Flash sales offer steep discounts on airfare but are often available for only a limited time, sometimes just a few hours. Here’s how to spot these deals, act quickly, and make the most of short-term savings opportunities.

1. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters

Airlines frequently send flash sale notifications directly to subscribers via email. Signing up for newsletters from airlines you frequently travel with, or those that serve your desired destinations, can help you be among the first to know about discounts.

• Pro tip: Create a separate folder for airline newsletters so your inbox stays organized, and you won’t miss out on any flash sales.

2. Use Fare Alert Services for Instant Notifications

Apps like Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going), Airfarewatchdog, and Secret Flying specialize in tracking airfare discounts, including flash sales. By setting up alerts, you’ll receive notifications for fare drops or mistake fares, often before they’re advertised widely.

• Extra tip: Many of these services offer premium versions that send notifications for deals even faster, which can be worth it for frequent travelers.

3. Follow Airlines and Travel Deal Websites on Social Media

Airlines and travel deal websites regularly post flash sales and limited-time offers on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Turning on notifications for these accounts helps you catch sales as soon as they’re posted.

• Best platforms: Twitter is especially useful for flash sales, as airlines often tweet about deals directly and quickly.

4. Check for Tuesday and Wednesday Sales

Many airlines release sales on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, often in response to competitor price drops. Starting your search mid-week and checking throughout the day can increase your chances of spotting a flash sale.

• How to monitor: Search in the morning and around midday, as airlines may update prices multiple times a day.

5. Join Mileage Programs and Travel Communities

Airline mileage programs sometimes offer flash sales to members as a loyalty perk. Additionally, online travel communities or forums like FlyerTalk share insider tips on upcoming sales and limited-time offers.

• Tip: Register for airline loyalty programs to access exclusive members-only flash sales or points discounts on flights.

6. Use Apps That Focus on Flash Sales

Apps like Hopper and Skyscanner offer features specifically geared toward finding low fares, including flash sales. Set up alerts and allow push notifications for these apps to stay informed on the go.

• Bonus: Hopper also provides price predictions, helping you decide when to book based on historical pricing trends.

7. Be Ready to Book Immediately

Flash sales typically have limited seats available, and the best deals sell out quickly. Having your payment information and travel dates ready allows you to book instantly once you find a deal.

• Quick tip: Use autofill tools or save payment info securely on the booking site to speed up the checkout process.

8. Check Travel Deal Websites Regularly

Websites like The Flight Deal, Secret Flying, and Travel Pirates are dedicated to sharing daily travel discounts, including flash sales and mistake fares. Visiting these sites frequently keeps you updated on the latest deals.

• How to use: Bookmark these sites and check back daily, especially during major travel periods or holiday seasons.

9. Consider Booking with a Credit Card That Offers Trip Insurance

If you’re booking a flash sale ticket that’s non-refundable or has restrictive terms, a travel credit card with trip insurance can provide some peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.

• Top choices: Many travel cards from Chase, American Express, and Capital One include trip cancellation or delay coverage.

10. Book Flash Sales as Separate One-Way Flights

Sometimes flash sales only apply to certain legs of a journey. Booking two separate one-way flights can allow you to take advantage of flash sale prices on both the outbound and return legs if different airlines are offering discounts.

• Example: Book a one-way fare on one airline for your outbound trip and another for your return, allowing you to benefit from multiple sales.

Conclusion: Acting Fast on Flash Sales for Big Savings

Flash sales provide excellent opportunities for travel discounts, but they require quick action and planning. By signing up for alerts, monitoring social media, and using apps geared toward travel deals, you can catch flash sales and enjoy significant savings on airfare.