Do you want to travel cheaply but not compromise on adventure? Here are five surefire tactics for finding cheaper flights every time.​ Whether you’re searching for a last-minute getaway or planning a future trip, these strategies will help you save money without sacrificing the quality of your trip.​

First, sign up for fare alerts.​ It’s important to stay informed about any price drops or airline sales.​ Many airlines have loyalty programs and will send emails to subscribers when they offer discounts.​ Make sure to check your emails regularly so you don’t miss any great deals.​

Second, become an expert at shopping around.​ Different airline carriers offer varied prices and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.​ It’s a good idea to look through several websites and compare rates to get the best deal.​

Third, book with an airline that allows you to make changes.​ Being able to make changes to your itinerary can be a lifesaver.​ Last-minute delay or cancellations can be common, so make sure the airline you choose allows you to adjust the date, time, or even destination of your trip with minimal fees.​

Fourth, be flexible with your destination and timing.​Want to save even more? Consider changing up your travel plans and selecting a different destination or the time of the year.​ You’ll be surprised to find how much you save by visiting less-traveled holiday destinations or traveling during the “off-season”.​

Fifth, take advantage of deals and promotions.​ You can find amazing discounts by shopping around online.​ Take time to browse online sale sites or check out special offers from your favorite travel companies.​

Additional Tactics for Finding Cheaper Flights

One of the best ways to find a cheaper flight is to book your tickets ahead of time.​ Airlines are often eager to sell tickets and will often offer discounts well before the departure date, as leftover seats become harder to fill closer to the flight date.​ Try to book your tickets at least two months in advance to get the best price.​

It’s also beneficial to book your ticket during off-peak travel times.​


Generally, airports and airlines offer lower prices to encourage people to fly on certain days of the week, such as midweek or late at night or early morning.​ Consider checking out flights during these times for lower prices and fewer travelers.​

You can also take advantage of seasonal deals.​ Holidays are peak travel times, so airlines increase prices to make up for the increased demand.​ Try to plan your trips around several weeks before or after peak travel times to find the lowest price.​

Signing up for a frequent traveler program can also help you save on flights.​ Many airlines offer loyalty programs, where members get access to free flights or additional discounts.​ Keep your eye out for promotions and special offers that could help you save money on your next flight.​

Finally, don’t forget about budget carriers.​ While they might not be as glamorous as traditional airlines, budget airlines offer low-cost flights if you’re willing to give up some of the extra amenities.​ You’ll have to pay extra for things like checked baggage and meals, but you can still find great quality flights at a much lower price.​

Planning Strategies

Creating an itinerary is one of the best strategies for finding cheaper flights.​ It’s important to plan everything in advance: figure out where you want to go, what you want to do, and how you plan on getting there.​ This will help you narrow down your choices and will also make it easier to comparison shop for the best deal.​

It’s also important to understand the airlines’ baggage policies.​ Different airlines have different rules on baggage allowances and fees, so make sure you’re familiar with them before booking your ticket.​ Some airlines may offer special deals when you purchase your ticket with a checked bag, so remember to factor this in when you’re shopping around for a flight.​

Finally, don’t forget to look at alternate airports.​ Often, the larger, more popular airports will have higher ticket prices compared to smaller, more localized airports.​ Be open to flying from different locations to save money on your flight.​

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to find cheaper flights?

The best ways to find cheaper flights are to sign up for fare alerts, shop around and compare prices, book with an airline that allows you to make changes, be flexible with your destination and timing, take advantage of deals and promotions, book tickets in advance and fly during off-peak times, decide whether you want to join a frequent traveler program and look for alternate airports.​

What are the benefits of signing up for a frequent traveler program?

The benefits of signing up for a frequent traveler program include access to discounts, free flight upgrades, priority check-in, priority boarding, access to preferred seating and access to exclusive deals and promotions.​