The Secret to Scoring Cheap Flights: Insider Tips Airlines Don’t Want You to Know

Cheap flights tips

Table of content

  • 8:38 min

  • 0 comments
  • 23 Sep 2024
  • Elias J.

Introduction

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If you’ve ever booked a flight only to see the price drop days later, you’re not alone. Most travelers unknowingly overpay for flights, missing out on cheaper options due to hidden airline strategies. But the good news? Scoring cheap flights isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing the right tricks and tools to get the best deals.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into insider secrets airlines don’t want you to know, including how to use fare comparison tools, when to book, and how to maximize miles and rewards points. Follow these strategies, and you’ll be able to fly more often and for less.

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Section 1: The Power of Fare Comparison Tools

Use Multiple Flight Search Engines

Not all flight search engines display the same prices. Some platforms have access to exclusive deals with airlines, while others may not include budget airlines at all. To ensure you’re getting the lowest fare, always compare multiple flight search engines.

  • Popular tools: Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo, and Kayak are among the best for comparing prices across airlines. Skyscanner, for example, can show prices from both traditional and budget airlines, while Google Flights offers a user-friendly calendar view that displays the cheapest days to fly.
  • Pro tip: When searching for flights, always check multiple platforms. One site may have hidden fees or not include certain airlines, so don’t rely on just one search engine.

Explore Hidden Cities with Flight Hacking

“Hidden city” ticketing is a clever trick where you book a cheaper flight with a layover at your actual destination. Rather than taking the final leg of the journey, you simply exit at your layover stop.

  • How to find these fares: Use platforms like Skiplagged, which specializes in finding hidden city fares. For example, a flight from New York to Miami with a layover in Orlando might be cheaper than booking a direct flight to Orlando.
  • Pro tip: Only try this if you’re traveling with carry-on luggage. If you check a bag, it will end up at the final destination of the ticket, not your layover stop.

Set Fare Alerts for Price Drops

Want to be notified when the price of your desired flight drops? Fare alerts allow you to track flights over time and get notifications when prices fall.

  • How to set alerts: Use tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner to set up fare alerts. Enter your route and let the tool track price changes for you.
  • Pro tip: Start tracking prices a few months before your trip and book when the price dips below the average fare for that route.

Section 2: Timing Is Everything—When to Book and Fly

The Best Days to Book Flights

Believe it or not, the day you book your flight can significantly affect the price. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, and certain days of the week consistently offer cheaper fares.

  • When to book: Research shows that Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are the best times to find cheap flights, as airlines often release new deals midweek.
  • Pro tip: Avoid booking flights over the weekend. Airlines know that more people are shopping for flights on Saturdays and Sundays, so prices tend to be higher.

The Best Days to Fly for Lower Fares

Not only does the day you book matter, but the day you fly can also impact the price. Avoiding peak travel days is a surefire way to snag a deal.

  • When to fly: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to fly. These are less popular travel days, so airlines lower prices to fill seats.
  • Pro tip: Use the Google Flights calendar view to quickly identify the cheapest days to fly. By selecting flexible dates, you can easily see which departure days offer the best deals.

Book at the Right Time for Maximum Savings

Airlines regularly adjust prices based on demand, and booking your flight too early or too late can cost you. So, when is the sweet spot?

  • Optimal booking window: For domestic flights, aim to book 1-3 months in advance. For international flights, 4-6 months ahead of time is the best window to score deals. Booking too far in advance or too close to your departure date tends to result in higher prices.
  • Pro tip: If you’re feeling risky, keep an eye out for last-minute deals. Airlines sometimes drop prices on unsold seats just days before departure, but this is hit-or-miss and works best for flexible travelers.

Section 3: Take Advantage of Rewards Points and Airline Miles

Maximize Frequent Flyer Programs

Frequent flyer programs are an easy way to save money on future flights. Even if you don’t travel often, signing up for an airline’s rewards program is a no-brainer since you’ll accumulate miles with every flight.

