We’ve all been there—excitedly planning our dream vacation, only to be hit with outrageously high airfare prices. But what if you could fly for less and save hundreds of dollars on your next trip? The good news is that you can! With these easy travel hacks to save money on flights, you’ll unlock the best deals, avoid common booking mistakes, and keep more money in your pocket for memorable experiences.
1. Book at the Right Time – When and How to Score the Best Deals
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best airfare deals. One of the biggest advantages of booking at the right time is avoiding last-minute price surges. Many travelers assume that waiting until the last minute will lead to deep discounts, but airlines increase fares significantly as the departure date approaches. If you’re traveling during peak seasons, booking early can be the difference between an affordable ticket and an overpriced one.
Strategic Booking
Another benefit of strategic booking is getting access to the best flight options. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing convenient flight times, nonstop routes, and preferred seats without paying extra fees. Late bookers are often left with less desirable layovers, inconvenient departure times, and higher baggage costs—all of which can make your trip more stressful and expensive.
Watch Out for Sales
Airlines also frequently launch sales and flash deals on specific days of the week, usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when demand is lower. These fare drops often last for only a few hours, so having alerts set up on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper can help you snag these limited-time deals before they disappear.
✈ Pro Tip
If you find a great deal but need time to confirm your plans, check if the airline offers a 24-hour free cancellation policy. This allows you to lock in a low fare while finalizing your itinerary without the risk of price hikes.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Airports
One of the easiest ways to score cheaper flights is by being flexible with travel dates. Airfare prices fluctuate dramatically depending on demand, holidays, and peak seasons. Adjusting your departure and return dates by just a day or two can save hundreds of dollars on your ticket.
Fly Mid-Week
Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tends to be cheaper than weekends, as fewer people travel midweek. Likewise, traveling during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) instead of peak summer or holiday periods can lead to significantly lower fares, fewer crowds, and even cheaper hotels.
Check Out Alternative Airports
Another smart way to save is by considering alternative airports instead of major hubs. Larger airports often have higher fees and congestion, driving up ticket prices. Nearby regional airports may offer cheaper fares and shorter security lines. For example, instead of flying into LAX, checking fares for Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB) could save you money.
The same applies to international flights—sometimes flying into a neighboring country and then taking a budget airline or train to your final destination can be a game-changer for saving money. Using flight search engines with the “Nearby Airports” feature allows you to easily compare prices and pick the most cost-effective route.
✈ Pro Tip
If your schedule allows, use tools like Skyscanner’s “Cheapest Month” feature to help you quickly identify the most budget-friendly time to fly, ensuring you always book at the lowest possible price.
3. Use Flight Search Engines the Smart Way
Flight search engines can help you find the best airfare deals—but only if you know how to use them strategically. Not all search engines show the same prices, and some airlines don’t even list their flights on popular booking platforms. By using multiple flight search engines and applying smart techniques, you can unlock hidden deals, compare fares efficiently, and avoid overpaying.
Search Multiple Airlines
One of the biggest advantages of using flight search engines the right way is finding the lowest prices across multiple airlines without manually checking individual airline websites. Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo scan hundreds of airlines and booking sites in seconds, helping you spot the cheapest routes, best flight times, and lowest fares at a glance. Some even highlight “cheapest days” to fly and allow you to track prices over time, so you can book when fares drop instead of guessing when to buy.
Choose Off-The-Beaten Track Routes
Another major benefit is unlocking lesser-known routes and airlines that might not appear in direct airline searches. Some low-cost carriers and regional airlines don’t list their fares on major travel sites, but platforms like Momondo and Skyscanner include these options, giving you access to more affordable flight choices. This is especially helpful for international travel, where budget airlines often operate cheap intercontinental routes that are significantly cheaper than traditional carriers.
Using flight search engines wisely can also help you avoid price hikes caused by tracking algorithms. Many booking sites use cookies to track your searches and increase fares if they see repeated interest in a specific route. Searching in incognito mode or using a VPN can help you bypass this pricing manipulation, ensuring you see the lowest available fares instead of artificially inflated ones.
✈ Pro Tip
After finding the best fare on a search engine, check the airline’s official website to see if they offer the same price or lower. Some airlines provide discounts for direct bookings, and you may also get better cancellation policies, seat selection options, and fewer hidden fees.
