How to Score the Best Deals on Flights Every Time

We all love to travel, but nobody likes overpaying for flights. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first big adventure, knowing how to get the best deals can make a world of difference. So, buckle up, because I’m about to show you how to become a master of finding the best flight deals.

Why Finding Flight Deals Matters

First, why should you care about finding the best flight deals? Well, aside from the obvious benefit of saving money, scoring great deals means you can travel more often, upgrade your accommodations, or splurge on experiences at your destination. It’s all about stretching your travel budget to get the most value for your money.

Timing Your Bookings

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. Here’s the inside tips:

Best Days and Times: Contrary to popular belief, there’s no magical day to book flights. However, you’ll often find better deals by searching on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Why? Airlines typically release their sales early in the week, and competitors scramble to match prices. As for the time, aim for the wee hours of the morning – around 1 AM to 3 AM. That’s when airlines reload their systems with returned tickets from canceled reservations.

Read: Travel Insurance: Is it Worth it?

Seasonal Sweet Spots: Timing your bookings with the seasons can lead to significant savings. For summer travel, start looking in January or February. Planning a winter getaway? Begin your search in August or September. Generally, booking 1-3 months ahead for domestic flights and 2-6 months for international trips will land you the best prices.

Utilizing flight search engines and aggregators

Now, let’s talk tools. Flight search engines and aggregators are your best friends in the deal-hunting game.

Top Websites and Apps:

1. Google Flights: Great for exploring flexible dates and destinations.
2. Skyscanner: Excellent for comparing prices across different sites.
3. Momondo: Often finds lesser-known budget airlines.
4. Kiwi.com: Specializes in piecing together separate tickets for cheaper routes.

Features to Look For:

• Flexible date search: See prices across a range of dates.
• Price graphs: Visualize the cheapest times to fly.
• Multi-city options: Sometimes booking separate legs is cheaper than a round trip.
• Price predictions: Some sites tell you whether to book now or wait.

Maximizing Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Rewards

Don’t leave money on the table – leverage those points and miles!

Popular Programs:

• Airline-specific programs like Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus
• Credit card rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards

Maximizing Your Rewards:

1. Choose a primary airline or alliance and stick with it when possible.
2. Use a travel rewards credit card for all your purchases, not just travel.
3. Look for credit card sign-up bonuses – these can often net you a free flight right off the bat.
4. Don’t let points expire! Set reminders or use point-tracking apps.

Setting Up Price Alerts

Your Personal Deal Detective: Let technology do the heavy lifting for you with price alerts.

How to Use Price Tracking Tools:

1. Choose your preferred flight search engine (like Google Flights or Kayak).
2. Enter your desired route and dates.
3. Look for the “Track Prices” or “Create Alert” option.
4. Enter your email address to receive notifications.

When to Act on Alerts:

• If you see a price drop of more than 20% from the average, it’s usually a good time to book.
• For domestic flights, aim to book when you see a good deal about 1-3 months before travel.
• For international flights, be ready to book 2-8 months in advance when a stellar deal pops up.

Read: Traveling with Kids: Keeping the Little Ones Entertained and Safe

Being flexible with travel dates and airports

Being flexible with your travel plans can unlock some serious savings. Here’s how to make flexibility work for you:

Advantages of Flexible Search Options:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday to Thursday) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
• Early-morning or late-night flights can offer better deals.
• Traveling during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) can save you a bundle.

Pro tip: Use the “flexible dates” option on search engines to view a calendar of prices. You might be surprised how much you can save by shifting your trip by a day or two.

Nearby Airport Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to the most obvious airport. Sometimes, flying into or out of a nearby airport can lead to significant savings. For example:

• Flying to London? Check prices for Gatwick and Stansted, not just Heathrow.
• Heading to New York? Consider Newark in addition to JFK and LaGuardia.

Remember to factor in transportation costs from alternative airports to your final destination. Sometimes the savings outweigh the extra travel time, sometimes they don’t – do the math!

Taking advantage of error fares and flash sales

Error fares (mistakenly priced tickets) and flash sales can offer incredible deals, but you must be quick and savvy.

How to Find Them:

1. Follow deal-alert websites and social media accounts (like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal).
2. Sign up for airline newsletters.
3. Join travel deal forums and communities.

What to Do When You Spot One:

1. Book first, think later. These deals disappear fast!
2. Don’t call the airline to confirm – this might alert them to the error.
3. Wait a few days before making non-refundable plans (hotels, activities) in case the fare is canceled.
4. Be prepared for the possibility that the airline might not honor the fare.

Budget Airlines and Hidden-City Ticketing: The Pros and Cons

Budget Airlines: Pros:

• Often significantly cheaper base fares
• Can open up new, direct routes

Cons:

• Extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes
• Less comfortable seating and fewer amenities

Hidden-City Ticketing

This involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination and not taking the second leg.

Pros:

• Can sometimes be much cheaper than a direct flight

Cons:

• Airlines frown upon this practice and may penalize frequent offenders
• You can’t check bags, and your return flight might be canceled if you miss a leg

Precautions:

• Use this strategy sparingly and at your own risk
• Never associate your frequent flyer number with these bookings
• Be prepared to explain yourself if questioned

Read: Solo Travel in Croatia: Tips and Destinations for a Safe and Memorable Adventure

Booking strategies

Multi-City vs. Round-Trip Bookings:

• Sometimes booking two one-way flights or using the multi-city option can be cheaper than a standard round-trip.
• This strategy works well when you want to fly into one city and out of another.

Mixing and Matching Airlines:

• Don’t assume flying with the same airline for your entire journey is cheapest.
• Use search engines that allow you to combine airlines for different legs of your trip.

Pro tip: Be cautious when booking separate tickets for connecting flights. If you miss a connection, the next airline isn’t obligated to rebook you.

Additional Tips for the Deal-Hunting Pro

Clearing Browser Cookies: Airlines and booking sites sometimes use your search history to adjust prices. Clear your cookies or use incognito mode to potentially see lower prices.

Using VPNs to Check Different Locations: Prices can vary based on your location. Use a VPN to check prices as if you’re booking from different countries. Sometimes, booking from the airline’s home country can be cheaper.

Remember, these are advanced techniques. Always weigh the potential savings against the risks and extra effort involved.

Happy travels, and may your next flight be your best deal yet!