Booking cheap flights isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. With the right approach, you can score budget airfare and save hundreds when you travel. Here’s how to book flights for less and maximize your travel budget.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Airfare goes up and down based on demand, so flying on off-peak days can save you money. Generally, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest days to fly. Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices across multiple dates.
Pro Tip: Set up fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper to track prices.
How Fare Alerts Work
When you set up a fare alert, the platform you’re using (Google Flights, Hopper, whatever) tracks prices in real time and sends you updates. I used this recently when I was looking to plan a trip to Costa Rica. I kept my tracker on for about 9 months (I don’t usually keep them that long but I was curious and not in any hurry to book). Over that time the price went from about $520 down to a low of $349!
Book at the Right Time
There’s no magic day to book, but studies suggest that booking domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 3-6 months ahead will give you the best deals. My Costa Rica fare tracker ranged for 9 months and the cheapest price came in in March (for a trip in April)!
Pro Tip: Airlines release deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so check fares midweek.
Use the Best Flight Search Engines
Flight search engines don’t always show the same prices. Compare multiple sites to get the best deal.
- Google Flights – Best for searching flexible dates and tracking price trends.
- Skyscanner – Great for finding budget airlines.
- Momondo – Often finds cheaper fares by mixing airlines.
- Hopper – Uses AI to predict the best time to book.
Pro Tip: If you are checking for flights over multiple days or hours, you can clear your cookies or use an incognito mode to refresh for potentially lower prices. Some argue this is a myth but I’ve seen it work… can’t hurt, right?
Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of nearby airports can save you money. If you’re traveling to a major city, check fares for smaller airports nearby.
Example: Instead of flying into JFK, check prices for Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA). Try Manchester (MHT) or Portland, ME (PWM) instead of Boston (BOS). There are usually smaller airports nearby which can also mean fewer long lines in and out.
Mix and Match Airlines
Sometimes booking one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip ticket. Budget airlines often don’t appear on major booking sites, so check them separately.
Or use a site like Momondo to mix and match one-way flights to get to and from where you’re going for less!
Pro Tip: Look into hidden city ticketing with caution (using Skiplagged), but be aware of airline policies.
Take Advantage of Points and Miles
If you travel a lot, sign up for airline loyalty programs and travel credit cards to earn miles. Using points can significantly reduce or eliminate flight costs. Airlines also often give you extra bonus points when you apply on the flight or with a code from a flight attendant. My Jet Blue card came with an extra 55,000 miles when I applied with the flight QR code. Airline credit cards also often get your discounted or even free snacks and drinks while you’re in the air!
Best Travel Credit Cards for Flights:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Capital One Venture Rewards
- American Express Platinum
Avoid Extra Fees
Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier offer cheap base fares but charge for extras like bags and seat selection. To avoid hidden costs:
- Pack light and bring only a carry-on (check out my post about packing for a month in only a carry-on).
- Skip seat selection if it’s not necessary.
- Bring your own snacks and water bottle.
Use VPNs to Find Cheaper Flights
Airlines sometimes display different prices based on your location. A VPN (virtual private network) lets you change your virtual location to see fares from different countries. Try searching from a region with a lower cost of living—flights may be cheaper!
Check out this article on how it works if you’re a first-timer.
Book Error Fares Quickly
Occasionally, airlines list mistake fares at super low prices. Websites like Secret Flying and Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) help you find (or even email you) about budget airfare.
Pro Tip: If you find an error fare, book immediately and wait a day before making non-refundable plans in case the airline cancels it.
Be Ready to Book Fast
Great deals don’t last long. When you find a low fare, book it quickly before prices change. You typically have a 24 hour window to cancel after you book (check airline policy to be sure) so you can book then think rather than the other way around.
Final Thoughts
Scoring budget airfare is all about flexibility, timing, and knowing where to look. If you follow these tips, you can save money on flights and have more cash to spend when you get there.
Do you have a go-to booking strategy? Share it in the comments!