Everyone loves traveling, but airfare can quickly eat up a travel budget. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to reduce the cost of your flights. Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to help you score cheaper flights.

1. Book Early

One of the most effective ways to get cheaper flights is to book your tickets well in advance. Airlines typically release cheaper seats months before departure, so the earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure a lower fare. Aim to book at least two to three months before your trip for the best prices.

2. Be Flexible With Dates

If your travel dates are flexible, you can take advantage of cheaper flights that fall on less popular travel days. Mid-week flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be more affordable than weekend travel. Use tools like Google Flights to compare prices for different dates.

3. Set Price Alerts

Setting price alerts on flight search engines like Skyscanner or Kayak can help you track fare changes and buy when prices are lowest. These alerts notify you when the price of a specific route drops, ensuring you never miss out on a good deal.

4. Use Points and Miles

If you’ve accumulated points or miles through a frequent flyer program or a travel credit card, consider redeeming them for flights. Even if you don’t have enough miles for a free flight, you can often reduce the cost of your ticket significantly by using points.

5. Avoid Direct Flights

Non-stop flights may be convenient, but they are often more expensive. By opting for flights with layovers, you can save money. Use flight comparison sites to search for connecting flights, and be sure to factor in the layover time when planning your itinerary.

6. Consider Alternate Airports

Flying into or out of nearby airports can save you money. For example, if you’re flying to New York, consider checking flights to Newark or LaGuardia instead of JFK. Use search tools that allow you to compare prices for multiple airports.

7. Use Budget Airlines

Budget airlines offer no-frills service at a lower cost, which can be perfect for short trips or travelers on a tight budget. Just be mindful of additional fees for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals.

8. Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Many airlines run flash sales where tickets are significantly discounted for a limited time. Sign up for newsletters and follow airlines on social media to stay informed about these deals. Act quickly, as these sales don’t last long.

9. Use a VPN

Airline websites sometimes show different prices based on your location. Using a VPN to browse from a different country may help you find cheaper flights. Just make sure you clear your cookies and search in incognito mode for the best results.

10. Book One-Way Tickets

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket with a single airline. This method allows you to take advantage of the best deals for each leg of your journey.

Conclusion: Travel More, Spend Less

By following these practical tips, you can consistently find cheaper flights and make the most of your travel budget. Whether it’s booking early, using points, or searching alternate airports, these strategies will help you save money on airfare and travel more often.