Finding the cheapest flights can be a daunting task, but with a little strategy and some insider tips, you can score a great deal on your next trip. As someone who loves to travel on a budget, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s how I find the cheapest flights right now:
1. Keep your searches top secret: Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your search history and increase prices accordingly. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode. This way, you’ll get the most accurate and unbiased results.
2. Use the best flight search engines: Not all flight search engines are created equal. I’ve found that certain platforms consistently offer the best deals. My go-to choices are Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights. These websites compare prices across multiple airlines and online travel agencies, giving you a comprehensive view of the options available.
3. Identify the cheapest day to fly out: Flexibility is key when searching for cheap flights. In general, midweek flights tend to be cheaper than those on weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to fly if you’re looking for a bargain. Play around with the departure dates on the search engines mentioned earlier to find the lowest fares.
4. Fly for free with points: If you’re a frequent traveler or have a credit card with a travel rewards program, you can take advantage of accumulated points or miles to score free or heavily discounted flights. Many airlines also offer sign-up bonuses for their loyalty programs, which can help you earn points faster. Just be sure to compare the redemption rates to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
5. Befriend budget airlines: Budget airlines often offer significantly lower fares than their full-service counterparts. While the amenities may be more limited, you can save a substantial amount of money by flying with these carriers. Keep in mind that budget airlines may charge extra for services like checked baggage or seat selection, so be sure to factor in these costs when comparing prices.
6. Search for airline error and sale fares: Occasionally, airlines make mistakes when pricing their tickets or offer flash sales with heavily discounted fares. To stay informed about these deals, consider signing up for newsletters or following social media accounts of airlines and travel websites. Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal specialize in finding and sharing these error and sale fares.
7. Book connecting flights yourself for less: Sometimes, booking separate tickets for each leg of your journey can be cheaper than booking a direct flight. This is particularly true for long-haul international flights. If you’re willing to put in a bit more effort and stay vigilant with your connections, you can save a significant amount of money. Just be sure to leave enough time between flights to account for potential delays.
8. Find the cheapest place to fly: If you have a flexible travel destination in mind, you can use websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to explore the cheapest places to fly from your departure airport. Simply enter your departure city and search for “Everywhere” as the destination. This will show you a list of destinations ranked by price, allowing you to choose the most affordable option.
Finding the cheapest flights requires a combination of research, flexibility, and a little bit of luck. By using the right search engines, being open to different travel dates and destinations, and taking advantage of loyalty programs and budget airlines, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals. Happy travels!