Ultimate Guide to Find the Cheapest Flight Every Time

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little strategy and flexibility, you can uncover great deals on flights and save money for other travel expenses. Here’s how to make your travel dreams a reality without overspending. By using the right tools, having the right mindset and employing some money-saving strategies, you can cut the cost of your typical flights in half and more!
1. Plan Ahead and Stay Alert for Last-Minute Deals
While booking in advance (1-3 months for domestic and 2-8 months for international flights) typically yields the best prices, last-minute deals can also offer significant savings. Airlines often reduce prices to fill empty seats. Sign up for fare alerts from airlines and travel sites like Airfarewatchdog to catch these offers as soon as they become available.
2. Utilize Incognito Mode
Airlines and travel sites often use cookies to track your searches. This can lead to price increases if they notice repeated searches for the same route. Use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies to avoid this issue and potentially find better deals.
3. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility is your best friend when searching for cheap flights. Prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and time of day. Mid-week flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper. Consider flying during off-peak hours, such as red-eye or early morning flights, to save even more. Utilize tools like Google Flights or Hopper to compare prices across a range of dates and find the best deals.
4. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Cheap flights can come with hidden costs. Be mindful of baggage fees, seat selection charges, and other add-ons that can inflate the ticket price. Always calculate the total cost before booking. Some low-cost carriers charge for everything from carry-on bags to printing your boarding pass at the airport.
5. Explore Multi-City or Open-Jaw Tickets
Sometimes booking a multi-city or open-jaw ticket (flying into one city and out of another) can be cheaper than a round-trip. This option also allows you to see more destinations on a single trip. Use the “multi-city” search option on booking sites to explore this possibility.
6. Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of a nearby airport can sometimes save you a significant amount. Check the cost of flights at smaller airports near your destination. The savings might justify the extra travel time. For example, if you're flying to New York City, consider Newark or LaGuardia in addition to JFK.
7. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines can offer significant savings, especially for short-haul flights. While they may not provide the same level of comfort and amenities as major carriers, the cost savings can be substantial. Research airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest for budget-friendly options.
8. Leverage Points and Miles
Frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards can significantly reduce travel costs. Accumulate miles through everyday purchases and redeem them for flights. Consider signing up for a travel rewards credit card to maximize your benefits. Many cards offer sign-up bonuses that can cover the cost of a flight.
9. Use Multiple Search Engines
Different search engines can show different prices for the same flight. Use platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo, and Expedia to compare prices. Each site has unique algorithms and partnerships, which can lead to varying results. Checking airline websites directly can also uncover exclusive deals not found on aggregator sites.
10. Subscribe to Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines and travel websites often send out newsletters with exclusive deals. Subscribe to these emails to stay informed about flash sales and discount codes. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Going can alert you to significant price drops and mistake fares, which are rare but offer incredible savings.

Ryanair
15% Off 8 one-way flights + A Free checked-in bag with every flight booked for Erasmus students with valid ESNcard