International flights can be pricey, but with the right strategies, you can find budget-friendly options. Here’s a guide on how to secure affordable international flights, from choosing the right booking tools to leveraging flexibility in your plans.

1. Start Your Search Early

For international flights, booking 4-6 months in advance is often the best way to secure affordable fares. Prices for long-haul flights tend to increase as the departure date approaches, especially for popular routes or peak travel seasons.

• Extra tip: Set fare alerts on Google Flights, Kayak, or Hopper to monitor price drops during this period.

2. Use Flexible Date Searches

Using flexible date searches helps identify the cheapest days to fly. Most flight search engines, like Skyscanner and Google Flights, offer flexible date views, allowing you to see fares across a month or more.

• Best time to fly: Mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, are often cheaper for international routes.

3. Consider Booking Two One-Way Tickets

Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. This approach provides flexibility, especially if one airline has a lower fare for the outbound journey and another for the return.

• Pro tip: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare round-trip fares with one-way options for both legs of your journey.

4. Look for Budget-Friendly Stopovers or Layovers

Non-stop flights are usually more expensive than those with layovers. Choosing flights with one or more stopovers can save money, and some airlines even offer free or low-cost stopover programs, allowing you to explore an additional city.

• Bonus: Check airlines like Icelandair (Reykjavik), Qatar Airways (Doha), and Singapore Airlines (Singapore), which offer extended stopovers with added perks.

5. Check Multiple Search Engines for Broad Comparisons

Different search engines sometimes display varying prices for the same routes. Using multiple sites, such as Momondo, Skyscanner, and Kayak, provides a broader view and ensures you’re not missing any deals.

• How it works: After finding a low fare, check the airline’s website directly to see if it offers additional discounts or fee-free booking.

6. Consider Flying into Alternate Airports

Flying into a nearby airport instead of a major city’s primary airport can offer significant savings. Many international hubs have secondary airports nearby, often served by budget carriers with lower fares.

• Example: For London, compare prices between Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. For Tokyo, consider Narita and Haneda airports.

7. Use VPNs to Compare Prices Based on Region

Some airlines adjust fares based on the country or region of the search origin. Using a VPN to view prices from different countries can sometimes reveal lower rates.

• How to try it: Set your VPN to a country with lower average flight costs or the airline’s home country to see if the fare changes.

8. Redeem Travel Points and Miles for Added Savings

If you have accumulated travel points or frequent flyer miles, using them for long-haul international flights can yield significant savings. Points often provide more value on costly routes, making them ideal for international bookings.

• Tip: Consider transferring credit card points to an airline partner to increase your mileage balance if needed.

9. Fly with Budget Airlines for Short International Routes

Budget airlines often offer affordable fares for international routes within Europe, Asia, and South America. These airlines may have fewer amenities, but they provide great value for shorter international flights.

• Popular budget carriers: Look for carriers like Ryanair, easyJet (Europe), AirAsia (Asia), and JetSmart (South America).

10. Book Multi-City Trips for a Full Experience at a Lower Cost

Booking multi-city or open-jaw trips allows you to fly into one city and out of another, which can sometimes be cheaper than a round-trip. This option is ideal for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations on one ticket.

• Example: Fly into Rome and out of Paris, traveling between the cities by train or budget airline, for a cost-effective and flexible itinerary.

Conclusion: Strategies for Budget-Friendly International Flights

Booking international flights on a budget requires planning, flexibility, and the right tools. By exploring options like flexible dates, multiple search engines, and budget airlines, you can reduce costs and make your travel dreams more accessible.