5 Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Flights

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Finding the best deals on flights can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the ins and outs of air travel. However, with a little bit of research and some insider knowledge, it is possible to save a significant amount of money on flights. Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these 5 tips can help you find the best deals on flights and make your travel budget go further.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when searching for flight deals is to be flexible. This means being open to different travel dates and times, as well as different airports. For example, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. Additionally, flying into a smaller airport near your destination can sometimes be cheaper than flying into a major airport. By being flexible, you can increase your chances of finding a great deal on your flight.

Do you need to plan ahead?

Absolutely!

Planning ahead can make a big difference when it comes to finding the best deals on flights.

Here are some tips to help you plan ahead for your next trip.

Book Early

One of the best ways to save money on flights is to book early.

According to travel experts, booking your flight at least 3-4 months in advance can help you get the best deals.

This is especially true if you’re traveling during peak season or holidays, when prices tend to go up.

Be Flexible with Dates

Another way to save money on flights is to be flexible with your travel dates.

If you’re able to travel during off-peak times, such as weekdays or shoulder seasons, you’re more likely to find cheaper flights.

Use a flexible date search tool to compare prices across a range of dates and find the cheapest option.

In addition to being flexible with your travel dates, consider being flexible with your destination as well.

If you’re open to exploring new places, you may be able to find great deals on flights to lesser-known destinations.

Other Planning Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you plan ahead and save money on flights:

• Set up price alerts for your desired flight routes to get notified when prices drop.
• Consider bundling your flight with a hotel or rental car to save even more.
• Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for future flights.
• Check for student or military discounts if applicable.
• Consider flying into a nearby airport and taking public transportation or renting a car to get to your final destination.

By planning ahead and being flexible, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on flights.

Keep these tips in mind when booking your next trip to save money and make the most of your travel budget.

Comparison Shopping

This is so important!

Comparison shopping is one of the most effective ways to find the best deals on flights.

By comparing prices across various airlines and travel sites, travelers can save significant amounts of money on airfare.

Here are some tips on how to comparison shop effectively:

Use Flight Search Engines

Flight search engines like KAYAK, Skyscanner, Google Flights, Hopper, and my personal favorite, Scott’s Cheap Flights, are great tools for comparing prices across multiple airlines and travel sites.

These search engines allow travelers to input their travel dates and destination and then search for the best deals on flights.

Some search engines even allow travelers to set up price alerts (Hopper and Google Flights), so they can be notified when the price for a particular flight drops.

Check Budget Airlines

Budget airlines are another great option for finding cheap flights.

I recently went on a trip for $67 round trip with a carry-on and seat selection through Frontier.

Although Frontier isn’t my preferred company, it worked out that I only needed a backpack, and the flights were non-stop, which made this an easy choice!

These airlines often offer lower prices than traditional airlines, but they may charge extra fees for things like baggage and seat selection. Some popular budget airlines include Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines.

Sign Up for Airline Newsletters

Many airlines offer exclusive deals and promotions to subscribers of their email newsletters. By signing up for these newsletters, travelers can stay up-to-date on the latest deals and promotions and save money on airfare. Some airlines also offer loyalty programs that provide additional discounts and perks to frequent flyers.

Comparison shopping is a great way to find the best deals on flights. By using flight search engines, checking budget airlines, and signing up for airline newsletters, travelers can save significant amounts of money on airfare.

Consider Alternative Airports

One effective way to find the best deals on flights is to consider alternative airports. While it may be more convenient to fly in and out of the main airport in a city, flying into or out of a nearby airport could save you a significant amount of money.

For example, if you’re planning a trip to New York City, you might find that flying into Newark Liberty International Airport or LaGuardia Airport is less expensive than flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport. Similarly, if you’re traveling to San Francisco, you might save money by flying into Oakland International Airport instead of San Francisco International Airport.

To determine if flying into an alternative airport is a good option for you, use a flight search engine that allows you to search for flights to multiple airports at once. Some popular options include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.

When considering alternative airports, keep in mind that you may need to factor in transportation costs to get to your final destination. For example, if you fly into an airport that is farther away from your hotel or other accommodations, you may need to pay for a taxi or rental car to get there.

Overall, considering alternative airports can be an effective way to save money on your next flight. By using a flight search engine and weighing the costs of transportation to your final destination, you can make an informed decision about which airport to fly into or out of.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is to travel during off-peak seasons. Off-peak seasons are the times of year when fewer people are traveling, and airlines lower their prices to attract more customers. By choosing to travel during these times, travelers can save hundreds of dollars on their flights.

Off-peak seasons vary depending on the destination, but generally, they occur during the shoulder seasons, which are the periods between the high and low seasons. For example, in Europe, the shoulder seasons are typically from April to May and September to October. In the Caribbean, the shoulder seasons are from mid-April to mid-December.

Traveling during off-peak seasons not only saves money but also offers several other benefits. For one, there are fewer crowds, which means travelers can enjoy their destination without having to fight through crowds of tourists. Additionally, hotels and other accommodations are often cheaper during off-peak seasons, making it easier to find affordable lodging.

Travelers can use various tools and websites to find the best deals on flights during off-peak seasons. Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak allow travelers to search for flights by month, making it easy to see which times of year are the cheapest to travel. Additionally, travelers can sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites to receive notifications when prices drop.

In conclusion, traveling during off-peak seasons is an excellent way to save money on flights and enjoy a destination without the crowds. By using the right tools and websites, travelers can find the best deals and make the most of their travel budget.

Take Advantage of Rewards Programs

One of the best ways to save money on flights is to take advantage of rewards programs offered by airlines and credit card companies. These programs allow travelers to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.

Many airlines also offer co-branded credit cards that allow cardholders to earn additional points or miles on everyday purchases.

A great choice is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. When booking through the Chase app or website, users get five times the amount of points per dollar for anything travel related.

This includes flights, accommodations, rental cars, and excursions.

Not to mention, when you sign up, you automatically receive 100,00+ points, which equates to about $1200 you can redeem towards travel expenses. Check out my other post 4 Airport Hacks For Easier Travel to learn more about this!

These cards often come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access, making them a great option for frequent travelers.

For example, with an American Express Platinum card, you can access the Delta Sky Lounge in any airport when flying Delta.

Please remember to read the fine print when signing up for rewards programs or credit cards!

Some may have annual fees or restrictions on how points can be redeemed.

Overall, taking advantage of rewards programs can be a great way to save money on flights and enjoy additional perks while traveling.

By being strategic and informed, travelers can make the most of these programs and stretch their travel budget even further.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best deals on flights requires some effort and flexibility. The key is to be open to different destinations, dates, and airlines. By using online tools such as Google Flights and Scott’s Cheap Flights, travelers can compare prices and find the best deals.

It is also important to be aware of peak travel seasons and holidays, as prices tend to be higher during these times. Being flexible with travel dates can also lead to significant savings. Travelers can take advantage of mid-week flights and red-eye flights, which are often less expensive.

Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and loyalty programs can provide access to exclusive deals and discounts. Travelers can also consider using credit card rewards programs to earn points and miles towards future flights.

Overall, finding the best deals on flights requires some research, flexibility, and willingness to take advantage of deals and discounts when they arise. By following these tips and staying vigilant, travelers can save money and make the most of their travel experiences.