Booking a flight can feel like gambling — prices change constantly, and it’s hard to know if you’re getting the best deal. After years of traveling on a budget, I’ve figured out a system that consistently helps me find cheap flight tickets — and I’m spilling all the tips right here.
1. Use Flight Search Engines Strategically
Start with these top search engines that scan hundreds of airlines and travel sites at once:
- Google Flights – great for flexible dates and seeing price trends
- Skyscanner – lets you search “Everywhere” for the cheapest destinations
- Momondo – often finds cheaper options not shown on Google
- Hopper – predicts the best time to book using AI
💡 Pro Tip: Search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on cookies.
📆 2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Being open to different dates can save you hundreds. Try:
- Flying mid-week (Tuesdays & Wednesdays are often cheapest)
- Avoiding weekends and holidays
- Using Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” or Google Flights’ calendar view to spot cheap dates
🧭 Open to anywhere? Try “Explore” on Google Flights or “Everywhere” on Skyscanner.
🌍 3. Book in Advance — But Not Too Early
The sweet spot for cheap flights (generally):
- Domestic flights: 1–3 months in advance
- International flights: 2–6 months in advance
Too early or too late = higher prices. Tools like Hopper and Google Price Alerts can notify you when prices drop.
✈️ 4. Mix and Match Airlines (Even Airports)
- Don’t book round-trip with the same airline if it’s more expensive.
- Try “multi-city” or one-way combos — budget carriers might be cheaper in one direction.
- Check nearby airports (e.g., Oakland instead of SFO, Gatwick instead of Heathrow).
🧳 Note: Separate bookings may mean you’ll need to handle luggage transfer yourself.
💸 5. Use Points, Miles & Cashback
Even if you’re not a hardcore travel hacker, sign up for:
- Airline rewards programs (they’re free!)
- Travel credit cards that earn miles or offer free checked bags
- Cashback sites like Rakuten or WayAway Plus (for flight booking cashback)
🧳 6. Watch for Budget Airlines — But Read the Fine Print
Budget airlines like Ryanair, AirAsia, or Frontier offer rock-bottom prices. Just watch out for:
- Extra fees (bags, seat selection, printing boarding passes)
- Strict luggage rules
- No in-flight food/drinks
🎒 Tip: Travel light with a personal item or backpack to skip fees.
📲 7. Set Flight Alerts and Track Prices
Let technology do the work:
- Google Flights: Toggle “Track Prices” for any route
- Skyscanner: Set price alerts for date ranges
- Hopper: Predicts future price changes and tells you when to book
🏷️ 8. Take Advantage of Error Fares & Flash Sales
Sometimes airlines make pricing mistakes — and you can score insane deals.
Follow:
- Secret Flying
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
- Airfarewatchdog
- Flight Deal
These sites and newsletters send alerts on mistake fares, flash sales, and hidden gems.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Cheap Flights = Smart Planning + Flexibility
The golden rule: Be flexible, stay alert, and don’t wait too long. Tools, timing, and strategy make a huge difference — not luck.
