In today’s world of travel, finding cheap flights can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with the right strategies, you can unlock amazing airfare deals. In this guide, we’ll provide foolproof tips to help you score cheaper flights, save money, and enjoy more trips without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Trips Early

One of the best ways to get cheaper flights is to plan well in advance. Airlines often release tickets at lower prices months before the departure date. By booking early, you can take advantage of these offers and avoid last-minute price hikes. Typically, booking flights 2-3 months in advance can help secure cheaper options, especially for international trips.

Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Flexibility can make a huge difference when it comes to flight prices. If you can adjust your travel dates by a few days or even weeks, you’ll often find significant savings. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner’s calendar view to compare prices across different dates and pick the cheapest one.

Use Incognito Mode for Searches

Airlines often track your searches through cookies, which can result in higher prices when you repeatedly check for flights. By searching for flights in incognito mode, you can avoid price increases due to repeated searches. Simply open a private browser window and start looking for flights without leaving a trail of your search history.

Take Advantage of Fare Alerts

Signing up for fare alerts is another great way to stay informed about price drops. Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Airfarewatchdog offer fare tracking services that notify you when flight prices for your desired routes go down. This way, you can snag deals as soon as they appear.

Choose Budget Airlines

Budget airlines often provide significantly cheaper tickets compared to full-service carriers. Though they may not offer the same luxuries, budget airlines can save you hundreds on airfares. Just be mindful of their baggage fees and other extra charges, which can add up if you’re not careful.

Book Flights During Off-Peak Times

Flying during off-peak times can help you get cheaper tickets. Early morning or late-night flights, known as red-eye flights, are often less expensive. Additionally, traveling on weekdays, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, can help you save more, as weekends tend to have higher demand.

Use Points and Miles

If you’re a frequent flyer, utilizing your airline points and miles can be one of the most effective ways to save on flights. Many credit cards offer rewards programs that accumulate miles, which can be redeemed for flights or upgrades. Keep an eye on promotions and bonus offers that can help you accumulate miles faster.

Split Your Trip With Multiple Airlines

Sometimes booking different legs of your trip with separate airlines can result in cheaper flights. Websites like Skyscanner allow you to mix and match flights from different carriers, which can lower the overall cost. Just be sure to leave enough time for connections, as separate bookings might not include compensation for missed connections.

Use Flight Comparison Websites

Flight comparison websites are excellent tools for finding the best deals across multiple airlines. Websites like Momondo, Skyscanner, and Kayak pull data from various carriers and travel agents to show you the cheapest options. You can filter results by price, duration, and number of stops, making it easy to compare and choose the best deal.

Take Advantage of Stopovers

Sometimes adding a stopover to your trip can result in a cheaper fare. Many airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers in certain cities, allowing you to explore an additional destination without spending extra on flights. This can be a great way to save money while enhancing your travel experience.

Avoid Extra Fees

Many airlines, particularly budget carriers, tack on extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. To keep your costs low, pack light and avoid paying for extras unless absolutely necessary. Use a carry-on bag that fits within the airline’s free baggage allowance to avoid checked bag fees.

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Shoulder seasons, which are the periods just before or after peak travel times, often offer cheaper flights. For example, traveling in May or September (outside the summer season) can result in lower airfare, fewer crowds, and better weather in many destinations. This is a great way to enjoy your trip without paying peak season prices.

Leverage Travel Apps

Many travel apps offer exclusive deals and discounts that you won’t find elsewhere. Apps like Hopper, which analyzes flight data to predict future prices, can help you decide whether to book now or wait for a better deal. Additionally, apps from airlines sometimes feature flash sales or discounts for mobile users.

Use Credit Card Benefits

Certain credit cards offer valuable benefits for travelers, such as discounts on airfare, free checked bags, and priority boarding. By using a travel-friendly credit card, you can save money on flights and even accumulate rewards points to use for future trips.

Don’t Forget About Hidden-City Ticketing

Hidden-city ticketing is a strategy where you book a flight with a layover in your intended destination and simply skip the second leg of the trip. While this can be a risky practice (some airlines frown upon it), it can result in significant savings. However, make sure you don’t check any bags, as they’ll be sent to the final destination.

Conclusion: Fly Cheaper, Travel More

By incorporating these foolproof tips into your travel planning, you can consistently find cheaper flights and make the most of your travel budget. Whether you’re booking months in advance or searching for last-minute deals, these strategies will help you save money and travel more often.