Searching for cheap flights can be an adventure even before the trip itself. Nowadays, you don’t need to be a millionaire to afford to travel the world. You just need to know a few proven tricks on how to save on airfare. And since I’ve been traveling for nearly 15 years, I’ve gathered some tips over that time that I’d love to share with you. Let’s dive into the world of great deals and uncover the secrets of how to find cheap flights!
Best search engines for flights
Modern technology makes it easier for us to find cheap flights. I use Skyscanner and Google Flights the most. The search engines Pelikan.cz and Kiwi.com are also great.
But watch out for Kiwi.com! Even though I could get a small commission from this site for every booking you make, I definitely can’t recommend them because I too often read about very bad experiences involving canceled flights with no prospect of a refund, etc. As a search engine, it works great, combining even quite complex layovers, but it has also happened to me that a specific layover wasn’t realistic due to an airport change, so watch out for that.
I use all the other search engines extensively for purchases too and I’ve never had a problem. These tools compare prices from various sources and help you find the best deals. Usually, I just search on Kiwi and then buy through Skyscanner or Pelikán.
Price comparison
Before you buy a ticket, compare prices on different websites. Sometimes you can find a better deal elsewhere. Use different search engines and compare the results. It’s worth spending a little time looking for the best price.
Flexibility is Key
Flexibility with dates
If you are flexible with dates, you can find much cheaper flights. Avoid traveling during holidays and breaks when prices are highest. Instead, try flying on less popular dates. Who wouldn’t want to save money while avoiding the crowds of tourists?
On Skyscanner, you can open a calendar for the whole month and it will nicely show you the cheapest flight options in various date combinations. A single day can make a difference of several thousand.
Last-minute flights
Buying last-minute flights can be a risk, but sometimes it pays off. Airlines often lower prices just before departure to sell off remaining seats. If you have flexible plans, you can find great last-minute deals.
Flexibility with destinations
Planning to visit a specific place? Consider airports near your destination. Sometimes it can be cheaper to fly to a smaller airport and then get to your destination by bus or train. And as a bonus, you might discover other interesting places along the way!
Hidden airports
Many large cities have multiple airports and not all of them are equally expensive. For example: London has not only Heathrow, but also Stansted, Gatwick, and Luton. Prices can vary significantly, so it’s worth exploring all options. Traveling to a more distant airport can save money that you can then spend on local delicacies! Good search engines offer this option too, where you can select nearby airports, so you don’t have to fly only from Prague, but also from Vienna or maybe Katowice.
Book at the right time
When to buy flights
Choosing the right time to buy flights can significantly affect the price. Generally, it’s recommended to buy tickets 6 to 8 weeks before departure. And what’s the best day of the week? According to experts, the cheapest days are Tuesday and Wednesday. Airlines often offer discounts at the beginning of the week, so be ready.
How to find flight deals
Email alerts
Set up price drop alerts and sign up for airline newsletters. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights offer flight tracking options, so you’ll be the first to know about price drops. Be prepared and react quickly when the price falls.
You can try your luck on foreign websites. These include Dollar Flight Club, TheFlightDeal.com, SecretFlying.com, Scott’s Cheap Flights or Holidaypirates.com.
Hunting for error fares
Airlines occasionally make a mistake and offer flights at ridiculously low prices. These errors are usually fixed quickly, so you have to act fast. Follow sites like Fly4Free or SecretFlying.com, which regularly alert you to such deals, but Czech sites like Zaletsi.cz or Honzovy letenky do it too.
Loyalty programs
Join airline loyalty programs. Collect points for every flight and use them for future flights. Loyalty programs often offer exclusive discounts and benefits that can reduce travel costs.
Follow Social Media
Airlines and travel websites often post special offers on social media. Follow your favorite companies on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop. Who wouldn’t want to save money thanks to a quick tweet?
What else to pay attention to?
Use a VPN and incognito window
Sometimes flight prices can differ depending on where you’re connecting from. Use a VPN and try changing your location – you might find a better deal. Flight search engines sometimes adjust prices based on geographic location, so changing your IP
If you’ve ever tracked flights, it’s surely happened to you that the price changed, sometimes even within a few hours. Using an incognito window will prevent this from happening.
Consider low-cost flights
Low-cost airlines often offer very cheap flights, but be careful of additional fees. Be prepared for basic services and keep in mind that every piece of luggage or meal can cost extra. Even so, it can be worth it!
Avoid direct flights
Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. Consider flights with layovers – they can be cheaper and sometimes allow you to explore another city during a short break.
Monitor prices regularly
Flight prices change quickly and often. Monitor them regularly and be ready to act when you find a good deal. The more time you spend tracking prices, the better you’ll understand their fluctuations and the better you’ll utilize discounts.
