Tip 16: Cheap Flights

8 Smart Ways to Find Cheap Flights and Save on Travel

Looking for cheap flights? Discover the best tips, tricks, and tools to find the lowest fares. From the best websites to the perfect time to book, we’ve got everything you need to fly without breaking the bank.

Booking a flight can be one of the most expensive parts of your travel. But with a few smart strategies, you can find cheap flight tickets that won’t blow your budget. From using the right websites to booking at the optimal times, we’ve compiled 8 proven ways to help you save on your next trip.

A “cheap flight” is a relative term. It varies depending on several factors such as the destination, time of year, and how far in advance you book. For some, a €100 flight from Amsterdam to London might be a steal, while others might expect that to be the standard rate. To consistently find cheap flights, you need to understand the various factors that influence pricing, including airline pricing algorithms, competition, and demand. The good news is that with a bit of research and the right tools, you can often score tickets well below the average price.

Flight pricing is notoriously dynamic, and understanding how it works can help you snag the best deals. Airlines use complex algorithms to adjust ticket prices in real-time based on a variety of factors, including seat availability, time before departure, and even your browsing behavior. For example, as seats fill up, the price tends to increase because the flight becomes more desirable. Conversely, if a flight isn’t selling as expected, the airline might drop the price to attract more bookings. Demand-based pricing means that if a particular route is popular during a certain time (like holiday seasons), prices will spike. Understanding these patterns can help you anticipate when prices will rise or fall.

Now that you understand the basics of how flight pricing works, let’s dive into the 8 powerful tips you can use to consistently find the best deals on flights.

Finding Cheap Flights in a Nutshell

• Use top flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights.
• Search for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for better deals.
• Book flights on mid-week days and at off-peak times.
• Use a VPN to explore regional pricing differences.
• Set up price alerts to track fare drops.
• Consider booking directly with airlines for additional benefits.

When it comes to booking a flight, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. However, using the right websites can make all the difference in finding the best deals. Whether you’re looking for the lowest fare, flexible travel dates, or unique travel routes, these top flight search platforms will help you compare prices and find the cheapest tickets available. Let’s explore the best websites to use for your next trip.

Best Websites for Finding Cheap Flights

• Skyscanner: Offers flexibility in searching across months and an “Everywhere” option for spontaneous travelers.
• Google Flights: Provides a price graph to track fare trends and integrates seamlessly with your Google account for alerts.
• Hopper: Predicts price changes with high accuracy and sends notifications on when to book for the best deals.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is often regarded as the gold standard for flight searches. It scans a vast array of airlines, including budget carriers that might not appear on other search engines. One of Skyscanner’s standout features is its flexibility. You can search for flights across an entire month or even a year to find the cheapest days to fly. Additionally, Skyscanner offers a “Everywhere” search option, which is perfect if you’re open to traveling to any destination with the lowest fare.

Google Flights

Google Flights is another powerhouse in flight search technology. Its clean interface and fast search capabilities make it a go-to for many travelers. One of its best features is the price graph, which shows you how prices fluctuate over a series of dates. This makes it easy to spot trends and decide the best time to book. Google Flights also integrates with your Google account, so you can track flights and receive notifications about price changes directly in your inbox.

Momondo

Momondo goes beyond the basics by searching lesser-known booking sites that other search engines might overlook. This can sometimes lead to discovering lower prices that aren’t available elsewhere. In addition to flights, Momondo allows you to compare hotel and car rental prices, making it a comprehensive travel planning tool. One unique feature is the ability to see a detailed breakdown of fare types and restrictions, which helps you make informed decisions about which ticket to purchase.

Kayak

Kayak is a veteran in the flight comparison game, offering a robust set of tools to help you find the cheapest flights. In addition to standard flight searches, Kayak provides fare alerts, a price forecast tool, and an “Explore” feature that shows you where you can fly within your budget. Kayak’s “Hacker Fares,” which combine two one-way flights on different airlines, can also help you save money on round-trip tickets.

Hopper

Hopper takes a different approach by predicting future flight prices. Its app-based interface is user-friendly and provides clear recommendations on whether to book now or wait for a better deal. Hopper also sends push notifications when prices drop on your desired route, ensuring you don’t miss out on savings. The app’s ability to predict price movements with up to 95% accuracy makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their travel budget.

