How to Find the Best Deals on Flights

Finding a great deal on a flight can feel like a game of chance, but in reality, it’s a game of strategy. Airlines use complex pricing algorithms that consider a dizzying number of factors, from demand and time of year to your location and browsing history. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can consistently beat the system and book flights for less.

This guide is a comprehensive, single source of information on how to find and book cheap flights, built on years of personal trial and error.

1. The Golden Rule: Be Flexible

If you take only one piece of advice from this article, let it be this: flexibility is the single most powerful tool you have.

Travel Dates: I once saved over $200 on a round trip to Rome just by shifting my departure date from a Friday to a Saturday. The most expensive days to fly are typically Fridays and Sundays, as well as the days immediately before and after major holidays. By shifting your travel to a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, you can often find significant savings. Use a “calendar view” feature on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to see prices for an entire month at a glance and pinpoint the cheapest dates.
Destination: Don’t have a specific place in mind? This is my favorite way to travel. Use the “Explore” or “Everywhere” search functions on Google Flights or Skyscanner. You simply enter your departure city and dates, and the tool shows you the cheapest destinations around the world. It’s how I discovered a last-minute flight to Portugal for a fraction of what I expected to pay.
Time of Day: Red-eye flights (late night or early morning) are often cheaper because fewer people want to fly at those times. If you can handle a less-than-ideal flight time, you can save a lot of money. I’ve spent many a night in an airport lounge waiting for an early morning flight, and it was always worth it to see the price drop.

2. The Right Tools for the Job: Search Engines and Aggregators

Forget checking a dozen airline websites individually. The key is to use flight search engines, which are essentially price comparison sites.

Google Flights: My personal favorite. Its calendar view and price trend graphs are unmatched. It tells you if the current price is low, average, or high based on historical data. Crucially, it redirects you to the airline’s official site to book, avoiding third-party fees.
Skyscanner: Excellent for “everywhere” searches and for finding budget airline options that other sites might miss. It also allows you to search for the “cheapest month” to travel to a particular destination.
Momondo: Known for its “Mix & Match” feature, which combines one-way tickets from different airlines to create the cheapest possible round trip. This is a game-changer for finding unconventional deals.
Kayak: A reliable aggregator that also offers “Price Alerts.” You can set a route you’re interested in, and Kayak will email you when the price drops.

The Pro Tip: After finding a great price on a search engine, always check the airline’s website directly. Sometimes, the airline offers a slightly better price or a special deal that the aggregators haven’t caught. I’ve found that booking directly with the airline can also make it easier to manage your reservation if there are changes or cancellations.

3. The Art of Timing: When to Book Your Flight

While the old “book on a Tuesday” myth is largely outdated, there are general windows when prices tend to be lowest. Airlines operate on dynamic pricing, but historical data provides a solid roadmap.

Domestic Flights: The sweet spot is typically 1-2 months before departure. Prices can start to creep up a few weeks before the flight.
International Flights: You’ll need more lead time for international trips. The best deals are often found 3-6 months in advance. For trips during peak season (like summer or Christmas), extend this to 6-9 months.
Last-Minute: While generally not recommended, if you must book last-minute, the prices will be high. Your best bet is to check comparison sites, as you might find a last-minute cancellation or a rare flash sale. I once booked a last-minute flight for a family emergency and had no choice but to pay a higher price, so I learned the hard way that planning ahead is key.

4. Insider Hacks and Unconventional Strategies

These are the strategies that go beyond the basics and can unlock serious savings.

Go Incognito: Airline and booking websites track your searches using cookies. If they see you repeatedly checking the same route, their algorithms may increase the price, creating a sense of urgency. To avoid this, I’ve made it a habit to always search for flights in a private or incognito window.
Mix and Match Airlines: Booking a round-trip ticket from a single airline is not always the cheapest option. Often, you can save money by booking a one-way flight with one airline and a return flight with another.
Fly from a Different Airport: Check prices from nearby, smaller airports. The savings on the flight might be greater than the cost of a train or bus to the alternative airport.
Hidden City Ticketing (Use with Extreme Caution): This is an advanced and risky strategy. It involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination and getting off the plane there, skipping the final leg of the journey. For example, if a flight from London to Berlin with a layover in Paris is cheaper than a direct flight from London to Paris, you would book the London-Berlin ticket and simply end your journey in Paris. Crucially, this only works for a one-way trip and with carry-on baggage only, as your checked bag will go to the final destination. Airlines are very much against this and can penalize you by revoking your frequent flyer miles or even canceling your ticket if you are caught.

5. Leveraging Loyalty and Credit Cards

Frequent Flyer Programs: Even if you don’t fly often, sign up for the free loyalty programs of the airlines you use. Over time, those miles can add up and lead to free flights or upgrades. I’ve used miles to get free upgrades to business class on long-haul flights, which made the trip infinitely more comfortable.
Travel Credit Cards: Many credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses in the form of miles or points, which can be redeemed for flights. They often come with perks like free checked bags, lounge access, or travel insurance. Used wisely, these can make a huge difference to your travel budget.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you get the best deal, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

Forgetting to Check for Baggage Fees: Budget airlines are notorious for low base fares that quickly inflate with added fees for checked bags, seat selection, and even carry-on bags. Always check the total cost before you book.
Not Reading the Fine Print: A super cheap fare might be non-refundable, non-changeable, or have a very strict cancellation policy. I’ve personally had a trip ruined because I didn’t realize a low-cost carrier’s ticket was non-refundable when my plans changed. Know what you’re buying before you click “confirm.”
Ignoring Layover Times: A long layover might seem like a small inconvenience for a cheaper ticket, but it can lead to missed connections and added stress. Look for connections with at least 90 minutes between flights.