How to Find the Cheapest Flights

Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, but the high cost of flights can often dampen the excitement. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies and tools available to help you find the cheapest flights, making your dream destinations more accessible.

Plan but Be Flexible

Advance Booking

Booking flights in advance is one of the most reliable ways to secure lower fares. Airlines often release tickets around 11 months before the departure date, and prices typically increase as the travel date approaches. Aim to book your flight at least 3-6 months in advance for the best deals.

Flexibility

Being flexible with your travel dates can significantly reduce costs. Use flight comparison websites to check the cheapest days to fly. Mid-week flights are often cheaper than those on weekends. Additionally, flying during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late nights, can also save you money.

Use Flight Comparison Websites

Top 5 Flight Comparison Websites

1. Skyscanner: Known for its comprehensive search options, Skyscanner allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies. Use the "Everywhere" feature to find the cheapest destinations from your departure city.

2. Google Flights: Offers a user-friendly interface with flexible date searches and price tracking. Google Flights also shows nearby airports and alternative dates for cheaper fares.

3. Kayak: Provides detailed comparisons, including baggage fees and flight duration. Kayak's "Explore" feature lets you see flight prices to various destinations within your budget.

4. Momondo: Known for finding hidden deals, Momondo includes low-cost carriers and smaller travel agencies in its searches.

5. Hopper: Uses historical data to predict future flight prices, helping you decide whether to book now or wait for a better deal.

These platforms offer various features such as price alerts, flexible date searches, and multi-city itineraries. Set up fare alerts to receive notifications about price drops on your desired routes. For example, using Skyscanner’s "Everywhere" feature, I found a round-trip flight from New York to Paris for under $300 by being flexible with my travel dates and choosing a mid-week departure.

Set Fare Alerts

How to Set Alerts

Most flight comparison websites allow you to set fare alerts. Enter your departure and destination cities, select your preferred travel dates, and enable notifications. You'll receive emails or app notifications when prices drop.

Benefits

Fare alerts keep you informed of the best deals without the need to constantly search. This feature is especially useful if you’re planning a trip well in advance or if you're flexible with your travel dates.

Search in Incognito Mode

Reason for Incognito

When searching for flights, airlines and travel websites often track your search history using cookies. This can result in price increases if they notice repeated searches for the same route. Using incognito mode prevents this tracking and can help you find the best prices.

Steps

1. Open your browser and select the incognito or private browsing mode.

2. Conduct your flight search as usual.

3. Compare the prices you see in incognito mode with those in regular browsing to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Consider Alternative Airports

Nearby Airports

Flying into or out of alternative airports can offer significant savings. Major cities often have multiple airports, and smaller regional airports can be cheaper.

Examples

- New York: Consider Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA) instead of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

- London: Check flights to Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Stansted Airport (STN) instead of Heathrow Airport (LHR).

- San Francisco: Oakland International Airport (OAK) or San Jose International Airport (SJC) can offer cheaper options than San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Rewards

Top 5 Frequent Flyer Programs

1. American Airlines AAdvantage: Offers extensive earning and redemption opportunities, especially for domestic flights in the U.S.

2. Delta SkyMiles: Known for its flexible redemption options and lack of blackout dates.

3. United MileagePlus: Provides numerous partner airlines and the ability to book award travel with fewer miles.

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards: Simple earning and redemption structure, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions.

5. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Offers generous miles on partner airlines, including international carriers like British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for airline loyalty programs to accumulate miles and enjoy perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. Many programs also offer co-branded credit cards with sign-up bonuses and additional earning opportunities.

Credit Card Rewards

Using travel credit cards can help you earn points and miles on everyday purchases. Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses, high earning rates on travel expenses, and travel-related perks such as lounge access and travel insurance.

By using my Delta SkyMiles American Express card for everyday purchases and taking advantage of bonus categories, I accumulated enough miles for a round-trip flight to Tokyo, saving over $1,000.

Take Advantage of Error Fares

What Are Error Fares

Error fares occur when airlines or travel agencies accidentally publish significantly lower prices due to technical glitches or human error.

How to Find Them

Websites and forums like Secret Flying, Airfarewatchdog, and FlyerTalk regularly post discovered error fares. Sign up for their newsletters or follow them on social media to stay updated.

Tips

- Act Quickly: Error fares are usually corrected within hours, so book as soon as you find one.

- Check the Details: Ensure the fare includes all necessary components, such as return flights and baggage fees.

- Be Prepared for Changes: Airlines may cancel error fare bookings, so wait a few days before making non-refundable arrangements.

Book Connecting Flights

Savings on Connections

Booking flights with layovers can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights. Use flight comparison websites to explore different routing options.

Risks and Tips

- Risks: Booking connecting flights independently can be risky if there are delays or cancellations. Ensure you have enough time between flights to avoid missing connections.

- Tips: Use tools like Skiplagged to find hidden city ticketing options, but be aware of the risks and potential violations of airline policies.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Off-Peak Travel

Traveling during off-peak seasons can offer significant savings. Off-peak times vary by destination, but generally, it means avoiding major holidays, school vacations, and peak tourist seasons.

Examples

- Europe: Travel in winter (except during Christmas) for cheaper rates.

- Caribbean: Visit during hurricane season (June to November) for lower prices, but be aware of the weather risks.

- Asia: Avoid travelling during major festivals like Chinese New Year or Diwali to find better deals.

Follow Airlines on Social Media

Social Media Deals

Airlines often post exclusive deals and flash sales on their social media channels. Follow your favorite airlines on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed.

Engagement

Engage with airlines by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. Some airlines reward active followers with exclusive discounts and promotions.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest flights requires a combination of planning, flexibility, and using the right tools. By following the tips in this guide, you can secure affordable airfare and make your travel dreams a reality. Happy travels!

Additional Resources

- Flight Comparison Websites:

• [Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.com),

• [Google Flights](https://www.google.com/flights),

• [Kayak](https://www.kayak.com),

• [Momondo](https://www.momondo.com),

• [Hopper](https://www.hopper.com)

- Booking Websites:

• [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com),

• [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com),

• [Travelocity](https://www.travelocity.com),

• [Priceline](https://www.priceline.com),

• [Orbitz](https://www.orbitz.com)

- Frequent Flyer Programs:

• [American Airlines AAdvantage](https://www.aa.com/aadvantage),

• [Delta SkyMiles](https://www.delta.com/skymiles),

• [United MileagePlus](https://www.united.com/mileageplus),

• [Southwest Rapid Rewards](https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards),

• [Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan](https://www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan)

Reader Engagement

What’s the best deal you’ve ever found on a flight? Share your tips and experiences in the comments section!