How To Find Cheap Flights In 2024
Have you ever spent countless hours scouring search engines and clicking through various websites in pursuit of the elusive cheapest flight for your next adventure? It's a digital labyrinth out there, with prices fluctuating faster than the weather and options multiplying by the minute. Finding affordable airfare has become a daunting task, leaving many travelers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
If you're a frequent visitor to this blog, you know that my passion for travel is matched only by my determination to avoid unnecessary expenses. Over the years, I've honed my skills through extensive research and persistent experimentation, compiling a treasure trove of strategies to uncover the most economical flights, no matter the destination or season. These strategies aren't just about saving money; they're about empowering travelers to make informed decisions and enjoy seamless journeys without breaking the bank.
Drawing from a wealth of experience and insights gained from fellow globetrotters and travel experts, I've curated a comprehensive guide that goes beyond the basics. It's a roadmap designed to navigate the complexities of the modern travel landscape, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge and tools to consistently find the best flight deals. From leveraging lesser-known booking hacks to mastering the art of flexible travel dates, each tip is crafted to maximize savings and enhance your overall travel experience.
So, whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway or meticulously mapping out a dream vacation, join me on this journey as we uncover the secrets to smarter, more affordable travel. Together, let's turn the daunting task of finding cheap flights into a rewarding and exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities.
1. USE THE BEST SEARCH TOOLS
Navigating the realm of flight search engines can be a tricky endeavor, as each platform operates with its own commission structure added on top of ticket costs. For travelers seeking the best deals, it's essential to be mindful of which engines offer fairer rates.
Furthermore, not all airlines are represented on every search engine or comparison site, underscoring the importance of cross-referencing multiple platforms before making a final booking decision. This approach helps ensure you're not missing out on potentially better options elsewhere.
While there isn't a single search engine that consistently outshines all others—making the hunt for affordable flights a bit of a challenge—there are a few standout favorites among seasoned travelers:
Skyscanner:
Comprehensive search capabilities.
Often the first choice for many travelers.
Provides a wide range of flight options.
Google Flights:
User-friendly interface.
Handy calendar feature for finding cheapest travel dates.
Integration with Google's ecosystem for easy planning.
Momondo:
Aggregates options from less expensive agents.
Consistently finds lowest fares.
Great for budget-conscious travelers.
Kiwi.com:
Offers flexible flight combinations.
Includes unconventional routes and itineraries.
Useful for travelers seeking unique travel plans.
Jetradar:
Specializes in deals from budget airlines.
Finds options not always available on other platforms.
Ideal for travelers looking for economical flight choices.
You only live once so Travel!
Despite the abundance of choices available, two platforms consistently stand out for their user-friendly experience and dependable service: Skyscanner and Google Flights. These favorites among frequent travelers are prized for their extensive coverage, intuitive interfaces, and reliable ability to offer competitive prices.
Having booked numerous flights each year, I've found that utilizing both Skyscanner and Google Flights greatly enhances the likelihood of finding the best deals. Whether you're planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or meticulously organizing a long-distance journey, these invaluable tools simplify the search process and ensure you maximize the value of every travel dollar.
The next time you're planning your next adventure, make sure to start with these platforms—they have the potential to uncover your next great travel experience at a fraction of the anticipated cost.
2. ALWAYS SEARCH FOR ERROR FARES
Yes, error fares are essentially pricing mistakes made by airlines, often resulting in significantly lower ticket prices than usual. These anomalies can arise due to various factors such as currency conversion errors, technical glitches, or even human oversight in pricing. They are highly sought after by budget-conscious travelers and enthusiasts who actively monitor flight deals.
Subscribing to Thrifty Traveler Premium, which costs $40 per year, can quickly pay for itself when you snag deals like these. These services are invaluable for travelers eager to capitalize on pricing mistakes or unexpected deals that may not align with their original travel plans but are too good to pass up.
The allure of error fares lies in the thrill of securing a dream destination ticket at a fraction of the cost. Airlines often honor these fares rather than retract them, adding to the excitement of stumbling upon such bargains. However, these opportunities can vanish as swiftly as they appear, requiring travelers to act fast before airlines correct the pricing errors.
