Airfare can be one of the biggest expenses of travel, but with a few smart strategies, you can significantly cut down costs. Here are ten practical tips to help you find cheaper flights for your next adventure.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flight prices fluctuate based on the day of the week, time of year, and demand.

• Flying midweek, such as on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, is often cheaper than weekends.
• Consider traveling during off-peak seasons, like late winter or early fall, to score better deals.
• Red-eye and early-morning flights tend to have lower prices.

Use flexible date search features on tools like Google Flights to identify the cheapest travel dates.

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Flight aggregators make it easy to compare prices across multiple airlines.

• Google Flights: Great for tracking price trends and setting alerts.
• Skyscanner: Searches both major and budget airlines.
• Kayak: Offers flexible date options and price forecasts.

These platforms allow you to filter by cost, layovers, and travel times, helping you find the best deals.

3. Set Price Alerts

Flight prices can change frequently, but you don’t need to keep checking manually.

• Set alerts on apps like Hopper or Google Flights to get notified when prices drop.
• Start monitoring fares early, even months in advance, to spot trends and book when rates are low.

4. Book at the Right Time

Timing your booking can make a big difference in cost.

• Studies suggest booking domestic flights about 1-3 months in advance and international flights 3-6 months ahead.
• Avoid booking last-minute unless airlines are offering special deals.

5. Consider Nearby Airports

Flying into or out of alternative airports can save you money.

• Check prices for smaller regional airports close to your destination.
• Compare costs for round-trip versus two one-way tickets from different airports.

Transportation to and from alternative airports can often offset savings, so factor that into your decision.

6. Take Advantage of Budget Airlines

Budget carriers offer significantly lower fares, especially for short-haul flights.

• Examples include Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest.
• Be aware of extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and onboard services.

Stick to carry-on bags to avoid checked luggage fees.

7. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies

Some travel sites track your searches and may increase prices for repeated queries.

• Browse in private or incognito mode to avoid price hikes.
• Clear your browser cookies if you notice fares going up.

8. Consider Connecting Flights

Non-stop flights are convenient but often more expensive.

• Look for routes with layovers to save money.
• If time permits, consider booking multi-city tickets or open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another).

9. Leverage Rewards and Credit Card Points

Travel rewards programs and credit card perks can offset or eliminate flight costs.

• Use frequent flyer miles or travel credit card points to book flights.
• Look for credit cards with travel benefits like complimentary checked bags or discounts.

10. Be Ready to Book Quickly

Great deals don’t last long, so be prepared to book when you see a good price.

• Have your payment details ready.
• Double-check the fare rules for cancellations or changes before finalizing your booking.