The Best Ways to Find Cheap Flights
How to Find the Best Cheap Flights
Looking to find the best cheap flight tickets? Airfare can be the biggest expense when booking a trip, so it’s no surprise that the number one question is how to find the cheapest tickets. Whether you’re planning a getaway, vacation, or an international trip, these tips will help you find and book the cheapest flights so you never overpay on airfare again!
1. Timing is key
Book in advance
Timing is key when finding cheap and affordable flights for your trip. The closer you get to your flight date, the higher ticket prices will be.
So, how far in advance should you book your flight to get the best price? For domestic flights, you should book between one to four months in advance. For international flights you should book between one and a half months to five and a half months in advance.
What are the cheapest days to fly? Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are usually the cheapest days to travel.
Be flexible
With that being said, you’ll have the best selection of affordable flights if you have more flexibility with your dates. When searching for a flight, don’t block out specific dates. Depending on where you’re searching, the booking site can show you a pricing calendar so you can make your choice of dates depending on prices.
2. Don’t fly local
Choose a major airport
While local airports might be easier and quicker to get to, they can be more expensive. In order to save money and get the best affordable ticket for your flight, look to fly in and out of a major airport hub.
Larger airports have far less competition, and charge less landing fees, so their ticket rates tend to be cheaper. Keep in mind though, this may not always be the case for every trip so while I recommend looking at this option first, make sure to compare before you book so you know you’re getting the best deal.
Choose a major airline
Major airlines, like major airport hubs, have a larger flight map and more frequent flight patterns. You’ll have a better chance finding a cheaper flight through a major airline, rather than a smaller one that has less flight selections.
3. Choose the best flight search engine
There are lots of ways to search for flights, but these are the best search engines to help you find cheapest airfare:
Scott’s Cheap Flights (While Scott’s isn’t an actual search engine, it’s a great way to find cheap flights! Sign up for their free email subscription to get alerts whenever there are sales or when airlines make pricing mistakes. Tip: Make sure to book the deal asap because they tend to go fast!)
4. Use your points
Want to know how to score discounted flights, or even fly for free? Use your points!
Frequent flyer miles
Many airlines offer memberships where you can earn points for flying with them. You can redeem these points to book free or discounted flights in the future! Cool right? Tip: Choose one airline and use them every time you fly, you’ll rack up tons of points before you know it and then you’ll be well on your way to flying for free!
Travel rewards credit cards
Lots of credit cards offer rewards likes cash back and other things, but did you know that you can earn points for travel, too? Don’t have a travel rewards credit card, or not sure which one to get? I highly recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card! Chase Sapphire Preferred Cardholders earn 5x points on travel, 3x points on grocery/dining, tons of travel benefits, & more! Get 60,000 bonus points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card today!
