Fly More, Pay Less: The Art Of Finding Cheap Flights With These Expert Hacks

Air travel can be expensive, but with the right strategies, you can save money and find a cheap airplane ticket. Whether you're planning a vacation or traveling for business, getting a good deal on airfare is important!

Look at these cheap ticket hacks and consider incorporating them into your future travel plans.

If Possible, Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Airlines typically charge more for weekend flights, so consider traveling on weekdays.

ulises-guareschi-corvetto-6hvIzRw93MY-unsplash
Ulises Guareschi Corvetto/Unsplash
Ulises Guareschi Corvetto/Unsplash

Of course, this hack depends on why you are traveling. If it is for business, this might be a bit more difficult than if it were for a fun vacation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Different Comparison Sites And Price Alerts

ADVERTISEMENT

Websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak can help you compare prices across multiple airlines to find the cheapest option.

erik-odiin-jbQvJx2EWnU-unsplash
Erik Odiin/Unsplash
Erik Odiin/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

To up your cheap travel game further, gather prices from all those sites and throw them into Hopper. This particular site will alert you when the cheapest time to purchase is!

ADVERTISEMENT

Secret Flying Error Fare

ADVERTISEMENT

Secret Flying is a website that exposes error fares posted by airlines.

ADVERTISEMENT
jeshoots-com-mSESwdMZr-A-unsplash
Jeshoots/Unsplash
Jeshoots/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

These extremely low fares are accidents posted by the airlines, but Secret Flying catches them, posts them, and allows people to book flights before the airline realizes their error.

ADVERTISEMENT

Book In Advance. Way, Way In Advance

ADVERTISEMENT

This might not be a new thought process for seasoned travelers, but it is still worth mentioning to those who don't get on an airplane frequently.

ADVERTISEMENT
phil-mosley-wOK2f2stPDg-unsplash
Phil Mosley/Unsplash
Phil Mosley/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper the ticket will be. So, think about booking at least a few months in advance of your trip.

ADVERTISEMENT

Check For Promotional Deals

ADVERTISEMENT

Like retail shops, sometimes promotional deals fly by without people realizing it. So you don't miss out on a chance for a discounted ticket, keep these things in mind:

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-xuDzMbM6-GA-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Keep an eye out for deals and promotions offered by airlines, travel agencies, and credit card companies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Incognito Window Or A Private Browsing Mode

ADVERTISEMENT

Data and search histories really are not private anymore. Airlines are able to see what a person is looking up and, from there, bump up their prices.

ADVERTISEMENT
danila-hamsterman-IVf9nHIutgA-unsplash
Danila Hamsterman/Unsplash
Danila Hamsterman/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

So you don't fall privy to the jacked-up prices, think about searching for plane tickets in an incognito window or a private browsing mode.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sign Up For Newsletters

ADVERTISEMENT

While many people aren't too keen on signing up for newsletters of any kind, they should begin thinking about airline newsletters.

ADVERTISEMENT
omar-prestwich-FCM4k7LcggU-unsplash
Omar Prestwich/Unspalsh
Omar Prestwich/Unspalsh
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The reason is sometimes airlines will give special promotional deals solely to the people who get their newsletters.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fly On Budget Airlines

ADVERTISEMENT

Budget airlines may not offer as many amenities as major airlines, but they often have significantly lower prices than some of the major commercial and international airlines.

ADVERTISEMENT
Ryanair Announces New Flights Across European Cities
Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Airlines such as RyanAir, AirAsia, and EasyJet are some budget airlines people look at for cheaper tickets. Remember, these three examples only fly out of certain parts of the world!

ADVERTISEMENT

Think About A Layover

ADVERTISEMENT

Yes, layovers can be a drag, and people who are flying typically just want to get to their destination without stopping at an "in-between" airport. Alas, sometimes we have to do things we don't want to in the name of saving money.

ADVERTISEMENT
ave-calvar-vgGU-dJauZw-unsplash
Ave Calvar/Unsplash
Ave Calvar/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Typically, airplane tickets are cheaper if there is a layover involved. The longer, the cheaper.

