How to Find Cheap Flights – Insider Tips for Scoring the Best Deals

Finding cheap flights can be one of the most rewarding aspects of planning a budget-friendly trip. While airfare can often be the largest expense of travel, with the right strategies, you can significantly cut costs and stretch your travel budget. Here are some insider tips to help you find the best flight deals.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the simplest and most effective ways to find cheap flights is by being flexible with your travel dates. Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have the lowest prices, while weekends are generally more expensive due to increased demand. If possible, use flexible date search tools on flight booking websites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices across different days.

2. Set Fare Alerts

Flight prices are constantly changing, and sometimes the best deals appear only for a short period. To make sure you never miss out, set up fare alerts. Websites and apps like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Airfarewatchdog allow you to monitor specific routes and receive notifications when prices drop. This gives you the opportunity to book when prices are at their lowest.

3. Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Did you know that flight prices can increase based on your browsing history? Airlines and booking sites track your searches and may raise prices when they see you’re looking at a specific route multiple times. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito mode (or private browsing mode) on your browser. This prevents sites from using cookies to track your activity and ensures you see the lowest prices available.

4. Consider Alternative Airports

When searching for flights, don’t limit yourself to only the major airports in your destination. Many cities have multiple airports, and flying into a smaller, less popular airport can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. For example, instead of flying into New York’s JFK or LaGuardia, consider flying into Newark, which may offer cheaper options. Afterward, you can take a bus or train into the city. Always check nearby airports to see if flying into one of them is a more affordable option.

5. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early)

Booking your flight in advance is often a great way to score a deal, but booking too early can be just as expensive as waiting until the last minute. The sweet spot for booking is generally between 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. Booking too far in advance or too close to your travel date can lead to inflated prices. Use tools like Google Flights to track historical prices for specific routes and determine the best time to book.

6. Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points

If you have a frequent flyer account or a travel rewards credit card, now is the time to use it. Many credit cards offer points that can be redeemed for flights, allowing you to score a flight at little to no cost. Additionally, consider joining frequent flyer programs for airlines you frequently travel with to build up miles for future flights.