Cheap Flights - How to Find Cheap Airfares

The cheapest fares come from full-service airlines like Delta, American, and United. But there's also a lot of budget carriers flying across the country and internationally. These airlines include Frontier, Allegiant, and Sun Country.

Flexibility with dates and destinations is key to scoring cheap flights. You can also save by using flight alerts and travel rewards, credit card points, and membership programs.

1. Use a flexible date range

One of the best ways to save on flights is by being flexible with your travel dates. Many flight search engines offer a calendar view that helps you spot when prices are lowest, and shifting your trip by just a day or two can mean significant savings.

It’s also worth considering broader destinations and alternative routes when booking your airfare. It might mean a longer journey, but you can often find cheaper fares by flying to larger hub cities first and then connecting to your final destination. This method is called positioning flights and it can save you hundreds of dollars or more. Try using tools like Google Flights or Kayak to hunt for these deals.

2. Look at multiple airports

Flight prices are constantly changing and if you’re willing to fly out of an alternate airport, you may be able to save big. Google Flights allows you to search to and from multiple airports, and it’s worth checking whether you can save money by flying into a different destination than your original choice.

Don’t believe the old myth that the best day to book flights is Tuesday or Black Friday. In reality, booking a trip on any day is usually cheaper than waiting until the last minute to book. Plus, there are many budget airlines that offer cheap fares all the time. Just be sure to consider the added cost of transporting luggage between destinations.

3. Look at business and first-class options

As airline economy seats become increasingly uncomfortable, more and more travelers are dreaming of upgrading to first class. But luxuriating in lie-flat beds, access to swanky airport lounges, and premium meals isn’t cheap.

Fortunately, there are ways to find inexpensive business and first-class airfares. One of the best is to search for flights on alternate airlines. For example, Delta might be your go-to carrier for US to Asia routes, but consider checking fares on Virgin Atlantic or ANA instead. The prices can be much cheaper for the same flight and you may get better service. You can also try searching for upgradeable coach and premium economy fares on sale or with credit card points.

4. Book a round-trip ticket

When booking flights, round-trip tickets are typically cheaper than one-way tickets. This is because airlines make more money by selling two sides of a trip rather than just one.

Try to book your flight on Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the weekend rush. Also, be open to flying red eye or having long layovers — these are often the cheapest options for long-haul trips.

Another great tip is to use Google Flights to search multiple airports. This will allow you to find prices that may not be available through traditional search engines. For example, if you're looking to fly from Philadelphia to Paris, Google Flights will show prices from many different airports, including those in nearby cities like Newark and Washington DC.

5. Book on a budget airline

When booking flights, try to stay flexible with dates and destinations. This will increase your chances of finding a good deal.

Similarly, avoiding popular holidays and peak summer travel times can also help you save money on airfare. You can also find deals by subscribing to flight deal services, which will send you updates whenever there are cheap fares available.

It's best to book your flight well in advance if possible. However, it is not uncommon to see last minute bargains on international routes, especially from smaller airports where there is more competition. Just make sure to check if there are any hidden fees before you book.

6. Book during off-peak times

When it comes to booking flights, many travelers want to know the secret to snagging cheap fares. But unfortunately, there isn't a magic trick or hack that will always work. Instead, it's all about timing - and being patient.

During off-peak times, such as January and February or October through November, travelers can often find cheaper prices. However, deals can pop up year-round and vary based on destination.

7. Book with a travel agent

Flight fares can fluctuate in price, but a travel agent has access to tools and deals that you won’t see on your own. Plus, they can offer advice on when to fly and help you navigate cancellation policies and rebooking fees should your plans change.

Travel agents can also recommend alternative airports and off-peak destinations. For example, flights to and from Central America can often be found for less than to popular Caribbean destinations.

Travel agents can also look for “mistake fares,” which are airfares that are sold accidentally or due to a system glitch. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights have a premium service that sends you deal alerts as soon as these fares go live.

8. Look for hidden fees

Many airlines are known for their hidden fees. These fees can add up to a significant sum, so it is important to understand them and look for ways to avoid them. These fees can include everything from baggage to seat selection. They are a big source of revenue for airlines and can make a seemingly cheap flight price much more expensive.

It is also worth checking prices on other travel search sites, especially those that search hundreds of smaller OTAs. This can sometimes unearth prices that are not found on more popular search engines. Additionally, try searching flights in incognito or private mode. This will prevent your browser from recording your search history and increase the likelihood of finding cheaper tickets.