Airfare is often the biggest single cost of a trip, and prices for the same seat can vary enormously depending on when and how you book. The good news is that finding cheap flights is a skill, not luck. With the right tools and a little flexibility, you can save a significant amount on almost any route. Here are 20 proven tricks that frequent travellers use.
How Airline Pricing Works
Airlines use dynamic pricing. Each flight has several fare "buckets" at different prices. As cheaper seats sell out, prices rise. Prices also change based on demand, season, competition, day of the week and how close to departure you book. Understanding this helps you book at the right moment.
Be Flexible
1. Be Flexible With Dates
Flying a day or two earlier or later can make a big difference. Use flexible-date and calendar views on search engines to see the cheapest days at a glance.
2. Fly Midweek
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays, when demand from business and weekend travellers peaks. This varies by route, so always compare.
3. Travel in Shoulder Season
The weeks just before and after peak season often offer lower fares, fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
4. Be Flexible With Destinations
If you just want a getaway, use "explore" or "everywhere" searches on tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak to find the cheapest places to fly from your airport.
5. Consider Alternative Airports
Many cities have multiple airports. Smaller or secondary airports nearby can offer much cheaper fares, especially with budget airlines. Factor in the cost and time of getting to and from the airport.
Use the Right Tools
6. Compare on Flight Search Engines
Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak and Momondo search many airlines and agents at once. Compare several before booking.
7. Set Price Alerts
Most search engines let you track prices on a route and email you when fares drop. This is one of the easiest ways to catch a deal.
8. Check the Airline Directly
After finding a good fare on a search engine, check the airline's own website. It's sometimes cheaper, and booking direct makes changes and refunds easier.
9. Search in Private or Incognito Mode (and Compare)
There's debate about whether search history affects prices, but checking in a private window and on different devices costs nothing and helps you compare fairly.
10. Follow Deal Websites and Newsletters
Flight deal newsletters and social accounts share error fares and flash sales. Deals can disappear quickly, so be ready to book.
Book Smart
11. Book at the Right Time
There's no single perfect day to book, but booking too late usually costs more. As a rough guide, many travellers find good prices a few months ahead for international trips and one to three months ahead for short-haul flights. Book further ahead for peak seasons and holidays. Read our guide on the best time to book flights.
12. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers can be much cheaper, but read the fine print. Fees for bags, seat selection and even printing boarding passes can add up. Compare the total cost.
13. Travel Light
Travelling with just a carry-on avoids checked bag fees and speeds up your journey. Our packing list guide shows how to pack efficiently.
14. Try Separate One-Way Tickets
Two one-way tickets, possibly on different airlines, can sometimes be cheaper than a return. Be aware that if one flight is delayed, the other airline won't be responsible for your missed connection.
15. Consider Layovers
Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. A flight with one stop can save a lot, and a long layover can even become a mini-trip.
16. Use Student, Youth or Senior Discounts
Some airlines and agencies offer discounts for students, young travellers and seniors.
17. Book Package Deals
Flight and hotel packages can sometimes cost less than booking separately, especially for popular holiday destinations.
Use Points and Rewards
18. Join Frequent Flyer Programmes
Membership is free. Even occasional travellers can earn points towards discounted or free flights, especially by sticking to one airline alliance.
19. Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards Responsibly
Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and points for everyday spending. Only use them if you pay the balance in full each month; interest charges will cancel any savings. See our guide to improving your credit score.
20. Check Price Drops After Booking
Some airlines offer credit if the price drops after you book, and some bookings can be cancelled free within 24 hours depending on the airline and country. Check the rules for your ticket.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing cheap flights, factor in:
- checked and carry-on baggage fees,
- seat selection fees,
- airport transfer costs,
- meals and drinks onboard,
- payment card fees,
- change and cancellation fees.
A slightly more expensive fare with bags included can be better value.
Example: How Flexibility Saves Money
Imagine you want to fly from Lagos to London for a week. Searching fixed dates on a Friday in August might show a high fare. Switching to a Tuesday departure in late September, flying into a secondary London airport and taking a one-stop route could reduce the price considerably. Setting a price alert two to three months out lets you book when the fare dips.
Cheap Flights Checklist
- Compared flexible dates in calendar view
- Checked nearby and alternative airports
- Searched multiple flight search engines
- Set price alerts
- Checked the airline's website directly
- Calculated total cost including bags and seats
- Considered one-stop flights
- Used any available points or discounts
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights comes down to flexibility, comparison and timing. Use calendar views, set price alerts, consider alternative airports and budget airlines (while watching extra fees), and book in the sweet spot before prices rise. With these tricks, you'll spend less on getting there and more on enjoying your trip. For more ways to save, read our guide to travelling on a budget.
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