NEW! How to Book Cheap Flights (2025) | Best Travel Hacks, Booking Tools & Insider Tips

How to Book Cheap Flights

Who doesn’t love getting a great deal on flights? Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a quick getaway, finding cheap flights can save you hundreds of dollars. Airline pricing can be unpredictable, so knowing the best tricks to book cheap flights is crucial. Here are proven strategies for finding the cheapest flights possible.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates

One of the biggest factors in flight pricing is demand. If you can fly on less popular days, you’ll often find much lower prices. Try to avoid peak travel times like weekends, holidays, and school vacation periods. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly.

Use tools like Google Flights’ price calendar to identify the cheapest days in a month. Pro tip: sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save you hundreds.

Use the Best Flight Search Engines

Not all flight search engines show the same prices. Some exclude budget airlines, while others include hidden fees. Here are some of the best tools:

• Google Flights: Best for comparing prices across multiple airlines.
• Skyscanner: Great for finding the cheapest months to fly.
• Momondo: Shows hidden deals that some sites don’t display.
• Hopper: Uses AI predictions to indicate whether fares will rise or fall.
• Kiwi: Helps find alternative routes with cheaper tickets.

Always compare prices across multiple search engines before booking.

Book at the Right Time

Timing is essential when booking cheap flights. For domestic flights, aim to book 1 to 3 months in advance. For international flights, the ideal timeframe is 2 to 6 months ahead. Avoid last-minute bookings, as airlines generally raise prices close to departure. Pro tip: prices often drop midweek, particularly between Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so make sure to book on these days.

Take Advantage of Budget Airlines

Low-cost airlines can offer significant savings, but be aware of extra fees. Popular budget airlines include:

• Domestic (U.S.): Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant.
• Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air.
• Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, and Cebu Pacific.

Keep an eye out for additional charges related to checked baggage, seat selection, and carry-on bags.

Use Flight Alerts to Track Prices

Flight prices fluctuate daily, so tracking them is crucial. Set price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. When prices drop, book immediately, as they can increase quickly. Using Hopper can help predict when fares will hit their lowest.

Pro tip: If you see a great deal, book it ASAP; prices can jump within hours.

Check Nearby Airports

Flying into a nearby airport can sometimes be cheaper than your primary destination. For instance, if you’re flying to New York, compare prices for Newark (EWR) instead of JFK. When traveling to London, check Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. For Los Angeles, consider LAX, Burbank, or Ontario. Use Google Flights’ nearby airports feature to explore alternative options.

Use Airline Travel Miles and Points

If you travel often, consider signing up for a frequent flyer program or travel rewards credit card. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, and American Express Platinum allow you to earn airline miles. You can redeem these miles for free flights or upgrades.

Even if you don’t fly often, some credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can be worth multiple free flights. For example, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, spending $4,000 in the first four months could yield a signup bonus around $1,000.

Avoid Extra Airline Fees

Hidden fees can substantially increase your ticket prices unknowingly. Be sure to check:

• Baggage fees: Understand your airline’s policies on carry-on and checked luggage.
• Seat selection fees: Some airlines charge for preferred seating.
• Change and cancellation fees: Familiarize yourself with airline policies before booking.

Certain credit cards provide free checked bags when booking with their airline partners.

Book One-Way Tickets

Sometimes, booking two separate one-way flights can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. Search for one-way flights across different airlines. Explore open jaw tickets, which allow you to fly into one city and out of another. Mixing and matching airlines can lead to better deals.

Use a VPN for Cheaper Deals

Did you know airlines sometimes change prices based on your location? Using a VPN to alter your location might help you discover better prices from different countries. Sometimes, booking flights in a local currency can result in savings. Consider setting your location to India or Mexico when searching for international flights.

Monitor Airline Mistake Fares and Flash Sales

Airlines occasionally offer super cheap deals due to pricing mistakes. Websites like Secret Flying, Scoups Cheap Flights, and Airfare Watchdog track these mistakes. Additionally, keep an eye out for flash sales that can slash ticket prices by 50% or more. If you find a mistake fare, book it immediately, as airlines often correct these errors within hours.

Conclusion

By following these strategies, you can save hundreds of dollars on flights and travel more often. Remember to be flexible with your travel dates, use the right flight search engines, set price alerts, avoid hidden fees, and consider using a VPN and alternative airports.

If you found this information helpful, consider sharing it with others looking to save on their travel. Happy flying!