Booking flights can feel like a gamble - prices rise and fall unexpectedly, and you never know if you’re getting the best deal. But don't worry! With the right strategies, you can become a flight-booking pro and save a money on your next trip. Let’s fly into some of the best tips, tricks, and hacks for booking flights the smart way and booking cheap flights.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
One of the biggest factors affecting flight prices is the date and time of travel. If your schedule allows, being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper options.
Midweek flights are cheaper: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower fares than weekend flights, as most travellers prefer to fly on Fridays or Mondays.
Shoulder seasons save money: Travelling during off-peak times, like spring or autumn, can help you avoid the crowds and get better deals. Avoiding major holidays also keeps costs down.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner’s calendar view to compare prices over a month. This lets you see which days have the lowest fares.
2. Use Incognito Mode When Searching
Airlines use cookies to track your searches, and prices can sometimes increase if you search repeatedly for the same flight. To avoid this sneaky trick, browse flight prices in incognito mode.
On Chrome, simply press Ctrl + Shift + N to open an incognito window.
On Safari, use Cmd + Shift + N.
This way, your search history won’t be tracked, and you might find cheaper fares!
3. Set Price Alerts
If you’re planning a trip in advance, don’t book your flight straight away if you want to book cheap flights. Instead, set a price alert so you’ll be notified when fares drop. Many flight search engines like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights allow you to set alerts for specific routes and dates.
Monitor trends: Flight prices fluctuate constantly, so setting a price alert can help you book at the perfect time, saving you from overpaying.
4. Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. According to travel experts, there’s a sweet spot for buying tickets, and it’s not as last-minute as you might think.
For international flights: Book around 2-3 months in advance for the best prices.
For domestic flights: The ideal booking window is around 1-2 months before departure.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying during peak holiday seasons (Christmas, summer), book even earlier—about 5-6 months in advance!
5. Mix and Match Airlines
Don’t restrict yourself to return tickets with the same airline. Sometimes, flying one-way with different airlines can save you a significant amount of money. Some flight search engines allow you to combine flights from different carriers easily.
Skyscanner and Kiwi.com are great tools for this. You might find that your outbound flight is cheaper with one airline, while your return flight is better with another. This will help you in booking cheap flights!
6. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air can offer incredibly cheap flights, especially for short-haul trips across Europe. But there are a few caveats:
Watch out for fees: Budget airlines often charge extra for everything - from checked baggage to choosing your seat or even printing your boarding pass. Be sure to read the fine print!
No frills: Don’t expect any in-flight meals or entertainment. It’s all about getting from A to B.
Pro Tip: Book directly through the airline’s website for the lowest price, as third-party booking platforms might charge additional fees.
7. Check Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of secondary airports can sometimes be cheaper than major hubs. For instance, if you’re heading to London, consider flying into London Gatwick or London Stansted instead of Heathrow.
Compare multiple airports: Use Google Flights or Kayak to check fares for all nearby airports. You might find a better deal at a smaller airport that’s still relatively close to your destination.
8. Be Open to Stopovers
Non-stop flights are convenient, but they often come at a premium. If you’re willing to add a layover or two, you can save money. Plus, some airlines offer free stopovers in cities like Reykjavik, Istanbul, or Doha, allowing you to explore a new destination without extra cost.
Pro Tip: Check out airlines like Icelandair or Turkish Airlines, which offer free or discounted stopovers in their home cities.
9. Avoid Booking Fees for Booking Cheap Flights
Some booking sites add a service fee to the total price when you book through them. Always check if you can book directly through the airline’s website. Not only can you avoid extra fees, but airlines also tend to offer better customer service if there’s a problem with your booking.
Booking flights doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, and by staying flexible, using tools like price alerts, and considering budget airlines, you can score great deals on flights and save yourself both time and money!
Whether you're jetting off for a weekend city break or planning a long-haul adventure, use these tips to help you book like a pro. So what are you waiting for, get out there and start your next journey - without breaking the bank!
10. Use Credit Card Rewards and Travel Points
This might be a more relevant point for our American travellers, but one of the most underrated ways to save on flights is by leveraging credit card rewards and travel points. Many travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, airline miles, or cashback rewards that can be redeemed for flights, reducing or even covering the entire cost of your ticket.
Maximise your spending: Using a travel rewards card for daily purchases can accumulate points that quickly add up.
Look for partnerships: Some airlines partner with specific credit card companies, allowing you to transfer and redeem points for flights.
Take advantage of promotions: Many credit cards offer limited-time bonuses or extra points for travel-related purchases, so check for deals before booking.
Conclusion on Booking Cheap Flights
Traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some savvy planning, flexibility, and a bit of research, you can find affordable flights and travel smarter. By trying these ten tips—from being flexible with dates to using rewards programs—you’ll be able to book like a pro and keep more money in your pocket.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul journey, these strategies will help you reach your destination without breaking the bank. So go ahead, start planning your next adventure and make the most of your travel budget! Sign up for our newsletter for more updates!
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