If you want to book cheap flights, there are loads of tricks you can use. From being flexible with dates to flying on Tuesdays, there are lots of ways you can save money on your next holiday.
For example, it’s often cheaper to fly to a foreign country than your own. And if you’re willing to take a red eye or have a long layover, you can save even more.
1. Be flexible with your dates
The cheapest flights will vary by destination and season, so you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates. This is especially important around popular festivals (like St Patrick’s Day in Dublin or Chinese New Year in Hong Kong) and holiday weekends. Flight prices will also increase during these times, so it’s best to avoid traveling during peak season if you can.
Companies like are flight booking agencies that help customers find and book air travel easily. They offer a wide range of options, from budget to premium airlines, and often provide additional services like vacation packages, making travel planning convenient and efficient.
It’s also a good idea to sign up for fare sales and travel newsletters, which will let you know when the best deals are available. This way you’ll be ready to take advantage of them when they arrive.
It’s also worth looking at different departure dates, as you may be able to save money by flying out of a different airport or leaving on a different date. For example, if you’re flying from Philadelphia to Rome, it might be cheaper to fly out of Miami or Los Angeles and then take the train to Rome. This strategy is called positioning and it’s a great way to save money on international flights.
2. Use a calendar function
Flight prices can vary wildly depending on the time of year and destination. The calendar function on Google Flights helps you visualize these fluctuations and understand the pricing algorithms airlines use.
This tool also allows you to experiment with different travel dates and destinations to find an ideal combination of price and itinerary that works for your schedule. For example, fares to Dublin for St Patrick’s Day or China for Chinese New Year may be much cheaper than they are during the summer.
The calendar can also show you the average booking window for flights (typically 70 days out), allowing you to optimize your trip planning strategy for best results. It can also help you spot local events that will spike flight prices, such as a major festival or sports event.
Finally, the calendar can also help you see if an airline’s price is a “ghost fare,” or a deal that has expired. Airlines often remove these fares from their website, but sometimes they are still available on other booking sites.
3. Look for a bundle
If you are looking to book flights on a budget, bundles are an excellent way to save money. Bundles include flight + hotel or flight + car and are offered by many travel agencies. These bundled tickets can be cheaper than purchasing each component separately and can also include extras such as free luggage or meals onboard. However, there are a few things to consider before booking a bundle.
Airline bundles often have hidden fees that can add up, so it is important to do your research before booking one. For example, some airlines have high fees to check bags, choose a seat, or purchase food and drinks onboard. These fees can quickly add up and make a cheap flight seem more expensive than it actually is.
4. Look for a last-minute deal
Using points or miles to book last-minute flights can save you money, but it’s important to do your research before booking. Typically, airlines release award seating a year out and you may not find what you want if you wait until the last minute.
It’s also best to avoid popular travel times, such as holidays and spring break, if you want to score the cheapest last-minute deals. However, it is possible to find great last-minute flight deals with a little patience and know-how. From setting up fare alerts to using a flight price tracker to maximizing the value of your points or miles to taking advantage of mistake fares, there are many strategies that can help you score cheap last-minute flights.
For example, try searching for the cheapest destinations that are close to home. For example, it’s usually cheaper to fly from Naples, Florida, to Milan, Italy, than it is to Nice, Monaco. This strategy is called positioning flights and it can be an effective way to save money on international travel.
5. Look for an OTA
If you’re looking for the best flight deals, an online travel agency (OTA) may be the place to start. OTAs connect travelers with airlines, hotels, cruises, rental cars and more, leveraging their scale to offer discounts that aren’t available elsewhere.
You’ll often find the best deals on flights through these budget carriers, especially if you’re traveling to a major destination where competition is high. In addition to offering low fares, many budget airlines also offer flexible ticket options.
6. Use a foreign currency
There is no one-size-fits-all way to book cheap flights. However, a little knowledge and savvy can go a long way.
Another great tip is to use a foreign currency booking portal or aggregator when possible. This can be particularly helpful when travelling to countries where the local currency is significantly cheaper than rupee.
Lastly, it’s worth signing up for email alerts for cheap flights and travel deals. This is the best way to get the best deals when they are available.
Using credit card points and miles can often save you a lot of money on airfare. But only do this if it makes sense for your travel plans. Otherwise, it may be more expensive in the long run.
7. Look for a layover
There are many ways to find cheap flights, and it’s important to know that you may need to be flexible with your dates and destination. From flying on off-peak days to using a long layover to explore a new destination, there are plenty of ways to save money on your trip.
One way to do this is to use a search engine that offers multi-city fares, like Skyscanner. This will bundle your flight tickets together and often times will be cheaper than booking two separate flights. This is especially true when you book through an OTA that uses mix and match fares from multiple airlines.
Another tip is to look for a destination that encourages long layovers. For example, if you are traveling to Europe from the US, it could be much more expensive to fly directly to your final destination than to fly from Miami to Paris and then take a train to Monaco. This is because the airlines have to cover the cost of the return ticket, and this can push up the prices.
8. Look for a package holiday
If you’re willing to be flexible with your destination, dates and airports then there are a number of bundles available which could help save you money. Many of these packages include your flight as well as accommodation, which can be much cheaper than booking flights and accommodation separately. Just be sure to check what’s included before booking.
It’s also worth considering flying with a budget airline. These airlines often offer significantly lower fares than premium carriers. There are plenty of budget airlines in North America, including Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant, as well as a number of low-cost options overseas.
Another good idea is to look at prices over a period of time. Airfares change regularly, and if you’re patient then you may be able to find some great deals. Also, try searching incognito as this will prevent your search history from affecting prices. This can make a huge difference to the final cost of your ticket.
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