  • How to sign up: It’s free to join most frequent flyer programs, and you can earn points by flying, using an airline’s credit card, or shopping with their partners.
  • Pro tip: Many airlines belong to global alliances, like Star Alliance or OneWorld, so you can earn and redeem miles across multiple airlines. Make sure to accumulate miles even when flying with partner airlines.

Use Airline Credit Cards for Extra Perks

Airline credit cards can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. These cards allow you to earn miles on everyday purchases, and many come with additional perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

  • Benefits: Sign-up bonuses can be generous, often giving you enough miles for a free flight just by meeting the minimum spending requirement. These cards also allow you to accumulate miles faster compared to standard rewards credit cards.
  • Pro tip: Use airline credit cards for large purchases or everyday expenses to maximize your miles. Just make sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.

Combine Points from Multiple Sources

If you have points from various programs, many allow you to transfer points to your airline’s frequent flyer program.

  • How to transfer points: Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards let you transfer points to multiple airline partners. This can help you top off your frequent flyer account for a free flight.
  • Pro tip: Use tools like AwardHacker to find the best deals on redeeming miles or transferring points. This can help you determine the best value for your miles.

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Section 4: Hacks Airlines Don’t Want You to Know

Clear Your Browser Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Airlines may increase prices based on your browsing history. If you’ve repeatedly searched for the same flight, you may notice prices rising the next time you check.

  • How to avoid price increases: Clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights. This prevents airlines from tracking your searches and artificially raising prices based on your interest (this method may be outdated now though).
  • Pro tip: Always compare flight prices from a fresh browser session to avoid inflated fares.

Book One-Way Tickets Instead of Round Trips

Booking round-trip flights is often seen as the standard, but that’s not always the cheapest option. Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets can save you money.

  • How to find these deals: Use tools like Kayak Explore to search for the cheapest one-way flights. This lets you mix and match airlines to find the lowest fare for each leg of your journey.
  • Pro tip: Always compare round-trip and one-way tickets before booking. Combining different airlines for your outbound and return flights can lead to major savings.

Leverage Airline Error Fares

Occasionally, airlines post flight prices by mistake, offering ultra-cheap fares. These “error fares” don’t last long, but if you act fast, you can score a massive deal.

  • How to find them: Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Fly4Free specialize in spotting error fares. Subscribe to their newsletters or follow them on social media to stay in the loop.
  • Pro tip: If you find an error fare, book it immediately. Airlines often correct these mistakes within hours, but many will honor the price if you’ve already secured your ticket.
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Section 5: Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Fly from Alternate Airports

Flying from or to alternate airports can save you a significant amount of money. Major hubs tend to have higher prices due to higher demand, while smaller, regional airports often offer cheaper fares.

  • How to find alternate airports: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for flights from nearby airports. Sometimes a short drive or train ride to a smaller airport can save you hundreds.
  • Pro tip: When searching for flights, look for alternate airports on both ends of your trip for maximum savings.

Mix and Match Airlines

Sticking to one airline for your entire journey may not always be the most cost-effective option. Instead, mix and match airlines to find the cheapest combination.

  • Tools to use: Platforms like Kiwi.com or Kayak allow you to combine flights from different airlines, potentially saving you a lot on your trip.
  • Pro tip: If mixing airlines, make sure you leave enough time between flights to account for possible delays, especially if you need to collect and recheck luggage.
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Consider Budget Airlines and Baggage Fees

Budget airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and Frontier offer incredibly cheap fares but often charge extra for services like checked luggage, seat selection, or even carry-on bags.

  • How to save: If you pack light and avoid extra services, budget airlines can be a great way to save money. Make sure you know the airline’s baggage policies before booking to avoid any surprises.
  • Pro tip: Some budget airlines offer fare classes that include checked baggage or seat selection at a discount when bundled. Look for these options if you know you’ll need them.
Cheap flight tips infographic
Cheap flight tips infographic.

Conclusion

Scoring cheap flights is easier than you think when you know the insider secrets airlines don’t want you to know. By using fare comparison tools, booking at the right times, maximizing rewards points, and leveraging clever hacks, you can save hundreds on flights and travel more often.

Try these strategies for your next trip, and let us know in the comments if you have any flight-saving tips of your own! Happy travels!

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