Finding and booking cheap flights can feel like a secret art, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies, you can consistently save hundreds of dollars on your airfare. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of how to find cheap flight tickets, from initial planning to the final click of the “book” button.
Step 1: Master the Timing (When to Book)
Timing is everything in the world of cheap airfare. There are two key elements to consider: how far in advance you book and the specific days you fly.
- The Booking Sweet Spot: For domestic flights, the best time to book is typically 1-3 months in advance. For international flights, aim for 2-5 months in advance. This is the general window where airlines often release their most competitive prices.
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: This is the golden rule of budget travel. Being rigid with dates is the fastest way to pay more.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are historically the cheapest days to fly.
- Avoid Peak Days: Fridays and Sundays are often the most expensive due to business and weekend traveler demand.
Step 2: Be Flexible with Your Airports
If you live near multiple airports, you have a significant advantage.
- Search for Multiple Airports: When using flight search engines, always check nearby airports. For example, if you’re flying to London, check prices for Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), and even Luton (LTN). A short train ride can save you a significant amount of money.
- Consider Alternative Routes: A flight with a layover is almost always cheaper than a direct flight. If you’re not in a hurry, embracing a stopover is one of the easiest money-saving travel tips.
Step 3: Use Incognito Mode and Clear Your Cookies
While it’s a topic of debate, many travelers believe that airlines and booking sites use cookies to track your searches and potentially raise prices based on demand (a practice known as dynamic pricing). To be safe:
- Always search for flights in your browser’s “Incognito” or “Private Browsing” mode. This ensures you see the true, current price without any influence from your search history.
Step 4: Harness the Power of Flight Comparison Websites
Never book directly with an airline without checking a comparison site first. These flight booking websites are your most powerful tool.
- Top Search Engines to Use:
- Google Flights: The best for flexibility. Use its “Explore” map to find the cheapest destinations from your home airport and set up price alerts.
- Skyscanner: Excellent for flexible searches. You can search for “everywhere” as a destination and by “whole month” to see the absolute cheapest options.
- Kayak: Another powerful tool with good price forecasting and alert features.
- The Strategy: Use 2-3 of these sites to compare results. No single site has every airline (especially budget carriers), so cross-referencing is key.
Step 5: Set Up Price Alerts
Once you have a potential destination and rough dates, set up price alerts. This is a set-and-forget strategy that does the work for you.
- Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak all allow you to create alerts for specific routes. You’ll get an email notification when the price drops or rises, taking the guesswork out of when to buy.
Step 6: Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, and Frontier can offer incredible deals.
- The Catch: Be aware of their business model. The base ticket is cheap, but everything else—from carry-on bags to seat selection and even water—costs extra.
- Calculate the Total Price: Always add in the fees for the baggage you need before comparing the price to a legacy carrier. Sometimes, the “cheap” flight isn’t cheaper in the end.
Step 7: Try Alternative Search Methods
If you’re extremely flexible, these advanced strategies can yield incredible results.
- Search for “Mistake Fares”: Occasionally, airlines publish fares at a fraction of the cost due to a technical error. Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going) specialize in finding these deals, but you have to be ready to book immediately.
- Use Points and Miles: If you have a travel credit card, learn how to use your accumulated points and miles to book “free” flights or get significant statement credits on travel purchases.
Step 8: The Final Check & Booking
You’ve found a great price. Now what?
- Double-Check the Itinerary: Ensure the layover times are reasonable and the airports are correct.
- Compare the Final Price on the Airline’s Website: Go to the airline’s official site and search for the same flight. Sometimes, booking directly can be cheaper or offer better customer service protections, especially if something goes wrong.
- Book It! Once you’re confident, complete the booking. Don’t get upsold on insurance or car rentals unless you genuinely need them.
Final Pro-Tips for Booking Cheap Flights:
- Book on the “Right” Day: While less critical than your travel dates, some data suggests booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday can lead to slightly lower prices as airlines launch sales earlier in the week.
- Be Ready to Pounce: The best deals sell out fast. If you see an unbelievable price and your dates are flexible, book it immediately. Hesitation is the enemy of the budget traveler.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll transform from a casual booker into a savvy travel hacker. Remember, the key to saving money on flights is a combination of flexibility, the right tools, and a little bit of patience. Happy and affordable travels!
