How to Find Cheap Flights: 15 Expert Tips

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How to Find Cheap Flights (It's Easier Than You Think!)

Flight tickets
Airfares can be confusing at times, especially when you see the price of the same flight jump just a few days apart – frustrating, right? But don’t worry, There are simple strategies to help you find cheap airline tickets. In fact, it might be easier than you think.

1. Use Google Flights for Flexible Dates

Google Flights is one of my go-to flight booking websites because it lets you compare flights from various airlines with ease. You can set up price alerts, track changes in flight fares, and view price trends to find the cheapest flights available.
  • Price Tracking: Google Flights allows you to set alerts for your preferred airline tickets. Once set, it’ll notify you when prices drop, helping you grab the deal.
  • Flexible Dates: With flexible dates, you’ll see the lowest fares for your destination. Google cheap flights easily by browsing dates with the lowest airline ticket prices.
  • Price Trends:Look at price trends to avoid high costs. Google will notify you if the prices are expected to rise or if it’s a good time to book.

2) Use Skyscanner Efficiently

Skyscanner is another amazing platform to help you find cheap flights. You can use it to search across multiple months and find the cheapest flights for any given route.
    • Cheapest Time Feature: This feature tells you when it’s best to fly, giving you insights on when to book budget flights for maximum savings.
    • Price Trends: Use the All Month or Cheapest Month option to compare when cheap fares are available and plan accordingly for a low-cost flight.
Skycanner Cheapest Month

3) Set Up Google Alerts for Discounted Flights

If you’re not using Google Alerts, you’re missing out! This free tool notifies you as soon as flight deals are available. The keywords I set up in Google Alerts helped me find a great deal on a trip to Albania. I was able to find an affordable ticket and explore this amazing country.
      • Keyword Alerts: Set alerts for keywords like “cheap flight deals” or “budget tickets,” and get notifications directly to your inbox whenever relevant offers are posted.
      • Custom Frequency: Choose between daily, weekly, or monthly alerts, depending on your urgency to find cheap airline tickets.
Google alerts

4) Use Google Trends to Track Flight Price Fluctuations

Use Google Trends to Track Flight Price Fluctuations. Google Trends can provide you with valuable insights into when cheap airfares are available for your desired destination.
      • Demand and Price Trends: By tracking search volume patterns, you can identify when demand drops, helping you find cheaper flights during off-peak seasons.
      • Avoid Peak Travel Periods: Use Google Trends to monitor peak times, like holidays, which often lead to increased prices for flight tickets.
google trends

5) Clear Your Cookies and Use Multiple Browsers

Clear Your Cookies and Use Multiple Browsers. Sometimes, your browser’s cookies and cache can impact the prices you see when looking for cheap tickets.
      • Price Increases from Cookies: Websites may raise prices based on your past searches. Clearing your cookies ensures you get a fair chance at seeing the lowest prices.
      • Use Different Browsers: Try using different browsers or incognito modes to check if you’re being shown cheaper flight tickets.

6) Use VPN!

Flight prices can vary based on your location due to airlines showing different prices depending on your IP address. To find cheaper flights, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your location and appear as if you’re booking from a different country. I personally use Proton VPN to connect to servers in various countries and score better deals on flights. Try using a VPN to save money on your next trip!

7) Fly Using Points and Miles

Airlines love rewarding frequent flyers with points and miles! When I went digital nomad, I dove into loyalty programs like a pro—and it totally paid off. You can earn points from flights, hotel bookings, and car rentals. So, why pay full price when you can use your points and travel for less? Get ready for a free flight or two!

8) Make Finding Cheap Flights a Habit!

Looking to explore more destinations? Make finding cheap flights a daily habit! It’s easier than you think and saves you money in the long run. Spend just 15-20 minutes searching for deals over your morning coffee – you might snag a 30% discount! Or, skip chatting with coworkers during lunch and use that time to plan your next getaway. Small changes, big savings – your next adventure is closer than you think!

9) Sign up for Email Newsletters from the Best Flight Websites!

This is truly one of the best things you can do. Sign up for e-newsletters from aviation websites and have them send you emails.
The best flight sites I follow:

10) Consider Connecting Flights!

Booking connecting flights lets you compare prices from different airlines for the same route, saving money. Always check the airport for your layover. If it’s large, ensure you have 2-3 hours to transfer—flights can be delayed, and big airports take time to navigate. Giving yourself extra time reduces stress and makes the trip smoother.

11) Download Mobile Apps to Your Phone!

I highly recommend downloading the mobile apps of ticketing companies to your phone to make managing your travel plans easier and faster. Thanks to the apps I installed, I was able to score a cheap ticket to Georgia and welcomed 2025 in Batumi – it was amazing! These apps not only make booking tickets more convenient, but they also give you access to exclusive offers and discounts. Most companies offer special deals just for app users, so you can save money on your travels.

12) How to Find and Track Mistake Fares to Save Big on Flights

Travel enthusiasts know the secret: error fares! Sometimes airlines make mistakes that lead to massive price drops. Spotting these can get you to your dream destination for a fraction of the cost. Use apps and websites to track price drops and set alerts for your routes. Social media and travel forums are also great for staying updated on these deals!
    • Secret Flying: A popular platform that frequently posts error fare alerts.
    • Scott’s Cheap Flights: Another trusted site offering great deals and error fare notifications.
    • Fly4Free: Known for sharing error fares and low-cost flight opportunities.
    • TravelPirates: A great source for affordable flight deals and vacation packages.
    • AirfareWatchdog: A site that specializes in finding and tracking the best flight deals.

13) Consider One-Way Tickets for Better Savings

Sometimes, one-way tickets are cheaper than round-trip tickets, especially when flying with different airlines. By booking two separate one-way flights, you can compare prices and potentially save more. This option also offers flexibility and better deals if you’re open to flying with different carriers. Always compare the costs before booking!

14) Avoid Expensive Travel Days

Flight prices often spike on weekends and holidays, making it tough to find cheap deals. For the best prices, fly on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when prices are generally lower. Planning trips during off-peak days boosts your chances of snagging a great deal and saves money. Mid-week flights are key for finding affordable tickets!

15) Check for Student Discounts

Many airlines offer special discounts for students or young travelers, helping you find budget-friendly flights. Student Flight Deals: Websites like STUDENT Universe provide discounted flights for students, young travelers, and teachers, making travel more affordable! Don’t miss out on these deals when booking your next trip!