How to Find Cheap Flights: Timing and Tips That Actually Work

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures — but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation, a weekend getaway, or attending a music festival on the other side of the world, finding cheap flight tickets can make a big difference in your travel budget.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find cheap flights, when to book, and how to save money with smart tools and insider tips.

Book in Advance — But Not Too Early

You’ve probably heard that booking early saves money, and it’s true — to a point. The ideal booking window depends on your destination:

Domestic flights: 1 to 3 months in advance

International flights: 2 to 6 months in advance

If you book too early, airlines may not have released their lower fares yet. Too late, and prices spike as seats fill up. Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor price trends and set alerts.

Be Flexible with Your Dates

Flight prices vary dramatically depending on the day of the week, time of day, and even the season. Here’s how to take advantage:

Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper than weekends.

Avoid holidays: Peak seasons like Christmas, New Year, and school vacations drive prices up.

Use fare calendars: Sites like Skyscanner show you the cheapest days to fly within a given month.

Flexibility = big savings.

Use Flight Comparison Websites

Never book a ticket without comparing prices across multiple platforms. Some top comparison tools include:

Skyscanner

Google Flights

Kayak

Momondo

These sites let you compare hundreds of airlines and booking platforms in one place, helping you find the best deal in minutes.

Consider Alternative Airports

Big cities often have more than one airport, and flying into a smaller or less popular one can save you a significant amount.

For example:

Flying into London Gatwick instead of Heathrow

Choosing Oakland over San Francisco

Just make sure to factor in ground transportation costs — sometimes, the savings aren’t worth the hassle.

Use Airline Miles and Points

If you travel often, signing up for a frequent flyer program or using a travel rewards credit card can pay off. Points can be redeemed for free or discounted flights, seat upgrades, or checked bags.

Pro tip: Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that are enough for a round-trip flight!

Browse in Incognito Mode

Yes, this one’s still worth trying. Flight prices can increase based on your browsing history due to cookies. Using incognito/private browsing mode can prevent price hikes caused by repeated searches.

Set Price Alerts

Most flight search engines allow you to track prices for a specific route and notify you when fares drop. This feature is perfect if you know where you’re going but aren’t ready to book yet.

Travel Light to Save More

Many low-cost airlines charge extra for checked baggage. If you can pack everything into a carry-on, you’ll save even more.

Plus, traveling light makes airport navigation and transfers much easier — especially if you’re visiting multiple cities.

Use Budget Airlines (but Read the Fine Print)

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, and AirAsia can offer unbeatable deals — sometimes under $50 for a one-way flight.

However, be cautious of hidden fees:

Baggage charges

Seat selection

Printing your boarding pass at the airport (!)

If you understand the rules, these airlines can be incredibly wallet-friendly.

Sign Up for Deal Newsletters

Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, or Airfarewatchdog send out curated flight deals and “mistake fares” right to your inbox. These can lead to huge savings — sometimes even business class for economy prices.

Don’t Forget: Stay Connected Abroad with an eSIM

You’ve scored a cheap flight and are ready to explore — but what about your internet connection? Buying a local SIM or paying expensive roaming fees can be a hassle.

With an eSIM, you can:

Activate local data plans instantly

Avoid roaming charges

Stay connected wherever you land

It’s the smartest travel upgrade you didn’t know you needed.