Timing is Everything

• Be flexible with your travel dates. This is probably the single biggest thing you can do to save money. Flying mid-week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually best) or during the off-season can make a huge difference. Think about it: everyone wants to fly on Fridays and Sundays, or during school holidays. If you can avoid those peak times, you’ll often find much lower fares.
• Book in advance… but not too far in advance. There’s a sweet spot for booking flights. Generally, you’ll want to start looking about 2-3 months before domestic flights and 2-8 months before international flights. Airlines tend to release seats at higher prices initially, then adjust them closer to the departure date. However, don’t wait until the last minute, as prices often surge in the final weeks.
• Use fare comparison websites and set price alerts. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are your best friends. Alternately just use the flight search below to find best airfare deals. They let you compare prices from different airlines and see how fares change over time. Even better, set up price alerts so you get notified when the price drops on your desired route.
• Think about flying to or from a different airport. Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport that’s a bit further away from your final destination can save you money. Just factor in the cost of getting to where you need to go (train, bus, or rental car) to make sure it’s actually a good deal.

Mastering the Search

• Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode. Airlines and travel websites sometimes track your searches and may show you higher prices if they think you’re really keen on a particular flight. Outsmart them by clearing your cookies or using incognito mode to browse privately.
• Search for one-way flights. It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes booking two one-way flights on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. This is especially true if you’re flexible with your return date.
• Don’t rule out budget airlines. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest often have incredibly low base fares. Just be sure to factor in any extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and other extras.
• Hidden city ticketing? Proceed with caution. This is a controversial tactic where you book a flight with a layover, but your actual destination is the layover city. You simply get off the plane and don’t take the connecting flight. However, airlines frown upon this, and you could face consequences. Use this method only as a last resort and at your own risk.
• Keep an eye out for error fares and mistake fares. Occasionally, airlines make mistakes when pricing flights, resulting in super cheap fares. These are rare, but if you spot one, grab it quickly!

Loyalty and Rewards

• Join airline loyalty programs. Even if you don’t fly frequently, it’s worth signing up for loyalty programs. You can earn miles and points that can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades.
• Use those credit card rewards. Many credit cards offer travel rewards, such as miles, points, or cash back. Some even have sign-up bonuses that can give you a head start on your next trip.
• Follow airlines and travel deals on social media. Airlines often announce sales and special offers on their social media channels. Follow your favorite airlines and travel deal accounts to stay in the loop.

Thinking Outside the Box

• Fly to a nearby city and take ground transportation. Sometimes, flying to a smaller city that’s a bit further away from your final destination can save you money. Just factor in the cost of getting to where you need to go (train, bus, or rental car) to make sure it’s actually a good deal.
• Look for package deals. Booking your flight and hotel together can often save you money, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
• Be open to connecting flights and longer layovers. Direct flights are convenient, but they often come with a premium price tag. Consider flights with layovers, especially if you can use the time to explore a new city.
• Believe it or not, consider flying on holidays. While most people want to fly around holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, flying on the actual holiday itself can sometimes be cheaper.