ADVERTISEMENT

Off-Peak Hours Are Harder, But Cheaper

ADVERTISEMENT

Red-eye flights and those in the early hours of the morning might not be fun to get to, but they are typically cheaper.

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-DYQuBUuSpAo-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

This is what some people call a luxury tax -- a majority of people will want to fly during the late afternoon or early evening so they don't have to wake up at an early hour or sleep on a plane.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use Airline-Specific Credit Cards

ADVERTISEMENT

Depending on the credit card, there are some that will give the holder airline-specific perks.

ADVERTISEMENT
Lufthansa cerdit card
Lino Mirgeler/picture alliance via Getty Images
Lino Mirgeler/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Some airline credit cards offer perks such as free checked bags and priority boarding, which can save you money in the long run.

ADVERTISEMENT

Check For Student Or Senior Discounts

ADVERTISEMENT

If you are a student or considered a senior, then there are some airline and fare perks that are designated specifically for you.

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-Q0gNKKSP4aE-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

And for those under the age of 26 (even if you're not a student), StudentVerse is a great website that offers discounted fares, promo codes on flights, and other perks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use A VPN

ADVERTISEMENT

A VPN is a virtual private network.

ADVERTISEMENT
christin-hume-hBuwVLcYTnA-unsplash
Christin Hume/Unsplash
Christin Hume/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Using a VPN to change your location can help you search for flights from different countries, which may have cheaper prices than the country you're in.

ADVERTISEMENT

Book Two One-Way Tickets Instead Of A Round-Trip

ADVERTISEMENT

Booking two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket may be cheaper in some cases.

ADVERTISEMENT
krakenimages-FywFo9bHbLo-unsplash
Krakenimages/Unsplash
Krakenimages/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

This can be especially helpful if you're flying to different destinations or if you find better deals on one-way flights.

ADVERTISEMENT

If You're Traveling Internationally, Think About The "Off Season"

ADVERTISEMENT

For those who are adventurous and are traveling internationally, keep in mind the country's off-season.

ADVERTISEMENT
gabriele-ibba-JyK2NreQosU-unsplash
Gabriele Ibba/Unsplash
Gabriele Ibba/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The off-season is typically a bit cheaper since most people want to travel places while they're "in season." For example, flying to Thailand during their rainy season is going to be cheaper than when it is sunny 24-7.

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Booking During Major Events And Holidays

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoiding booking flights during major holidays, or events, such as music festivals or sporting events, can help you find cheaper flights.

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-b5ZhqDlBxoo-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash+
Getty Images/Unsplash+
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Many people will be traveling for the major event, so airlines will bump their prices, knowing people will buy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flying Into A "Secondary Airport" May Have A Cheaper Fare

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of flying into a smaller, secondary airport as opposed to a bigger, international airport might have financial benefits.

ADVERTISEMENT
thom-milkovic-mef dKTZjU-unsplash
Thom Milkovic/Unsplash
Thom Milkovic/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The fare might be cheaper, due to lower traffic. Of course, always look at both prices and compare.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use A Cashback Website

ADVERTISEMENT

There are some websites out there that help cut flight costs.

ADVERTISEMENT
viktor-forgacs-hBJIdtTOmeE-unsplash
Viktor Forgacs/Unsplash
Viktor Forgacs/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Cashback websites such as Honey or Rakuten help people earn cashback on flights, knocking off some airfare costs and lowering the price.

ADVERTISEMENT

Use A Flight Aggregator

ADVERTISEMENT

Using a flight aggregator like Google Flights can help travelers compare prices across multiple airlines and find the cheapest flights available.

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-wNgxgKgKqas-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It is easy to use and allows travelers to find the cheapest option fast.

ADVERTISEMENT

Book Directly Through The Airline

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead of going through a booking site, such as Travelocity, think about booking airfare directly through the airline.

ADVERTISEMENT
United Airlines Website and IPhone
Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

At times, booking with the airline and not through another website is cheaper. As always, compare prices before booking!

ADVERTISEMENT

Avoid Baggage Fees

ADVERTISEMENT

One expensive aspect of flying is the checked-baggage fees -- they can get pretty steep!

