Are you dreaming of exploring the world but concerned about the costs? Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank if you know how to find cheap flights and the best deals!
It is a fact that when planning travel, you will typically spend the most money on flights and accommodations.
Here’s a collection of insider tips to help you secure affordable flights and plan your trips without breaking the bank. Learn how to manage your budget efficiently and avoid unnecessary debt, so you can make your travel dreams come true.
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Be Flexible
The more flexibility you have to travel, the easier it will be for you to find a fantastic flight deal. What do I mean by that?
There are a few ways that you can be flexible:
- Travel Dates:
One of the most effective ways to find cheap flights is to be flexible with travel dates. Airlines often offer lower fares during off-peak seasons and mid-week flights. Adjusting your travel dates by 1-3 days for your departure or return can result in a few hundred dollars in savings. Use flight search engines like Google Flights, Kiwi, or Skyscanner to compare prices across dates and locations, allowing you to snag the best deals. - Planning Phase:
Typically, the most expensive time to book a flight is within three weeks before the travel date. What is the least expensive time to book the flight? Four weeks to four months before the travel date. By giving yourself ample time in the planning phase, you have more time to track flight prices and see the typical flight cost. This helps you make a more informed decision when it comes time to book the flight. - Destinations:
Some destinations experience higher demand than others during the high peak or holiday season; therefore, the flight prices are higher than others. When you are open to visiting an alternative destination, you can avoid the surge in airfare and find flights at lower prices. Popular tourist destinations tend to have higher travel costs due to increased demand. You can find more affordable accommodations and activities by choosing less crowded or off-the-beaten-path locations.
By choosing lesser-known destinations, you may have yet to consider can provide unique travel experiences without the inflated prices associated with heavily tourist areas.
Airlines frequently offer limited-time flight sales and promotions to various destinations. You can take advantage of these deals and secure discounted tickets to unexpected and exciting places by remaining flexible with your travel plans
Also, remember that exchange rates fluctuate, and being flexible with your destination may allow you to take advantage of favorable exchange rates, making your travel budget go further.
Consider booking multi-city trips or accepting layovers in other cities. Sometimes, choosing an itinerary with layovers can result in more economical flights than direct routes in exchange for some inconvenience.
Create Fare Alerts
Take advantage of great deals by setting airfare deal alerts. Constantly monitoring airfare prices can be time-consuming and stressful. With airfare alerts, you can relax and let the notifications come to you when there’s a good deal.
When you set up airfare alerts, you can take your time to compare prices and plan your trip with confidence, knowing you’ll be alerted when fares are at their most favorable.
Setting up airfare alerts empowers you to make well-informed decisions about your travel plans because they enable you to find the best prices and seize opportunities. Airfare alerts are a valuable tool for any traveler looking to save money when planning memorable adventures.
Here’s a look at how to use Google Flights to create flight alerts:
If I have a fixed destination in mind to travel to, AND I have at least 5-6 months before the trip, I like to look at what the fares are like.
Why? Because I can learn what the cost of the normal flight is and easily spot when there’s a good deal to my destination.
I will then use the power of Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices.
You can monitor prices for your selected dates or, if your travel plans are flexible, choose “Any dates.”
To manage your flight tracking or adjust email alerts:
- Navigate to Google Flights.
- In the upper left corner, click the Menu icon and choose “Tracked flight prices.”
- Review your tracked flights by selecting a route you’ve saved.
- To enable or disable email notifications, select the “Add notification” option.
- If you wish to discontinue tracking a particular route or flight, use the “Remove” button.
Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyer programs and airline rewards systems can significantly reduce the cost of flights over time. Consider joining loyalty programs offered by airlines you frequently travel with. Accumulate miles or points by flying, using co-branded credit cards, or through partner purchases to earn rewards that translate into discounted or free flights.
Once you’ve accumulated a substantial number of miles or points, you can then redeem them for discounted or free flights. Additionally, you can use your rewards to upgrade to premium cabin classes.
Enroll in Travel Credit Cards and Learn How to Travel Hack
The ultimate goal is to use miles and points to travel without taking on unnecessary debt. Travel credit cards can provide valuable benefits like travel rewards and exclusive deals, so it’s important to compare your options carefully. While a significant annual fee might seem scary, it’s worth considering whether a travel credit card aligns with your travel goals and overall financial strategy.
In 2023 I wanted to take my mom on a 3-week + trip across Europe and a cruise through the Mediterranean. Travel Hacking made it possible for me to only pay $500 for over 5 flights for 2 people. We also stayed at most hotels for free by using my miles and points.
If you’re just starting out and want a beginner-friendly overview Travel Hacking 101 is a great first step.
