How to Find the Cheapest Flights: Tips Every Traveler Should Know

By Jeff Lowe • September 2, 2025

If you’ve ever tried hunting for cheap flights, you know it can feel like searching for buried treasure.

One minute you see a decent deal, the next it’s gone, and suddenly prices have skyrocketed.

It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the good news: finding cheap flights isn’t magic, it’s strategy.

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s chat about all the ways you can save money while flying.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

This is probably the single biggest factor that determines whether you’ll pay $200 or $600 for a flight. Airlines charge different prices depending on the day of the week, the season, and even the time of day. For example, flying on a Tuesday morning is often cheaper than Friday evening because most people prefer to travel before the weekend.

If you can shift your trip by just a day or two, you might save hundreds. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you search a range of dates to compare prices quickly. And here’s a little secret: sometimes even shifting your departure by a week or two can make a massive difference. Think of it like playing a game—you just have to find the sweet spot.

Extra Tips:

Check both outbound and return dates separately—sometimes tweaking one leg of the trip alone can save you money.
Consider traveling mid-week instead of weekends. Airlines often lower prices to fill less popular flights.

2. Use Flight Search Engines the Right Way

Flight search engines are like the Swiss Army knives of travel planning—but each one works slightly differently. Google Flights is great for seeing trends and flexible dates, Skyscanner has excellent “everywhere” searches for spontaneous trips, and Kayak is perfect for comparing multiple airlines at once.

Don’t just stick to one platform. Some budget airlines don’t always show up on major search engines, so double-check smaller carriers’ websites too. Also, try experimenting with nearby airports—sometimes flying a little further from home or into a secondary airport saves a ton.

Extra Tips:

Use the “flexible destination” feature if your heart isn’t set on a specific city. You might discover an unexpected adventure.
Clear your browser cache or try private browsing to avoid any potential “price creep” from repeated searches.

3. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to cheap flights. The general rule of thumb? Book domestic flights about 1–3 months in advance, and international flights 2–6 months ahead. Waiting until the last minute might work if you’re super lucky, but often it’s a costly gamble.

Certain holidays and peak seasons have higher prices no matter what, so if you’re traveling during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or summer vacation, plan as early as possible. And while the “Tuesday booking” rule isn’t guaranteed, mid-week purchases often result in lower prices compared to weekends when everyone is browsing online.

Extra Tips:

Set a target price and be ready to book when it hits—you’ll save money instead of chasing constantly rising fares.
Monitor price trends using tools like Hopper, which predicts when fares are likely to go up or down.

4. Don’t Sleep on Budget Airlines

Budget airlines sometimes get a bad rap, but they can be a goldmine if you know what to expect. Carriers like Spirit, Ryanair, and AirAsia often offer fares much lower than the “full-service” airlines.

Just remember: budget airlines are, well…basic. They make money on extras. Checked luggage, priority boarding, and even snacks cost extra. So pack light, bring your own snacks, and be strategic about seat selection. You can still travel cheaply without feeling like you’re being nickeled-and-dimed.

Extra Tips:

Sign up for budget airlines’ newsletters—they often send exclusive flash deals.
Check if your budget airline charges extra for online check-in or printing boarding passes; it’s cheaper to do it yourself in advance.

5. Use Points and Miles (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Frequent flyer programs aren’t just for people who travel constantly. Even occasional travelers can rack up points. Signing up for airline reward programs is free, and points accumulate quickly. You can often redeem them for free flights, upgrades, or extra baggage allowance.

Credit cards with travel rewards are another powerful tool. Many cards come with sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of dollars in travel credit. Imagine getting a full round-trip ticket for a fraction of the price just by strategically using your card. Yes, it’s worth learning a few basics—it’s like travel hacking without breaking the bank.

Extra Tips:

Even small everyday purchases can earn miles—think groceries, gas, or online shopping.
Check for “transfer partners” to maximize your points across multiple airlines.