Best Flight Search Engines:
- Google Flights (best for tracking trends and setting alerts)
- Skyscanner (great for flexible searches)
- Momondo (finds lesser-known deals)
- Kayak (solid for price comparisons)
4. Take Advantage of Airline Rewards and Travel Credit Cards
Airline rewards and travel credit cards offer exclusive perks that can make your travel experience smoother, more comfortable, and even luxurious. Many premium travel cards include priority boarding, free checked bags, and airport lounge access, turning even budget-friendly trips into a VIP experience.
Don’t Skip Insurance
Another major advantage is travel insurance and purchase protection. Many top-tier travel credit cards provide built-in insurance benefits such as trip cancellation coverage, rental car insurance, and even compensation for lost luggage. This means you can book flights worry-free, knowing you have financial protection in case of unexpected cancellations, delays, or baggage mishaps. Some cards also offer price protection, refunding you the difference if airfare drops shortly after you book.
For frequent travelers, loyalty programs can also unlock elite status with airlines, leading to complimentary upgrades to business or first class, waived fees, and access to exclusive deals. Even if you don’t fly often, collecting miles through everyday spending—like groceries, dining, and gas—can help you rack up enough rewards for a free flight every year without even setting foot in an airport.
✈ Pro Tip
Maximize your miles by combining airline rewards programs with travel credit cards that offer transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards). This flexibility allows you to book with multiple airlines and get the best possible value for your points.
Top Travel Credit Cards for 2025:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (best for beginners)
- Capital One Venture Rewards (simple and flexible)
- American Express Platinum (luxury perks and airline credits)
5. Fly Budget Airlines (But Know the Tricks!)
Budget airlines like Spirit, Ryanair, and Frontier offer incredibly low base fares, sometimes as cheap as $20-$50 per ticket. However, these airlines make up for the low prices with extra fees for baggage, seat selection, boarding passes, and even carry-on bags. The key to saving money when flying budget airlines is to understand their fee structures and avoid unnecessary add-ons.
Travel Light
The best way to do this is by traveling light—many budget airlines allow one free personal item that fits under the seat, but charge extra for overhead carry-ons and checked bags. Using a compact travel backpack instead of a rolling suitcase can help you dodge baggage fees altogether. Always print your boarding pass at home or use the airline’s mobile app, as some budget carriers charge extra if you need to print it at the airport.
Work the Numbers
Another major way to save is by comparing the total cost of the flight before booking. A ticket that looks cheaper on a budget airline may actually be more expensive after adding baggage fees, seat selection, and other surcharges. Before booking, use the airline’s website to calculate the full cost of your flight, including any necessary add-ons. If you don’t need extras like priority boarding or seat selection, you can maximize savings by sticking with the basic fare.
✈ Pro Tip
Keep an eye out for promotional sales and flash deals, as budget airlines frequently offer deeply discounted tickets for a limited time. Subscribing to their email alerts or following them on social media can help you snag these ultra-low fares before they sell out.
6. Use Stopovers and Hidden City Ticketing to Your Advantage
One of the best-kept secrets to saving money on flights and seeing more destinations is taking advantage of free stopovers. Many airlines allow passengers to stay in a layover city for up to several days before continuing to their final destination—at no extra cost. This means you can explore a second city for free while still paying for just one flight.
Enjoy Stopovers
Airlines like Icelandair (Reykjavik), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), and Singapore Airlines (Singapore) offer excellent stopover programs with discounted hotels, free city tours, and even food vouchers. This is perfect for travelers who love to maximize their trip experiences without spending more money.
Another clever hack is hidden city ticketing, a technique where you book a flight with a layover in your desired destination—often at a lower price than a direct flight. Websites like Skiplagged help travelers find these hidden deals. For example, if a direct flight to Paris is expensive, booking a flight to Madrid with a layover in Paris (and simply exiting at the layover) can be significantly cheaper.
However, this trick comes with risks—airlines frown upon it, and you can’t check luggage since it will be sent to the final destination. Additionally, frequent use of this method may lead airlines to penalize your frequent flyer account, so it’s best used occasionally and strategically.
✈ Pro Tip
If using this hack, book one-way flights only and avoid using your frequent flyer number to prevent issues with airlines.
These 6 easy travel hacks to save money on flights will help you travel more while spending less. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul adventure, following these tips will ensure you never overpay for airfare again.
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