How to Score Cheap Flights: Insider Tips and Best Resources
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| how to score cheap flights |
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is by avoiding peak travel seasons. Flying during holidays, summer breaks, or major events can lead to sky-high prices. Instead, opt for off-peak seasons when airlines lower prices to fill their planes. For example, flying to Europe in the late fall or Southeast Asia during the rainy season can result in cheaper fares and fewer crowds.Midweek and Early Morning Flights
Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. Similarly, early morning or red-eye flights are often less expensive because they’re less desirable for most travelers. If you’re willing to be flexible with your schedule, you can find significant savings by flying at less convenient times.2. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Leverage Fare Aggregators
Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are excellent tools for comparing prices across multiple airlines. These platforms aggregate flight information from various carriers and travel agencies, allowing you to easily find the best deals. You can set up alerts for price drops or search for the cheapest dates to fly. Always compare several sites before booking to ensure you're getting the best deal.Don’t Forget to Search in Incognito Mode
Some travel booking websites track your search history and may increase prices based on your browsing behavior. To avoid this, search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode. This can help ensure you see the lowest available fares, as websites won’t raise prices based on your repeated searches.3. Book at the Right Time
The Best Time to Book
Timing is crucial when booking flights. While last-minute deals can sometimes be found, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is typically 1 to 3 months in advance, while international flights are best booked 3 to 6 months ahead. Research shows that prices tend to rise closer to the departure date, so booking early usually results in better deals.Use Price Alerts
If you’re not ready to book just yet, use price alert tools from websites like Hopper or Skyscanner. These services will notify you when prices drop for your selected routes, allowing you to book when fares are at their lowest. You can also use Google Flights’ "Track Prices" feature to monitor trends and book when prices hit your target range.4. Be Flexible with Your Destination
Use “Everywhere” Search Features
If your travel plans are open-ended, use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature or Google Flights’ map search to discover the cheapest destinations from your home airport. This is a great way to find budget-friendly travel opportunities that you may not have considered. Often, smaller or less popular airports nearby will offer cheaper flights than major hubs.Consider Flying into Nearby Airports
In some cases, flying into a nearby city or airport can save you hundreds of dollars. For example, if you're planning to visit Paris, you might find a cheaper flight to Brussels or Amsterdam, followed by a short, low-cost train or bus ride to your final destination. Always check surrounding airports when searching for flights to see if you can find a better deal.5. Take Advantage of Airline Miles and Rewards
Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs
Even if you don’t fly often, signing up for frequent flyer programs is a smart way to accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for future flights. Many airlines offer free loyalty programs where you can earn miles for every flight. Over time, these points can add up to significant savings, especially if you travel regularly or use an airline credit card that earns miles on everyday purchases.
Look for Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
Many travel credit cards offer lucrative sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights. For example, some cards offer tens of thousands of miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement, which can be enough for a free round-trip flight. If you’re strategic with your credit card use, you can accumulate miles quickly and fly for little to no cost.
6. Book Directly with the Airline
Avoid Third-Party Booking Fees
While flight comparison websites are great for finding the best deals, it’s often better to book directly with the airline once you’ve found the lowest fare. Booking directly with the airline can help you avoid third-party booking fees, and it’s often easier to manage changes or cancellations if you’re dealing directly with the airline rather than a travel agency.