Timing can be everything when it comes to booking flights. The day and time you search for tickets can significantly impact the price you pay. Airlines frequently adjust their fares based on demand, and knowing when to search can give you an edge in finding the lowest prices. Let’s delve into how the timing of your search can make a difference and help you secure the best deals.

Best Days to Search

Many studies and travel industry insiders suggest that the best days to search for flights are mid-week, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The theory is that airlines often release fare sales on Monday evenings, and by Tuesday, other airlines have adjusted their prices to compete. This creates a brief window where you can snag a deal before prices start to climb again. However, it’s important to note that these trends can vary by region and airline, so while mid-week searches are a good general rule, they aren’t a guaranteed way to always find the lowest price.

Best Times to Search

The time of day you search for flights can also affect prices. Late-night searches often reveal better deals because fewer people are booking at that hour, which can lead to lower demand and cheaper prices. Similarly, searching early in the morning can help you find seats that were canceled overnight. However, some airlines adjust their prices throughout the day based on demand, so being flexible and checking at various times can help you catch price drops.

Importance of Clearing Cookies

It’s no secret that airlines and booking sites track your browsing history using cookies. If you repeatedly search for the same route, you might notice the price creeping up. This is a tactic used to create urgency, encouraging you to book before prices go even higher. To avoid this, consider searching for flights in incognito mode or clearing your browser’s cookies. This prevents the website from tracking your search history and potentially increasing prices based on your repeated interest.

Does Search Day/Time Matter?

YES!

• Mid-week Searches: Tuesday and Wednesday often offer cheaper fares.
• Search Time: Late-night or early morning searches can reveal lower prices.
• Clear Cookies: Use incognito mode to avoid price increases.

Not only does the timing of your search impact flight prices, but so does the day and time you choose to fly. Airlines adjust their fares based on demand patterns, and certain days and times are typically cheaper than others. Understanding these patterns can help you avoid peak pricing and find more affordable options. Let’s explore how selecting the right flight day and time can save you money on your next trip.

Does Flight Day/Time Matter?

YES!

• Best Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly.
• Best Times: Early morning and late-night flights typically cost less.
• Avoid Peaks: Avoid flying during holidays and weekends to save money.

Best Days to Fly

Tuesdays and Wednesdays aren’t just the best days to search for flights—they’re often the cheapest days to fly as well. This is largely because fewer people travel on these days, particularly business travelers, who tend to fly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. By choosing mid-week flights, you can often avoid the higher prices associated with peak travel days. Additionally, flights on Saturdays can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you’re willing to fly early in the morning or late at night.

Best Times to Fly

The time of day you choose to fly can also have a significant impact on your ticket price. Early morning flights (think 5 AM to 8 AM) are often cheaper because they’re less desirable. Red-eye flights—those that depart late at night and arrive early the next morning—also tend to be less expensive for the same reason. While these flights might not be ideal for everyone, they can be a great way to save money if you don’t mind sacrificing some sleep.

Avoiding Peak Travel Times

Flying during peak travel times—such as major holidays, school breaks, and weekends—almost always comes with a premium price tag. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid these periods. For example, flying the day before or after a major holiday can save you a significant amount of money. Similarly, planning trips during the shoulder seasons (the periods just before or after peak tourist seasons) can lead to lower prices and less crowded flights. For a detailed overview of Dutch holidays and how to plan around them, check out our article Vacation Doubler 2024.

Did you know that where you book your flight from can influence the price you pay? Airlines and booking sites often adjust fares based on your location, but there’s a way to potentially bypass this: using a VPN. By masking your IP address and selecting a different location, you might be able to unlock lower prices. Let’s explore how booking from another location and using a VPN can help you save on your next flight.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Airlines and booking websites often use dynamic pricing, which means they might charge different prices based on your location. By using a VPN, such as NordVPN, to change your IP address to another country, you might be able to access lower prices. This is especially useful if you’re booking a flight with an airline based in another country. For instance, you might find that flights are cheaper when booked through the airline’s website in its home country rather than through its international site. However, it’s important to check for any potential fees, such as foreign transaction charges, that could negate the savings.

