How to Find Cheap Flights
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Embarking on exciting journeys doesn't have to break the bank. In the realm of travel, finding affordable flights is something that most people want to learn about because airfare can be one of the most expensive aspects of travel. Today I will share the secrets and strategies to navigate the world of airfare, turning the dream of budget-friendly adventures into a reality. From hidden hacks to savvy booking tips, this guide is your go to every time you are looking to book a flight. It is possible to find cheap flights as long as you follow a few key points.
Book in advance
Flights are usually cheapest when booked 3–6 weeks in advance for domestic travel and 2–4 months in advance for international travel.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
The key to finding affordable flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Avoid peak seasons and popular travel periods when prices tend to be higher. Instead, consider flying during off-peak times or midweek when airlines offer lower fares to fill empty seats.
Choose your travel dates wisely: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly domestically as well as Saturdays, while Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually the cheapest days to fly internationally. You should avoid flying Fridays and Sundays as people usually fly out on Friday and return on a Sunday.
Utilize Incognito Mode or Clear Your Cookies
To ensure you get the best prices, use the private or incognito browsing mode on your web browser. Airlines and travel websites often use cookies to track your search history, which can result in higher prices if they detect high demand for a specific route. Clearing your cookies or using incognito mode helps you see more accurate prices.
Compare Multiple Flight Search Engines
Don't settle for the first flight search engine you come across. Utilize multiple platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, Momondo, Expedia, Priceline, CheapoAir and others, to compare prices across different websites and find the cheapest option. Remember that prices can vary, so it's essential to compare before making a booking. Also, make sure that you check prices directly on the airline website.
My favorite search engine is Google Flights and I start with this every single time that I am looking to book a trip. I am pretty open on where to travel to as I am looking to visit as many countries as possible and want to get the best flight prices. I usually end up leaving the destination blank and selecting that my dates are flexible. Google flights will then return the results for the cheapest flights for the next 6 months. If I am looking to travel during a specific month, I will then put that into google flights. By using google flights this way I usually end up finding incredible deals on flights.
Be Open to Different Airports
If you have multiple airports nearby, be sure to compare prices for each one. Sometimes, flying from or to a different airport can result in significant savings. Use flight search engines and check the "nearby airports" option to explore various options and find the best deals available. Sometimes you can save a significant amount of money by just booking your flight out of an airport that is a little farther from you.
Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Stay ahead of the game by signing up for fare alerts from various travel websites and airlines. These notifications will keep you updated on the latest deals and price drops for specific routes. Set up alerts for multiple destinations if you're flexible with your travel plans. Lately, I have been using hopper to get alerts on when the price for a particular trip drops. I usually have a few alerts going at the same time on destinations that I am interested in going to. I also do this for flights that I have already booked. The main reason for doing this is that if I am able to make changes or get an eCredit and the prices drops significantly I will go to the airline website and make the changes for the cheaper flight.
Take Advantage of Flight Deals and Error Fares
Keep an eye out for flight deals and error fares, which occur when airlines mistakenly publish extremely low prices. Websites like Scott's Cheap Flights and Secret Flying specialize in finding these deals and notifying subscribers. Be ready to act quickly, as error fares often disappear within hours.
Consider Budget Airlines and Connecting Flights
Budget airlines can offer significantly lower fares compared to major carriers. Keep in mind that they may have stricter baggage policies and charge additional fees, so factor those into your cost analysis as well as other factors such as delays and cancellations. I usually spend some time doing the cost analysis to see what the price difference will be and if the price difference ends up not being a ton, then I go with the premium airline. Additionally, consider booking connecting flights instead of non-stop ones, as this can sometimes result in cheaper fares. But do keep in mind that the more connections you have the more likely you are to have your travel interrupted. I usually prefer to fly nonstop everywhere I can.
Use Airline Miles and Frequent Flyer Programs
If you're a frequent traveler or credit card user, take advantage of airline miles and frequent flyer programs. Accumulating miles or using credit card points can help you offset the cost of flights or even score free tickets. Research different loyalty programs and make the most of your travel-related rewards.
Use a Travel Credit Card with Rewards and Benefits
I am a big fan of Chase Sapphire Reserve Card as I have had that card for years now and it has enabled me to travel for close to free several times. I always put everything on my credit card so that I can get reward points and I end up accumulating them pretty fast. Use Chase Saphire Reserve Link to get 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That will total up to around $900 toward your next travel tip when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Saving money on flights allows you to allocate more resources to truly experiencing and enjoying your destination. By following these expert tips and strategies, you'll increase your chances of finding cheap flights and embark on memorable adventures without draining your bank account. Happy travels!