However, if you’re concerned about credit or prefer not to use credit cards, don’t worry—you can still travel hack. Learn How to Travel Hack Without Credit or Credit Cards to find alternative strategies that don’t require a credit card.
And if you want to maximize your budget while keeping your wanderlust alive, this post offers advanced tips on making the most out of credit card rewards without breaking the bank.
Sometimes Flying Budget Just Makes Sense
Do I like flying Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant? Absolutely not! But I recognize that sometimes the price and flight length make sense.
I have been to NYC for $58 round trip on Spirit Airlines; I flew from CLT to FLL on Allegiant for $29 and $129 (when other options were $600) for a flight from Kansas City, MO, to FLL.
What are my thresholds for choosing a budget airline over a legacy airline?
? The length of the flight is 4 hours or less.
? The savings are a minimum of $150 + (anything less than this is not worth it if you bring a carry-on or checked-in bag, as these bags cost $40+ per flight leg).
? I will not be connecting on any other flights and have some flexibility.
There are also budget airlines to Europe and other regions of the world. For a list of the most commonly used budget airlines worldwide see below. Keep in mind that budget airlines go out of business. I will try to keep this as updated as possible but you might find a budget airline has gone out of business.
Book Connecting Flights
Booking connecting flights rather than direct flights can save you money. While layovers may require more time, they present an opportunity to explore additional destinations briefly by booking a stopover. In some cases, stopovers can last up to 7 days for the same price as the flight you were already going to book. Use this to your advantage and make the most of your travels.
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Another way to book connecting flights is to book a flight to another continent, then have a second flight booked to the destination you want to visit.
What do I mean by this?
I live in South Florida, and direct flights from Miami to certain European destinations can cost over $1200. However, it is typically much easier to find a flight deal to Madrid or Paris from Miami for $350-$500 and then a flight to a desired European destination for less than $180. I have saved $500 – $700 on several routes by using this method.
One thing to note when using this method is that there are risks when you book your separate tickets in this manner. I recommend NEVER booking yourself for a layover that is less than 3 hours long.
Why? Because delays and cancellations due to bad weather, airline system shutdowns, and other things can happen.
Always ensure to buy travel insurance that covers flight cancellations and delays when doing this. Also book with a travel credit card that includes travel insurance as a benefit.
Check Alternative Airports
My closest airport is Ft Lauderdale. However, when looking for a flight deal, I will ALWAYS check the prices for routes from the other airports in my area. I check flight prices from MIA, PBI, and even MCO (even though it is 3 hours away).
I sometimes also check what it would cost to fly to positioning airports. I have sometimes flown to ATL, NYC, EWR, BOS, BWI, IAD, or DCA to take advantage of flight deals. Flights between FLL to those airports are usually below $200.
I set flight alerts for deals from all of these airports because I can usually find a cheap flight to any of these airports.
Take the Red Eye
Yes, these flights can be inconvenient, but the flights that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning often have lower fares. These flights provide an excellent opportunity to save money and maximize travel time. Red Eye flights are also less likely to be delayed or canceled.
Buy A Travel Package
Websites like Groupon, Expedia, Travelocity, Travelzoo, and others sell prepackaged itineraries that include flights and accommodations. These packages can save you money in the long run. To be completely transparent, I have never used one of these packages. You should compare the packaged prices to ensure that bundling genuinely offers a better value.
I can’t stress enough that you should spend time thoroughly reading the fine print when purchasing a travel package. Make sure to read about blackout dates (in the case of Groupon or Travelzoo deals).
Costo Travel, AARP, AAA, and other travel agencies are other places to find these packages.
Avoid Peak Travel Days
Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often less expensive than those on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, though this is only sometimes true.
Why? Because before the pandemic, most business travel would happen on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays. Be flexible with your departure and return dates to save on airfare.
If you have flexibility, you can use Google Flights or Skyscanner to see the cheapest day to fly out or return. When you enter your departure and return dates, give the website a few seconds to populate the rates. Choose the least expensive departure and return dates based on this data.
Check for Military, Student, Youth, Or Senior Citizen Discounts or Offers
If you are a member of any of these groups, exclusive discounts and offers may be available. Many airlines and travel providers have special pricing for these groups to show appreciation for their service, support educational endeavors, or cater to specific age demographics. Before booking your flights, check with the airlines directly or through specialized travel websites that offer discounts for these categories.
Remember that having a valid ID or enrollment verification may be required to qualify for these special rates.
These discounts might not always be the cheapest option, so compare prices with regular fares to ensure you get the best deal.
Thanksgiving Week Is One Of The Best Times To Fly To International Destinations
US Domestic travel during this week is chaotic at best. I typically only recommend domestic travel if you can leave earlier during the week or the weekend prior to Thanksgiving.