Regional Pricing Models

Airlines adjust their prices based on regional demand, and this can sometimes work to your advantage. For example, a flight from Amsterdam to New York might be cheaper if booked from the US rather than from the Netherlands, or vice versa. Experimenting with different locations using a VPN can help you identify these regional pricing differences. Additionally, some countries might offer special promotions or discounts that aren’t available elsewhere. Just remember to compare the final cost, including any additional fees or exchange rates, to ensure you’re actually getting a better deal.

Using a VPN and Booking from Another Location

• Use a VPN: Change your IP address with a VPN, like NordVPN, to find lower fares based on location.
• Regional Pricing: Prices can vary by region; booking from another country might save you money.
• Check Fees: Watch out for foreign transaction fees that could offset savings.

When searching for the best flight deals, it’s worth considering where you’re booking from. Sometimes, the same flight can be priced differently depending on the country’s website you’re using. By exploring foreign versions of airline or travel booking sites, you might discover regional promotions or currency advantages that lead to significant savings. Let’s dive into how booking on foreign websites can help you find cheaper flights.

Is Booking on Foreign Websites Cheaper?

YES!

• Currency Differences: Booking in a foreign currency can be cheaper; use Neo Banks like Revolut to avoid exchange fees.
• Regional Promotions: Local deals and discounts may not be advertised globally—check the airline’s local site.
• Check Details: Be cautious of language barriers and potential customer service challenges when booking abroad.

Currency Differences

When booking on a foreign website, the price might be listed in a different currency. Depending on the exchange rate, this could work in your favor, making the flight cheaper than if you booked in your home currency. However, be aware that your bank might charge a foreign transaction fee, which can eat into your savings. Some credit cards, especially those offered by Neo Banks like Revolut, provide favorable exchange rates and don’t charge currency exchange fees on certain plans, making them ideal for international bookings. Always compare the total cost in your currency before finalizing the booking to ensure it’s truly a better deal. For more information on how to maximize savings with Neo Banks, check out our article on Neo Banks.

Regional Promotions

Airlines often run region-specific promotions that aren’t available on their global sites. For example, an airline might offer discounted fares to local residents or special deals during a national holiday that aren’t advertised internationally. Checking the airline’s website for the country where the flight originates can sometimes reveal these hidden deals. However, booking through a foreign site might also mean dealing with customer service in a different language or navigating a website that doesn’t offer full translations, so be prepared for these potential challenges.

When it comes to booking flights, you’re often faced with a choice: should you use a flight comparison website or book directly with the airline? Each option has its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding these differences can help you decide which approach will save you the most money and offer the best overall experience. Let’s compare the benefits and pitfalls of using comparison websites versus booking directly with the airline.

Hidden Fees

Comparison websites like Expedia, Orbitz, and others can be great for finding cheap flights, but they sometimes come with hidden fees. These can include service charges, baggage fees that aren’t included in the ticket price, or fees for choosing seats. Always compare the final cost on the comparison site with the airline’s official website to see if you’re truly getting a better deal. In some cases, the airline might offer additional perks, such as free seat selection, priority boarding, or bonus miles, which aren’t available through third-party booking sites.

Benefits of Direct Booking

Booking directly with the airline often comes with several advantages. First, airlines sometimes offer exclusive deals or discounts that aren’t available on third-party sites. Additionally, booking directly with the airline can make it easier to manage your reservation, especially if you need to make changes or cancellations. Airlines also tend to prioritize customers who book directly in cases of overbooking or flight changes, meaning you’re less likely to be bumped or downgraded. Finally, if you’re a member of a frequent flyer program, booking directly with the airline is usually the best way to ensure you earn the maximum number of miles or points.

Comparison Websites vs. Direct Airline Bookings

• Hidden Fees: Comparison sites may include extra fees; always compare with the airline’s direct price.
• Direct Perks: Booking directly can offer perks like free seat selection and priority boarding.
• Reservation Control: Direct bookings are easier to manage and often receive priority in case of flight changes.

Finding the best deal on flights often requires more than just a one-time search. Price-tracking tools can monitor fare fluctuations and alert you when prices drop, ensuring you book at the optimal time. With a variety of websites and apps available, you can stay informed about the best deals without constantly checking yourself. Let’s explore some of the top price-tracking tools that can help you secure the lowest airfare.

