How to Find Cheap Flights: 12 Tips That Actually Save Money
Forget the incognito-mode myths. These are the strategies that consistently cut the price of a ticket.
The most reliable way to find cheap flights is to be flexible: search across a whole month rather than fixed dates, compare nearby airports, set price alerts and book within the typical sweet spot — usually one to three months ahead for domestic trips and two to six months for international ones. Flexibility beats any secret trick.
I’ve booked a lot of flights over the years, for work and for family trips, and I’ve tried every hack out there. Most of the “secret” tips online don’t hold up. The ones below do.
12 ways to find cheap flights
1. Use flexible date search
Most flight search tools, including Google Flights, show a calendar or price graph with fares across a month. Shifting your trip by even a day or two can cut the price significantly, especially if you avoid Fridays and Sundays.
2. Set price alerts
Once you know your route, set an alert. You’ll get an email when prices change, so you don’t have to check every day. Google Flights also shows whether current prices are low, typical or high for that route.
3. Compare nearby airports
Large cities often have more than one airport, and smaller regional airports can be cheaper — or served by budget airlines. Search by city rather than a single airport code.
4. Book in the sweet spot
Booking too early or too late usually costs more. As a rough guide, aim for one to three months ahead for domestic flights and two to six months for international routes. Peak holidays need even more notice.
5. Be flexible on destination
If you just want a break, use the “explore” map features in flight search tools. Enter your home airport and dates, and see which destinations are cheapest.
6. Consider budget airlines — carefully
Budget carriers can be much cheaper, but fees add up. Check the price of a carry-on bag, checked luggage and seat selection before you book. Packing light helps; see our carry-on packing checklist.
7. Check one-way combinations
Sometimes two one-way tickets on different airlines beat a return fare. Just remember they aren’t protected as a single booking — if the first flight is late and you miss the second, the second airline doesn’t have to help.
8. Fly at less popular times
Early morning and late-night flights are often cheaper. Midweek travel — Tuesdays and Wednesdays — tends to be quieter too.
9. Travel in shoulder season
The weeks just before or after peak season often bring lower fares, fewer crowds and still-good weather.
10. Use points and miles wisely
If you have a travel credit card or frequent flyer account, check award prices alongside cash fares. Sometimes points offer great value; sometimes paying cash is the better deal.
11. Compare the airline’s own site
Once you find a good fare on a search engine, check the airline’s website. Prices are often the same or lower, and it’s easier to change or cancel when you book directly.
12. Know your rights on cancellations
In the US, you’re entitled to a refund if an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you choose not to travel. The US Department of Transportation explains the rules on its air travel consumer page.
| Tip | Typical saving | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible dates | High | Low |
| Price alerts | Medium | Very low |
| Nearby airports | Medium–High | Low |
| Shoulder season | High | Medium |
| Budget airlines | High (watch fees) | Medium |
| Off-peak times | Low–Medium | Low |
Flight booking myths to ignore
- “Always search in incognito mode.” There’s little evidence that airlines raise prices based on your cookies. Prices change because seats sell and demand shifts.
- “Tuesday is always the cheapest day to book.” The day you book matters far less than the day you fly.
- “Last-minute deals are best.” For most routes, prices rise in the final weeks, not fall.
- “The cheapest fare is always the best deal.” Not if you pay more in bag fees or lose flexibility.
Basic economy: is it worth it?
Basic economy fares are the cheapest option on many airlines, but they often exclude seat selection, changes and sometimes carry-on bags. They’re fine for short, simple trips where your plans are certain. For anything important — a wedding, a connection, a trip you may need to change — the standard fare can be worth the extra.
After you book
Keep an eye on the price. Some airlines give you a credit if the fare drops, depending on the fare type. Check in online, save your booking confirmation offline and download the airline’s app for gate changes. And if you’re planning a trip on the ground too, our guide to planning a road trip on a budget has plenty of savings ideas.
Travel savings go further when they’re part of a plan — try adding a travel sinking fund to your monthly budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest day to fly?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays, but it varies by route. Flexible date search shows the actual prices.
How far in advance should I book a flight?
Roughly one to three months ahead for domestic flights and two to six months for international flights, with more notice for peak holidays.
Does incognito mode make flights cheaper?
There’s little evidence for it. Prices change mainly because of demand and seat availability.
Are budget airlines really cheaper?
Often, but add up bag, seat and other fees before you decide.