6. Check Nearby Airports

Flying out of—or into—a different airport can save you big money. For example, if you’re heading to Los Angeles, compare LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, and Ontario airports. Same city, potentially hundreds of dollars difference.

It might mean a longer drive or an extra train ride, but if the flight is significantly cheaper, it’s often worth the extra effort. Some cities have multiple airports with drastically different fare structures, so a little extra research can pay off.

Extra Tips:

Factor in transportation costs—sometimes a cheaper flight into a farther airport is offset by a pricier ride into the city.
Look for airports that budget airlines use—they often have lower landing fees, which can translate into cheaper tickets.

7. Use Incognito Mode (Sometimes)

There’s a debate about whether airlines track your browsing habits to raise prices when they see repeated searches. Whether it’s true or not, using incognito or private browsing can’t hurt.

Open a private window and search for flights as if it’s your first time—it sometimes shows slightly lower fares. Worst case, prices are the same. Best case, you feel like a hacker outsmarting the system.

Extra Tips:

Combine incognito mode with price alert tools to make sure you’re not missing any deals.
Avoid logging into airline accounts when searching; sometimes personalized recommendations can be pricier.

8. Consider One-Way Tickets or Mixing Airlines

Round-trip tickets aren’t always the cheapest. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can save a surprising amount. You might also find it cheaper to fly into one city and out of another, especially in regions like Europe or Southeast Asia.

Sure, it takes a bit of extra planning, but if you’re flexible, this method can unlock some surprisingly low fares. Think of it as a puzzle: a little extra effort now equals big savings later.

Extra Tips:

Check low-cost carriers separately for one-way legs—they sometimes don’t show up in multi-leg searches.
Factor in connection times and airport changes when mixing airlines to avoid missed flights.

9. Sign Up for Fare Alerts

If you don’t want to stare at your computer all day, fare alerts are a lifesaver. Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights let you set up notifications when prices drop. It’s like having a personal assistant who never sleeps and is obsessed with saving you money.

You’ll get an email when fares hit your desired price. Then all you have to do is act fast, because good deals tend to disappear quickly.

Extra Tips:

Set multiple alerts for different date combinations—you don’t want to miss a cheaper option by only tracking one set of dates.
Use multiple platforms for alerts; sometimes one site finds a deal another misses.

10. Travel During Shoulder Season

Traveling outside peak season is one of the easiest ways to score cheap flights. Shoulder seasons—like May-June or September-October—offer lower fares and fewer crowds. You’ll pay less and enjoy a more relaxed trip.

Plus, destinations are often more beautiful without the heavy tourist traffic. Imagine strolling through a European city without jostling for photos—it’s a dream.

Extra Tips:

Check the climate and local events; sometimes slightly off-peak means better prices without compromising the experience.
Flexible scheduling allows you to take advantage of sudden dips in airfare during shoulder months.

11. Don’t Forget the Hidden Costs

Cheap tickets are great, but always consider the total cost. Baggage fees, airport transfers, seat selection, and even food at the airport can add up quickly. Sometimes a slightly more expensive ticket that includes free baggage and meals is actually cheaper overall.

Reading the fine print before booking is crucial. You’ll avoid nasty surprises and figure out the best way to save without sacrificing comfort.

Extra Tips:

Compare all-in costs, not just base fares, to truly determine the cheapest option.
Bring your own snacks, download entertainment, and travel light to reduce extra charges.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap flights is more like a scavenger hunt than an exact science. There’s no single trick that guarantees the lowest fare every time. But by combining strategies—flexible dates, multiple search engines, budget airlines, points, and alerts—you can stack the odds in your favor.

I’ve personally saved hundreds of dollars on trips just by being smart with searches and timing. And the best part? Once you start using these tips, it becomes almost fun to hunt for deals. Can you imagine booking your dream vacation for half the price? Feels amazing.

So, next time you’re planning a trip, remember: cheap flights are out there, waiting for clever travelers to snag them. You just need the right strategy and a little persistence. Ready to start your next adventure without draining your wallet? Go ahead—you’ve got this!