the airline’s policy before booking, and consider buying travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unexpected events, such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.
FAQs
Q: How can I find the cheapest flights?
A: To find the cheapest flights, you can be flexible with your travel dates, use multiple flight search engines, book your flight in advance, consider alternative airports, sign up for airline newsletters and loyalty programs, be open to connecting flights, and check for hidden fees and restrictions.
Q: What is the best time to book a flight?
A: The best time to book a flight is around six to eight weeks before your departure date, but this can vary depending on the destination and the airline. Keep an eye on the prices and set up price alerts to get notified when the fare drops.
Q: How can I avoid being tracked by flight search engines?
A: To avoid being tracked by flight search engines, you can clear your cookies and browsing history or use the incognito mode. Some search engines may use cookies or IP addresses to increase the prices if they detect that you’re searching for the same flight multiple times or from the same device.
Q: What are the benefits of joining an airline loyalty program?
A: By joining an airline loyalty program, you can earn frequent flyer miles or points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other rewards. You can also enjoy exclusive deals and promotions, priority check-in and boarding, access to airport lounges, and other perks.
Bottom Line
Finding the best flight deals requires some research and flexibility, but it can help you save money and make your travel budget go further. By being open-minded, using the right tools and strategies, and checking for hidden fees and restrictions, you can find the perfect flight for your needs and preferences.
Additional Resources
- Google Flights: a flight search engine that allows you to search for flights based on multiple criteria, such as price, duration, airline, and more.
- Skyscanner: a flight search engine that compares prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies and offers flexible search options.
- Hopper: a flight search engine that uses machine learning algorithms to predict when is the best time to book a flight and sends you price alerts.
- Airfarewatchdog: a flight search engine that monitors the prices of specific flights and routes and sends you alerts when the price drops.
- Kayak: a flight search engine that offers a range of search options, including flexible dates, multi-city trips, and hidden city fares.
Remember that finding the best flight deals is not just about saving money, but also about having a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. By planning ahead, being flexible, and using the right resources, you can make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