ADVERTISEMENT
calle-macarone-D7rdbx8w6Og-unsplash
Calle Macarone/Unsplash
Calle Macarone/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Try to avoid the extra fees, and therefore a cheaper trip, by only packing a carry-on bag.

ADVERTISEMENT

Book A Vacation Package

ADVERTISEMENT

In some cases, it is cheaper to purchase an entire vacation package instead of everything separately.

ADVERTISEMENT
amos-bar-zeev-hVk6pIFbW9o-unsplash
Amos Bar Zeev/Unsplash
Amos Bar Zeev/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

This means buying the plane ticket, hotel, rental car, and even activities in one fell swoop.

ADVERTISEMENT

Browse Social Media

ADVERTISEMENT

Airlines sometimes announce sales and promotional deals via various social media platforms.

ADVERTISEMENT
Meta Announces Subscription Services For Facebook and Instagram
Chesnot/Getty Images
Chesnot/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It is always a good idea to browse around Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in case something pops up that works with your travel schedule.

ADVERTISEMENT

Just In Case, Think About Purchasing Refundable Tickets

ADVERTISEMENT

For some people, booking a vacation might be a last-minute ordeal, something they have to really wait to see if it will work out with their home and work schedules.

ADVERTISEMENT
ISRAEL-FBL-WC-2022-FAN
GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images
GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

If that is the case, it is always a good idea to go the extra step and purchase a refundable ticket. This way, in case things fall through, money won't be lost.

ADVERTISEMENT

Off-Peak Seasons Are Key

ADVERTISEMENT

Keep in mind the seasons, holidays, and peak times people are flying.

ADVERTISEMENT
chris-brignola-XHwTbPKn4mE-unsplash
Chris Brignola/Unsplash
Chris Brignola/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Summer and warmer months are typically more expensive, while winter and cooler months might be cheaper, depending on the month -- i.e., still avoid spring break, summer break, Christmas, and New Year's.

ADVERTISEMENT

Book At The Right Time

ADVERTISEMENT

Oddly enough, there are "right times" to book flights.

ADVERTISEMENT
A passenger holds ticket and passport, waiting for boarding...
Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images
Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Prices can fluctuate throughout the day, so try to book your flight in the early morning or late at night when prices tend to be lower.

ADVERTISEMENT

Less Popular Destinations Are Still Cool!

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular cities, beaches, and various destinations are bound to be more expensive than lesser-known locations.

ADVERTISEMENT
lukas-souza-pYpnliQ5zLs-unsplash
Lukas Souza/Unsplash
Lukas Souza/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

With that being said, less popular destinations are still very cool, not to mention cheaper. It is not only a great way to save money on airfare, but it is also a great way to see someplace off the beaten path that isn't touristy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Open-Jaw Flying Is Convenient And Cheap

ADVERTISEMENT

If you're traveling to multiple destinations within one country, think about open-jaw flights. For example, if someone is flying to Thailand and arrives in Phuket, travels to Chang Mai, and then to Bangkok, it is cheaper to leave from Bangkok than flying back to Phuket and leaving from there.

ADVERTISEMENT
getty-images-4kn7qvkJFiI-unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
Getty Images/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Open-jaw flying means arriving at one airport and leaving from another. At times, it is cheaper, and all of the time, it is convenient!

ADVERTISEMENT

Basic Economy vs. Economy

ADVERTISEMENT

In many cases, airlines will automatically show buyers the basic economy prices. The thing is, there are many hidden fees tacked onto the price since all that comes with the ticket is pretty much a seat.

ADVERTISEMENT
lutfi-gaos-ZfKnd2GnqFA-unsplash
Lutfi Gaos/Unsplash
Lutfi Gaos/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

It is a good idea to look at economy seating, as the ticket, in the end, might actually be cheaper.

ADVERTISEMENT

24-Hour Cancelation Policy Loop Hole

ADVERTISEMENT

Many flights allow a 24-hour cancelation policy in case something pops up, and a traveler can't make the flight.

ADVERTISEMENT
avel-chuklanov-ZEiqbaQhmvE-unsplash
Avel Chuklanov/Unsplash
Avel Chuklanov/Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The thing is, the flight price might go down within those 24 hours. So, cancel your flight and re-purchase the ticket with the cheaper fare.