How to Get Cheap Flights: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Slug: how-to-get-cheap-flights-tipsCategory: Travel > DestinationsKeyword: how to get cheap flights tipsExcerpt: Flight prices follow patterns you can exploit. These 10 tried-and-tested tips show you how to get cheap flights and save hundreds on your next trip.
Flight prices can seem bewilderingly inconsistent — the same seat on the same route can cost dramatically different amounts depending on when, where, and how you search. But airline pricing follows patterns, and knowing those patterns can save you hundreds of pounds or dollars on every trip.
1. Book at the Right Time — Not Too Early, Not Too Late
Research from platforms like Hopper and Skyscanner consistently finds that booking domestic flights 1–3 months in advance and international flights 2–6 months in advance tends to offer the best prices. Booking more than 11 months ahead is rarely the cheapest option. Last-minute deals exist but are unpredictable and tend to apply to specific routes and dates only.
2. Use Fare Comparison Tools
Never book directly from an airline website without first checking comparison tools. Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo aggregate prices across dozens of airlines and booking sites. Google Flights has excellent tools including price calendars, price tracking, and an "Explore" mode that shows you the cheapest destinations from your departure airport.
3. Be Flexible With Your Dates
Flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday is usually cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. On Google Flights or Skyscanner, use the calendar view to see prices across all dates in a month — a one or two day shift can save 20–40% on the same route.
4. Search Nearby Airports
Compare prices from different airports near your origin and to different airports near your destination. Flying from London Stansted instead of Heathrow, or into Paris Beauvais instead of Charles de Gaulle, can save significantly on budget carriers. Factor in the additional transport costs when comparing, but savings often more than offset them.
5. Use Incognito / Private Browsing
There is evidence that some booking sites track your searches and adjust prices on repeated searches for the same route. Search in Incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome) — it costs nothing and may show you lower prices by clearing tracking cookies.
6. Set Price Alerts
If you're not ready to book yet, set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner for your route. You'll be notified when the price drops. This is particularly useful for trips 2–4 months away when prices are still fluctuating significantly.
7. Consider Budget Airlines — But Read the Small Print
Budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2 regularly offer the cheapest headline fares. However, their base prices often exclude hold luggage, seat selection, and even oversized hand luggage. Always calculate the total cost including all fees before comparing with full-service airlines.
8. Look at Connecting Flights vs. Direct
A connecting flight with a stopover is often significantly cheaper than a direct flight, particularly on long-haul routes. Google Flights lets you filter to see direct vs. connecting options side by side. A well-chosen stopover can also give you an extra destination for free.
9. Book in Local Currency
When booking on international airline sites, try paying in the local currency of the airline's home country. Prices are sometimes lower in the origin currency, and your credit card's exchange rate may be better than the site's built-in conversion. Use a fee-free travel card like Monzo or Chase to avoid foreign transaction fees.
10. Track Prices Over Time Before Booking
Use Google Flights' price history graph to see whether the current fare is high or low relative to typical prices for that route and season. If the graph shows prices are at a seasonal low, book. If they're high, set an alert and wait — prices for non-peak dates often fall as the departure date approaches and unsold seats need to be moved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What day of the week are flights cheapest to book?
Analysis from multiple sources suggests Tuesday and Wednesday tend to have slightly lower prices on average. Flexibility with travel dates matters far more than which day you purchase on.
Is it cheaper to book a return or two one-way flights?
With budget airlines, booking two separate one-way tickets is often cheaper than a return. With full-service airlines, returns are often cheaper. Always compare both options for your specific route.
How far in advance should I book long-haul flights?
For popular long-haul routes (UK to USA, Australia, Asia), best prices typically appear 3–6 months before departure. For peak periods like Christmas or summer school holidays, booking 6–9 months ahead is advisable.
Do budget airlines always have better prices than regular airlines?
Not always, once you factor in extra fees. For short European routes with only hand luggage, budget carriers are usually cheaper. For longer trips with hold luggage, always compare the total inclusive cost.
Can travel credit cards help me get cheaper flights?
Yes — travel credit cards that earn airline miles or points on everyday spending can offset flight costs significantly over time. Look for sign-up bonuses and cards with no foreign transaction fees if you travel regularly.
