How to Find Cheap Flights
Insider Tricks That Work
✈️ Love to travel but hate expensive flight prices? You’re not alone! The good news is that finding cheap flights isn’t about luck — it’s about knowing how the system works. With the right tools and timing, you can score amazing airfare deals anywhere in the world.
This guide reveals proven insider tricks to find cheap flights, perfect for first-time travelers and budget adventurers alike.
1. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
The biggest secret to cheap flights? Flexibility. Airfare prices change daily based on demand, holidays, and seasons.
- Use Google Flights or Skyscanner’s “Explore” feature to see the cheapest destinations by month.
- Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays — they’re often the cheapest days to travel.
- Try searching for flights one day before or after your ideal date — small changes can save big money.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid flying during holidays and weekends when demand spikes.
2. Use Flight Search Engines Like a Pro
Don’t rely on just one site. Each search engine has its own pricing algorithms and partnerships.
- Google Flights – Best for quick comparisons
- Skyscanner – Great for flexible date searches
- Momondo – Finds lesser-known cheap airlines
- Kayak Explore – Shows deals by region or theme
Open each in incognito mode to avoid cookies tracking your searches and inflating prices.
3. Set Price Alerts and Book at the Right Time
Flight prices fluctuate constantly, so timing matters.
- Set alerts with Skyscanner or Hopper to track fare changes.
- On average, the best time to book is 6–8 weeks before domestic and 2–3 months before international trips.
- Use Google Flights price graph to predict trends.
📅 Tip: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons often show lower fares.
4. Consider Nearby Airports and One-Way Deals
Flying into a nearby airport can save you hundreds of dollars — especially in major cities.
- Search “nearby airports” in Google Flights to compare options.
- Combine one-way tickets from different airlines (sometimes cheaper than round trips).
- Use open-jaw tickets — arrive in one city, depart from another — to explore more for less.
5. Join Airline Programs and Use Points
Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, loyalty programs can unlock major savings.
- Sign up for free with major airlines to earn miles on every trip.
- Use credit card points to redeem free or discounted flights.
- Subscribe to newsletters like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Secret Flying for deal alerts.
6. Fly Budget Airlines (But Read the Fine Print)
Low-cost carriers can be a goldmine for savings — but be careful with add-ons.
- Book directly through the airline’s website for the lowest fares.
- Always check baggage fees and seat selection costs.
- Bring your own snacks and download entertainment in advance.
✈️ Popular budget airlines: Ryanair, Wizz Air, AirAsia, Spirit, and Jetstar.
7. Clear Your Cookies and Use VPNs
Some websites raise prices if they detect repeated searches from your browser or location.
- Search in incognito/private mode.
- Try changing your location using a VPN — prices can differ by country.
- Compare results in different currencies to spot hidden discounts.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. By staying flexible, comparing smartly, and using the right tools, you can travel farther for less.
Next step: Start tracking prices today and set alerts for your dream destinations — your next affordable adventure is just a few clicks away.
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Published: October 14, 2025
