Getting the best airfare requires strategy! Here are some tried-and-true tips for snagging great deals on flights:
1. Book at the Right Time
Ideal Booking Window:
Domestic flights: 1 to 3 months in advance
International flights: 3 to 6 months in advance
Best Days to Book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares.
Best Days to Fly: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be cheaper.
2. Use Fare Alerts & Compare Prices
Set alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper to track price drops.
Use incognito mode or clear your cookies when searching multiple times.
3. Be Flexible with Dates & Airports
Flying mid-week is usually cheaper than weekends.
Consider alternate airports (e.g., flying into a nearby city and taking a train).
If your travel dates are flexible, use the "cheapest month" feature on Skyscanner.
4. Consider Budget Airlines
Check airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, or EasyJet for lower base fares.
Read the fine print—budget airlines charge for extras like carry-ons and seat selection.
5. Use Points, Miles & Travel Rewards
Use credit card points or frequent flyer miles to reduce costs.
Consider airline-branded credit cards for perks like free checked bags.
6. Book One-Way Tickets or Mix Airlines
Sometimes two separate one-way tickets (even with different airlines) can be cheaper than a round-trip.
Look at multi-city itineraries instead of round-trips if visiting multiple destinations.
7. Take Advantage of Error Fares & Sales
Follow Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, and Secret Flying for mistake fares and flash sales.
8. Use Local Booking Sites for International Flights
Sometimes booking through a country-specific version of an airline’s website gives lower prices.
9. Consider Layovers Instead of Direct Flights
Flights with 1 stop can be significantly cheaper than direct routes.
Turn layovers into mini-trips with airlines offering free stopovers (like Qatar Airways, Icelandair, or Turkish Airlines).
10. Book in the Right Currency
If flying internationally, check if booking in the airline’s local currency is cheaper.
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