Can’t afford to pay the high prices listed for flights online? There are ways to snatch up cheap flights if you’re patient and knowledgeable about where to look.​ Here are 5 tips to help you get a great deal on your tickets:

1.​ Research extensively for the best deal

You can’t find great deals unless you research.​ Keep track of the most reliable flight search engines, and look up flights every day until you get the best deal.​ Additionally, you can read travel blogs or participate in frugal traveler forums for advice on where to find the cheapest flights.​ You can even use comparison websites so you don’t have to search individually.​ All of these methods can help you get your hands on the cheapest tickets possible and save a ton of money.​

2.​ Use the right payment method

When it comes to purchasing tickets, not all payment channels are created equal.​ Paying with a credit card might just be the most secure option, as it is the only payment method that offers purchase protection.​ Some airlines even offer exclusive lower fares for card payments.​ So paying with a card can be surprisingly beneficial.​

3.​ Join loyalty programs

Loyalty programs often offer their members access to special reservation deals.​ To receive special discounts or upgrade offers, sign up before you begin your flight search.​ With the right loyalty program, you might just be able to get a better deal than you expected.​

4.​ Avoid peak times to buy tickets

It is no secret that airline tickets are the most expensive during peak seasons and holidays.​ Prices drop for tickets if you choose to travel at unpopular times.​ Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the best days to find the lowest airfares.​ Carefully evaluating which days to travel could save you a lot of time and money.​

5.​ Use Travel Alerts

Flight Alerts are notifications sent when an airline has a sale on specific routes or destinations.​ You can decide which routes or destinations you’d like to be alerted about, and then you’ll receive notifications when there’s a special offer.​


That way, you won’t miss out on any good deals.​ Of course, the offer may disappear quickly, so this tip requires quick reflexes to take advantage of it.​

Preplan to Ensure Better Deals

It is always better to preplan your trip than to book at the last minute.​ Preplanning can give you plenty of opportunities to find the best deals.​ Look for special discounts or other packages that might be worth looking into.​ Some movers may also give you good deals if you plan your trip a few weeks in advance.​ It is wise to research a wide range of airlines to compare prices and decide on the best one.​

Be Flexible with Flight Dates and Times

If you’re willing to be flexible with your flight dates and times, you can expect to find really great deals.​ Think about the days and days of the week that would be cheapest to fly.​ Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the least expensive days of the week to fly, and you can save even more by flying during off-peak seasons.​ Taking red-eye flights or flying during the middle of the week could be much cheaper than flying during peak season.​

Fly during Non-Peak Hours

It is almost always cheaper to fly during the late nights and early mornings.​ If you’re willing to stay up late, you can find amazing deals that are much cheaper than daytime flying.​ Taking a red-eye can help you save quite a bit of money, especially if you’re looking for a round-trip flight.​ Plus, many airlines offer special discounts for late nights and early mornings.​

Purchase from Reputable Sources

When it comes to finding cheap tickets, it pays to do your research.​ Make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable website or agency.​ Spend the time to read any customer reviews that you can find to make sure that you’re getting good service for your money.​ Reputable agencies often have full-service customer service to help you with any issues that may arise in the booking process.​

FAQ

Q: How do I research extensively for the best flight deal?

A: Keep track of the most reliable flight search engines, and look up flights every day until you get the best deal.​ Additionally, you can read travel blogs or participate in frugal traveler forums for advice on where to find the cheapest flights.​ You can even use comparison websites so you don’t have to search individually.​

Q: Is it better to preplan rather than book at the last minute?

A: Yes, preplanning can give you plenty of opportunities to find the best deals.​ Look for special discounts or other packages that might be worth looking into.​ Some movers may also give you good deals if you plan your trip a few weeks in advance.​

Q: Are there discounts for booking red-eye flights?

A: Yes, many airlines offer discounts for late night flights and early morning flights.​ Taking a red-eye can help you save quite a bit of money, especially if you’re looking for a round-trip flight.​ Plus, many airlines offer special discounts for late nights and early mornings.​