To navigate this fast-paced and exhilarating world of travel deals, many rely on dedicated deal hunters who specialize in uncovering these fleeting opportunities. These experts serve as modern-day treasure hunters, guiding travelers to unexpected savings that might otherwise remain hidden in the vast landscape of online booking platforms.
Going
Renowned for uncovering wallet-friendly flights worldwide.
Free subscription available with option for premium service that quickly pays for itself.
Alerts for significant flight deals tailored to user preferences.
Secret Flying:
Specializes in detecting error fares to destinations worldwide.
Over 3 million monthly visitors rely on their updates.
Offers updates via website, email subscription, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
Airfare WatchDog:
Showcases top flight bargains on their homepage daily.
Ideal for travelers with flexible travel dates.
Provides personalized alerts based on preferred destinations.
The Flight Deal:
Covers not only flight deals but also highlights on hotels, car rentals, and credit card perks.
Offers newsletters and active updates on social media for timely steals.
Comprehensive resource for maximizing travel savings across various travel expenses.
3. Should I Use Incognito Mode to Search for fares?
The popular belief that using incognito mode while searching for flights can secure cheaper tickets is actually a misconception. Contrary to this notion, airlines do not tailor their prices based on an individual's browsing history or personal interest in a specific flight. The pricing of airline tickets is primarily influenced by broader market dynamics and factors such as overall demand for a particular flight.
Ticket prices can fluctuate due to a multitude of variables beyond just browsing habits. For instance, prices may vary based on the availability of different ticket combinations, including options with connecting flights and offerings across various booking platforms. Airlines and travel websites constantly adjust their prices based on these factors, aiming to maximize revenue while remaining competitive in the market.
Moreover, the idea that browsing in incognito mode shields users from price hikes or fluctuations is not supported by industry practices. Instead, airlines set their prices based on sophisticated algorithms that analyze real-time data on demand, seat availability, and historical booking patterns. This means that the price you see for a flight can change rapidly, influenced by factors like the number of seats already booked, upcoming travel seasons, and even global events impacting travel trends.
Understanding these nuances can empower travelers to make informed decisions when searching for flights. While incognito mode may not directly impact ticket prices, savvy travelers can still optimize their search strategies by exploring multiple booking platforms, comparing different flight options, and keeping an eye on price trends over time. By staying flexible with travel dates and destinations, travelers can often find competitive deals that align with their budget and travel preferences.
In essence, while incognito mode may not guarantee cheaper flights, it's essential for travelers to leverage their understanding of pricing dynamics and use available tools wisely to navigate the complexities of booking air travel effectively.
4. PRICE ALERT!
Want to know how to do it?
There are several websites that let you set price alerts.
My favorite ones are:
5. BE FLEXIBLE
When to Travel: Avoid peak seasons like summer holidays or Christmas, as flights tend to be more expensive during these times. Opt for traveling mid-week or during off-peak periods to secure better deals.
Where to Travel: Instead of choosing a specific destination first, consider using tools like Google Flights, Kiwi.com, Skyscanner, and Kayak to find the cheapest flights to various destinations. Utilize map views and search by "Anywhere" to discover unexpected travel opportunities at lower costs.
When to Book: Stay flexible with your booking timing. Prices can fluctuate, so monitor fares and be prepared to book when you find a good deal, rather than sticking to a fixed booking schedule.
Changing your approach to flight booking can yield significant savings. By embracing flexibility in travel dates, destinations, and booking times, you can unlock more affordable travel options and potentially explore places you hadn't considered before. Additionally, don't overlook smaller or alternative airports near your home, as they may offer substantial savings worth the slight inconvenience of additional travel time. These strategies can lead to substantial savings, making your travel dreams more accessible without compromising on experience.
6. GO LOCAL
When booking flights with an airline from another country, always check the price in the destination currency. You may discover significant price discrepancies, potentially saving hundreds of dollars. Many airlines offer cheaper fares to locals, but be cautious of additional costs such as foreign transaction fees and exchange rates imposed by your credit card.
To ensure you access local pricing and avoid unnecessary fees, consider using a VPN connection when browsing airline websites from abroad. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your online activities from unauthorized access. It allows you to appear as though you're browsing from a different country, which can sometimes unlock better deals.
