Booking flights can feel like a high-stakes game—prices fluctuate constantly, hidden fees lurk, and the difference between a good deal and an overpriced ticket often comes down to timing and strategy. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can consistently score the best flights at the best prices. If you’re searching for cheap flights and the best flight deals, these strategies will help you maximize savings and travel smarter.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, these expert tips will help you find the best flights every time.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flight prices vary depending on demand, so flexibility is your biggest advantage. Here’s how to leverage it:
- Fly on Off-Peak Days: According to travel experts, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly due to lower demand. Fridays and Sundays, on the other hand, are typically the most expensive as they coincide with business and leisure travel peaks (NerdWallet).
- Adjust Your Departure and Return Dates: If you can shift your trip by a day or two, you might find significantly lower fares.
- Choose Off-Hours Flights: Early morning and late-night flights are usually cheaper than prime-time departures.
Pro Tip: Use Google Flights calendar feature to see how prices fluctuate across different dates at a glance and find the best airfare.
2. Use the Best Flight Search Engines
Not all flight search engines are created equal. Some excel at finding budget travel deals, while others highlight airline deals better. Here are the top tools to use:
- Google Flights – Best for flexible date searches and price tracking.
- Skyscanner – Ideal for searching cheap flights and exploring alternative routes.
- Momondo – Finds hidden airfare deals that other search engines may miss.
- Hopper – Uses AI to predict the best time to book a flight.
Pro Tip: Search for flights in incognito mode or clear your cookies to avoid price hikes based on repeated searches (Business Insider).
3. Set Fare Alerts
Prices fluctuate, and waiting for the right moment to book can make a huge difference. Sign up for fare alerts on:
These tools notify you when cheap flights become available.
Pro Tip: Some airlines offer 24-hour price protection, so if fares drop within a day of booking, you can request a refund of the difference (U.S. Department of Transportation).
4. Consider Alternative Airports and Routes
Flying into or out of alternative airports can help you find the best flight deals. Here are some key comparisons:
- Los Angeles Area:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The busiest airport in the area, offering the most international and domestic flight options.
- Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR): A smaller airport with fewer crowds, often offering budget travel options on domestic routes.
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): A quieter airport with cheap flights via Southwest and JetBlue. (Travel + Leisure)
- New York City Area:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): The largest of NYC’s airports, primarily handling international flights.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Closer to Manhattan than JFK and Newark, ideal for domestic flights with shorter security lines.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Located in New Jersey but often offers faster public transit access to Manhattan compared to JFK. (Tortuga Backpacks)
- Europe Travel Tip:
- If flying to Europe, compare flights into major hubs like London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Frankfurt (FRA). From there, you can book cheap flights on budget airlines or take high-speed trains to your final destination. (The Points Guy)
Pro Tip: Use the “Multi-City” search option on Google Flights or Skyscanner to explore creative routing options.
5. Leverage Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards can unlock the best airfare and upgrades. Here’s how:
- Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs: Even if you don’t fly often, miles can add up over time.
- Use a Travel Credit Card: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum, and Capital One Venture offer points that can be redeemed for flights.
- Look for Transferable Points: Some credit cards let you transfer points to airline partners for better redemption value (The Points Guy).
Pro Tip: If you’re short on miles, check for airline promotions where you can buy miles at a discount to book a cheaper flight.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best flight deals isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing where and when to look. By being flexible, using the right search engines, and leveraging travel hacks, you can consistently score cheap flights.
Next time you’re planning a trip, put these strategies to work and enjoy the savings!