Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to flights. But finding cheap tickets can feel like a game of chance. Thankfully, there are a few tricks we’ve picked up over time that help us grab better prices more consistently.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
One of the biggest factors in getting a cheap flight is being flexible with your travel dates. Flying mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than weekend flights. If you can adjust your schedule, you’ve got a better chance of finding a deal.
2. Set Price Alerts
We swear by price alerts. Websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights let you set alerts for specific routes. That way, you’ll be notified when prices drop or when a special deal pops up.
3. Book in Advance, But Not Too Early
It is normally cheapest to book as soon as flights come out, though we’ve found not all flights / routes follow this pattern.
However booking too early can actually cost you more if you later find you need to move flights, or can’t get a hotel on the right date. The sweet spot for us is usually about 20 weeks before you fly, although this can vary depending on your destination. Booking last minute is risky unless you’re willing to take a gamble, but generally, aim to book ahead without jumping the gun.
4. Use Incognito Mode
Airlines (and most websites) are known to track your browsing history, which can lead to prices going up if you keep searching the same route. To avoid this, use incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. It stops sites from increasing prices based on your search history.
5. Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into a nearby airport instead of your final destination can sometimes save you money. Check alternative airports and consider the cost of trains or buses to get from there to your actual destination. It might add a bit of time, but the savings are often worth it.
For example, as part of our Italy trip we flew to Pisa and then got the train to Florence.
6. Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
If you’ve got a frequent flyer account or a credit card that offers travel rewards, make sure to use those points for discounted flights. Even small amounts of points can knock a good chunk off your ticket price.
7. Check for Student or Senior Discounts
If you fall into one of these categories, make sure you’re checking the airlines’ student or senior discount pages. It’s easy to miss these, but they often offer significant savings.
8. Book Directly with the Airline
It’s tempting to use third-party booking sites, but we’ve found that booking directly through the airline’s website sometimes gives us better prices. Plus, in case anything goes wrong, dealing with the airline directly can be a lot easier.
9. Look for Flash Sales and Promotions
Airlines often run flash sales or special promotions, especially during certain times of year or in the lead-up to a holiday. Keep an eye on the airline’s social media pages or sign up for their newsletters to catch these deals.
10. Fly at Odd Hours
Flights that depart at early morning or late-night hours are often cheaper because most people don’t want to fly at these inconvenient times. If you’re willing to get up at the crack of dawn or fly through the night, you could save a decent amount.
You could also stay at a hotel at the airport the night before if it is a really early flight.
Scoring cheap flights isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike – it’s about being smart with your choices.
Keep these tricks in mind, and you’ll be booking affordable tickets every time.