Personally, I recommend AtlasVPN for VPN services. It offers both an app and a Chrome extension, with the first 500MB of data free every month. Additionally, sharing TunnelBear via Twitter earns you an extra 500MB, totaling 1GB of free data. I've used the free version for over two years without needing to upgrade, finding it reliable for securing my online transactions and accessing localized flight prices effortlessly.
7. FIND THE BEST TIME TO BOOK
To find affordable flights, it's crucial to navigate around peak travel times effectively. Here are the key factors to consider:
Cheapest Time to Fly:
The most economical periods to fly are typically:
January through mid-May
September through early December
Conversely, the most expensive times are during:
Peak summer (mid-June through mid-August)
Christmas and New Year’s holidays
However, flight costs can vary significantly depending on the destination. For instance, popular locations during peak seasons like Kyoto during cherry blossom season may not offer cheap flights even with advanced booking.
Cheapest Time to Book:
Timing your booking can also affect costs:
For peak and holiday seasons, start looking as soon as airlines release flights, typically 11-12 months in advance.
For other times:
Domestic flights: 1 to 3 months in advance
International flights: 4 to 8 months in advance
Best Day to Fly:
Historically, airlines used to release more fares on Tuesdays, prompting suggestions to book on that day. Nowadays, fares are updated continuously, diminishing the significance of a specific booking day.
Generally, flights booked on Fridays and Sundays tend to be more expensive due to high demand from both leisure and business travelers. Booking mid-week can often yield cheaper ticket prices.
By strategically planning your travel around these considerations, you can increase your chances of securing cost-effective flights and optimizing your travel budget effectively.
8. Travel Hacking?
Travel hacking involves using strategic tips, tools, and resources to score cheaper flights, discounted accommodations, and more perks during your journeys. It's about leveraging insider knowledge and smart strategies to travel farther and more frequently without breaking the bank.
How to Get Started with Travel Hacking
1. Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards
Sign up for Frequent Flyer Programs: Join airline loyalty programs to earn miles every time you fly.
Explore Travel Credit Cards: Choose cards that offer generous sign-up bonuses, miles for spending, and travel-related perks.
2. Maximize Points and Miles
Strategic Spending: Use travel credit cards for everyday expenses to accrue points and miles faster.
Redeem Wisely: Plan ahead to redeem points and miles for flights and hotel stays during peak seasons or high-cost periods.
3. Alternative Accommodations and Transportation
Consider Alternative Stays: Explore options beyond traditional hotels, such as Airbnb or vacation rentals, for cost-effective and unique accommodations.
Public Transportation and Car Rentals: Opt for local transport or car-sharing services to save on transportation costs during your stay.
Tips for Successful Travel Hacking
Start Early: Plan your trips well in advance to take advantage of early booking discounts and availability.
Stay Flexible: Being open to adjusting travel dates and destinations can lead to unexpected savings.
Monitor Trends: Stay updated on travel trends, airline promotions, and seasonal price fluctuations to make informed decisions.
Network and Share: Join travel hacking communities and forums to learn from others’ experiences and share tips.
9. “DISCOUNT” AIRLINES CAN BE AN OPTION
They are called budget airlines for a reason! If you are serious about finding the cheapest way to travel, you might have to sacrifice some comfort to save money.
So, what are you giving up?
Typically, you will have:
Less legroom
No free food and drinks
No baggage allowance
Always make sure to check the fine print with budget airlines. And consider all the extras you’ll have to pay before you buy your ticket.
Some of the extras you need to keep in mind:
Charges for checked bags (Spirit Airlines)
Fees for using debit or credit cards to pay
Printing your boarding pass
Also, remember to check the location of your departure and arrival airport. Most budget airlines fly to smaller airports further away from the town center. It’s not a good deal to save on airfare if you then have to spend the extra money to reach your true destination.
TIP: If you subscribe to airline newsletters, you will get sale information ahead of everyone else and might be able to snap a bargain. Also, by signing up to Facebook pages or Twitter feeds, you might hear about great deals.
11. JOIN THE AIRLINE’s SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS
Did you know that if you follow airlines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you might score some amazing deals?
When an airline opens a new route or has a juicy discount, they might first reveal the deals on their social media channels.
Another great way to be the first to know about cheap airfare tickets is to be part of Facebook groups in your area that specialize in travel or follow some of your favorite travel bloggers. They always seem to know about cheap flight prices before anyone else.
Now you know how to find cheap flights!
Ready for your holiday?
