Booking flights at the lowest prices is an art that combines timing, tools, and a bit of flexibility. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a single trip, these pro-level tips will help you consistently find the cheapest flights available.

1. Plan Ahead and Track Prices Over Time

One of the most reliable ways to save is by planning ahead and setting up flight price trackers. Websites like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner allow you to track fares over time and notify you of price drops.

• How to use it: Set your destination, choose your travel dates (or a flexible date range), and activate price alerts. Check regularly and wait for significant price drops before booking.

2. Use Price Prediction Tools

Price prediction tools analyze historical fare trends to predict future prices. Apps like Hopper use complex algorithms to advise travelers on the best time to buy, showing whether it’s likely the fare will increase or decrease in the coming days.

• Pro tip: Not only do these tools tell you the right time to book, but they also offer options for locking in prices, allowing you to secure a fare without immediate payment.

3. Check Aggregators and Then Book Directly

Flight aggregators like Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. However, sometimes booking directly on the airline’s website can offer hidden discounts or better customer support in case of schedule changes.

• Why it matters: Aggregators are great for research, but booking directly can sometimes offer perks like no booking fees or additional options for seat selection.

4. Use Flexible Date Searches

Flexibility with travel dates often opens up lower-priced options. Sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you search across entire months to see the cheapest days to fly.

• How to apply it: Rather than entering specific dates, select the “flexible dates” option or view the entire month to find cheaper travel windows.

5. Book with Budget Airlines When Possible

Budget airlines such as Southwest, Ryanair, or JetBlue often offer fares significantly lower than traditional carriers. While they may have fewer frills, they’re ideal for shorter trips or travelers who don’t mind minimal amenities.

• Tip: Be aware of extra fees for things like seat selection, baggage, and snacks, and consider whether the savings are worth any added costs.

6. Opt for Mid-Week Flights

Flying mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can reduce your fare as these days typically see lower demand compared to weekends or Fridays.

• Why it works: Business travelers tend to book flights earlier in the week or on weekends, so prices on mid-week flights are often lower.

7. Use Miles and Points Strategically

Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can reduce or even eliminate the cost of a flight. Use travel credit cards to accumulate points for flights, and take advantage of airline loyalty programs.

• Smart strategy: Redeem points for long-haul flights, where fare costs are generally higher, to get the best value per point.

8. Set Alerts for Mistake Fares

Occasionally, airlines post fares that are much lower than intended due to pricing errors. If you’re quick to act, these “mistake fares” can offer substantial savings.

• How to find them: Websites like Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog post mistake fares when they occur, but you’ll need to book quickly as these deals disappear fast.

9. Look for Layover Options to Reduce Cost

Non-stop flights are convenient but typically more expensive. Choosing flights with layovers, especially in lesser-known airports, can save you money and sometimes offer a chance to explore an additional destination.

• Extra tip: Use multi-city search options to find layover routes, allowing for a mini trip along the way if you have extra time.

10. Join Airline and OTA Newsletters

Airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) often send out exclusive discounts to their email subscribers. Signing up can alert you to deals before they’re widely available.

• How to stay informed: Create a separate email account for travel deals to avoid cluttering your main inbox, and subscribe to the airlines you’re most likely to fly with.

11. Use Incognito Mode to Avoid Price Hikes

Flight search engines can sometimes increase prices if they detect frequent searches on a specific route. Using incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies can help prevent this from happening.

• How it works: Open an incognito window for every new flight search to prevent dynamic pricing from influencing your fare.

12. Experiment with Regional Airports

Sometimes booking flights to or from smaller regional airports rather than major hubs can lead to lower fares. For example, flying into Long Beach instead of LAX, or using Newark instead of JFK can provide savings on specific routes.

• Why try it: Smaller airports often have fewer fees and taxes, and may serve budget airlines that offer better deals.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Booking Cheap Flights

By following these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to find the cheapest flights like a pro. Whether it’s using advanced tools, setting up fare alerts, or being flexible with your travel plans, these tips can help ensure you’re getting the best price every time you book.