Price-Tracking Websites and Apps

• Google Flights: Track prices and get email alerts; check historical data to decide when to book.
• Hopper: Predicts future price drops and sends notifications, ideal for flexible travelers.
• Skyscanner: Set up alerts and use the price calendar to find the cheapest travel dates.

Google Flights

Google Flights is a powerful tool for tracking flight prices. After selecting your desired route, you can turn on price tracking to receive email alerts whenever there’s a significant price change. The platform also provides historical price data, so you can see if the current fare is higher or lower than average. This information can help you decide whether to book now or wait for a potential price drop.

Hopper

Hopper is another excellent tool for tracking flight prices. The app uses historical data and machine learning to predict future price movements with impressive accuracy. When you search for a flight, Hopper will tell you whether to buy now or wait, and it will send you push notifications when prices drop. Hopper’s price prediction algorithm is particularly useful for those who have flexible travel dates and can afford to wait for the best possible deal.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner’s price alert feature is another useful tool for monitoring flight prices. You can set up alerts for specific routes, and Skyscanner will notify you via email whenever there’s a price change. This allows you to act quickly when prices drop, without having to constantly monitor the site. Skyscanner also provides a price calendar that shows you the cheapest days to fly, helping you plan your trip around the most affordable dates.

Beyond the basics of using comparison sites and timing your searches, there are several other strategies that can help you secure the best flight deals. From leveraging rewards programs to staying alert for special promotions, these additional tips will ensure you’re getting the most value for your money every time you book a flight.

Flexible Date Searches

If your travel dates are flexible, use tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search or Google Flights’ date grid to find the cheapest days to fly. Being open to flying a day earlier or later can result in substantial savings. Additionally, consider flying into or out of alternate airports that might be nearby but less expensive. For example, if you’re flying to New York, check prices for both JFK and Newark airports.

Booking in Advance

Booking your flight several months in advance can often lead to lower prices, especially for international travel. The best time to book varies by destination, but generally, 1-3 months before departure is the sweet spot for finding deals. However, for peak travel periods, such as Christmas or summer holidays, you might need to book even earlier to secure the best fares.

Using Miles or Points

If you’re a frequent flyer or have a rewards credit card, using miles or points to book your flight can significantly reduce the cost. Some airlines offer special promotions where you can use fewer miles for certain routes, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your airline’s loyalty program. Additionally, consider using points for upgrades, which can make your flight more comfortable without spending a lot of cash. If you’re flying with KLM, don’t forget to use your Airmiles when booking—this not only helps reduce the cost of your current flight but also earns you additional Airmiles for future travel. For more tips on maximizing your Airmiles, check out our article on Airmiles.

Get Cashback with Woolsocks

When booking flights, don’t forget to take advantage of cashback services. Using a platform like Woolsocks can help you earn money back on your flight bookings. By linking your purchase through a cashback service, you can reduce the effective cost of your ticket. For more details on how to maximize cashback opportunities, check out our article on Woolsocks.

Email Alerts and Newsletters

Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites to stay informed about special deals and promotions. Many airlines send out exclusive offers to their email subscribers, and some even offer flash sales with heavily discounted fares. Travel websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights also offer premium subscriptions that notify you of mistake fares and other deep discounts as soon as they’re found.

Special Deals and Offers

Some airlines occasionally offer special deals that can save you a lot of money. For example, Wizz Air recently introduced an “All You Can Fly” deal, offering unlimited flights within Europe and to select destinations for a flat fee. For €499, you could book flights just 72 hours in advance and only pay a small booking fee per flight. This type of deal can be a game-changer if you live near a major hub like Luton Airport and have flexible travel plans. Keep an eye out for similar offers from airlines, especially during promotional periods or as part of loyalty programs.

Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

• Flexible Dates: Search for the cheapest days to fly.
• Book Early: 1-3 months ahead is ideal.
• Use Miles & Cashback: Redeem miles and earn cashback.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Get notified about deals.
• Look for Special Offers: Watch for promotions like Wizz Air’s “All You Can Fly.”