Scoring affordable flights requires more than just luck—it’s about knowing effective strategies that can work any time of the year. This guide will walk you through top tips to help you consistently find cheaper flights and make the most of your travel budget.

1. Use Flight Comparison Tools

Using flight comparison sites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak can give you an overview of different airlines and prices, helping you spot the best deals. These tools show various pricing options for flexible dates, allowing you to see how even minor adjustments in travel dates can yield significant savings.

• Pro tip: Try using flexible date options on these platforms to spot lower prices across a wider date range.

2. Set Up Price Alerts

Price alerts are another essential tool for finding cheap flights. Apps like Google Flights and Kayak allow you to set alerts so that you receive notifications whenever the fare for your chosen route drops.

• How to do it: Choose your route, set up a price alert, and wait for notifications on fare drops to help you buy at the best possible price.

3. Fly on Less Popular Days and Times

Flights tend to be cheaper on certain days, like Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as well as during off-peak times. This is because these days are less popular among travelers, resulting in lower demand.

• Best times to fly: Early morning or late at night flights often come with lower price tags than flights during midday.

4. Consider Alternate Airports

Choosing alternative airports near your destination can also lead to savings. For example, flying into Newark or LaGuardia instead of JFK for New York City can sometimes offer a more budget-friendly option.

• Extra tip: Make sure to factor in transportation costs from the alternative airport to ensure it remains a cost-effective choice.

5. Stay Flexible with Dates

Flexibility with your travel dates is one of the best ways to save on flights. Traveling during off-peak seasons, such as spring or fall, often results in lower prices.

• Practical suggestion: Try to plan trips for months like March or September when demand for flights is generally lower, translating to better fares.

6. Leverage Frequent Flyer Miles and Credit Card Points

Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can be highly valuable for reducing flight costs. If you travel often, consider joining airline loyalty programs and using credit cards that offer travel rewards points.

• Bonus tip: Many credit cards allow you to transfer points to airline loyalty programs, helping you maximize your travel savings.

7. Search in Incognito Mode

Some booking platforms track the frequency of flight searches, potentially raising prices if they detect repeated searches for the same route. Using incognito mode can help prevent this by keeping your searches private.

• How to do it: Open an incognito or private browsing window when looking up flights to avoid potential price increases.

8. Look for Last-Minute Deals

Although planning ahead is generally the best practice, last-minute deals can sometimes offer deeply discounted fares. Apps and websites like Last Minute Travel and Secret Flying specialize in finding these kinds of deals.

• Advice: Sign up for newsletters and mailing lists from airlines to receive special alerts for last-minute promotions.

9. Check for Error Fares

Error fares happen when an airline or travel agency publishes an incorrect fare, often at a significantly lower price than usual. While rare, they can offer big savings if you manage to find one.

• Where to look: Websites like Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog frequently post error fare deals, but act fast as these fares are corrected quickly.

10. Compare Fares With and Without Baggage Fees

Some airlines offer lower fares for travelers who don’t need to check luggage. If you can travel light, this option can lead to additional savings.

• Important note: Always review baggage policies and calculate any potential added costs if you later decide to add checked luggage.

11. Consider Flights With Layovers

Non-stop flights are convenient, but they usually come with a higher price tag. Opting for flights with layovers can yield savings and even offer a chance to explore an additional destination.

• Travel tip: If you have a long layover, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the layover city before continuing your journey.

12. Look for Basic Economy Options

Basic economy fares are usually the cheapest option airlines offer. While they come with certain restrictions, they can be a budget-friendly choice, especially for shorter flights or if you don’t require flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Smart Planning for Big Savings

Finding cheap flights is entirely possible with the right mix of tools and strategies. Using comparison tools, setting up price alerts, and staying flexible on travel dates can help you consistently find affordable fares. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy cheaper flights and make the most of every travel experience.