Why? Because every year, there are massive flight cancellations due to weather and other factors. However, you can typically find some great deals flying out of the US during this week.
My biggest tip for international travel during Thanksgiving week? Book only direct flights out of the US. If you book a flight with a layover, ensure it is somewhere outside the US.
Alternatively, flying on the holiday or the day after may also represent savings. Always check flight fares if you will be traveling around these dates.
Book Refundable Fares Or Use The 24-Hour Free Cancellation Rule Strategically
The US Department of Transportation requires that all US and non-US airlines observe this rule for flights going to, or originating in, the United States. The flight must have been booked directly with the airline at least seven days before the flight.
The 24-hour free cancellation rule allows you to lock in a great deal while giving yourself a day to double-check your plans and ensure everything aligns. Just make sure that you cancel within 24 hours if you need to. Otherwise, you will be subject to the airline’s cancellation policy.
If you book a refundable fare, you give yourself the flexibility of canceling or adjusting your itinerary without incurring hefty charges or cancellation fees. These fares cost more, but there are situations where you may find this option useful.
Book One Way and Open-Jaw Tickets Separately
Sometimes booking separate one-way tickets represents cost savings compared to a roundtrip. You can mix and match airlines and departure dates for each leg of your journey, allowing you to optimize your travel plans.
For longer trips or multiple-city trips, it may be beneficial to book open jaw tickets.
Compare these prices to these tickets separately vs. using the multicity option in Google Flights.
What is an open-jaw ticket?
An open-jaw ticket is one where the origin and destination are different. For instance, if you plan to fly from City A to City B, then travel overland or take another flight from City B to City C, an open-jaw ticket can accommodate this multi-city itinerary.
For example, if you fly from Miami (City A) to Rome (City B), then travel by train from Rome to Milan (City C), and then fly back to Miami from Milan, you would be using an open-jaw ticket. This type of ticket is particularly useful for travelers who plan to visit multiple destinations but don’t want to backtrack to their original arrival city.
Use Services That Send Mistake Fares, Flight Deals, and Promotions Straight to Your Email
Multiple websites charge a fee to email you airfare deals departing from airports you select when you sign up. The services are cost-effective compared to the savings they can represent when taking advantage of an airfare deal.
My current favorites are:
Going (previously known as Scotts Cheap Flights): This service provides flight deals departing from your preferred airport and can help you discover affordable fares to your dream destinations.
Thrifty Traveler: focuses on premium economy and business class flight deals, making luxury travel more accessible for savvy travelers. They also notify you when Delta has promotions for using Skymiles more efficiently.
Mochileando: This service caters to Spanish-speaking travelers, offering deals and promotions to Spanish-speaking countries and beyond.
Airlines make mistakes and advertise error fares from time to time. They typically last only a short time, so if you see one you would like to book… RUN! Don’t think about it twice!
Things to keep in mind about error fares:
- Be Prepared for Changes or Cancellations: Understand that mistake fares may be subject to changes or cancellations by the airline. Only make non-refundable plans once your booking is confirmed.
- Consider Travel Insurance: Depending on the value of your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or disruptions. For additional savings, buy the flight with a credit card that includes these types of insurance.
- Refrain from Relying on Mistake Fares for Important Events: Avoid relying on mistake fares for crucial events or time-sensitive travel, as the airline may cancel the booking.
Want to Become a Flight Deal Expert?
As you can see from these tips, finding cheap flights can be as easy as using a specialized service or putting in some time and effort. By staying flexible, using rewards miles and points, and being mindful of spending, you can embark on your dream adventures without incurring unnecessary debt.
But guess what? We’re just scratching the surface of the money-saving iceberg!
Buckle up, because in the coming weeks, I will be sharing some seriously juicy advanced topics to help you find cheap flights:
- Cracking the code to airline alliances for maximum savings
- Tech Tools: Using VPNs and other tools to unlock secret deals
- Seasonal secrets: The best times to book for your favorite destinations
Remember, travel is more accessible than we’ve been led to believe. Before you dash off to book your next bargain flight, I’d love to hear from you, ave you scored any amazing deals using these tips?
If you want these advanced strategies and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter. Your next adventure might be just a click away!
Resource List
Here is a list of other posts that might be beneficial to you on your solo travel journey:
If this is your first time considering solo travel, you might find my Guide to Solo Travel helpful. It covers everything from planning your first trip to navigating cultural expectations.
And if you’re curious about what solo travel is really like, Why Latinas Should Never Solo Travel offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the myths and realities of hitting the road alone.
For those just starting out, you might also enjoy my Beginner’s Guide to Travel Hacking – it’s a great way to make those solo adventures more affordable and accessible.
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