15 Smart Ways to Score Cheaper Flights

For most of us, travel means adventure, new experiences, and memories that last a lifetime. Even just booking a flight can bring excitement as you anticipate your next trip. But let’s be honest—finding an affordable ticket can be frustrating. Prices seem to change constantly, and it’s tough to know when to buy.

The good news? While there’s no guaranteed formula for the cheapest fare, there are plenty of tricks that can help you save. Here are 15 tried-and-true ways to get better deals on flights, including some fresh strategies for 2025.

1. Watch Out for Sneaky Fees

Some budget airlines advertise super cheap base fares but then hit you with extra charges for bags, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass. Before you book, make sure you factor in these extra costs so you’re comparing apples to apples. If you think something is too good to be true, you should check the final price before booking!

2. Book Connecting Flights Separately

Nonstop flights are great, but sometimes booking separate legs on different airlines can be cheaper. Play around with multi-city searches to see if mixing and matching flights saves you money.

3. Set Price Alerts

Airfares can fluctuate daily, so instead of constantly refreshing websites, sign up for price alerts on apps like Google Flights or Skyscanner. You’ll get notified when fares drop, giving you the best shot at a deal.

4. Take Advantage of Airline Rewards

If you fly often, signing up for an airline loyalty program is a no-brainer. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, many airline credit cards let you earn miles on everyday purchases, which you can use for free or discounted flights.

5. Bundle Your Travel Plans

Booking a flight together with a hotel or rental car can sometimes lead to big savings. Many travel websites offer package deals that cost less than booking everything separately—worth checking before you finalize your trip.

6. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

You’ve probably heard that buying tickets in advance saves money, and that’s usually true. The sweet spot? About three months before an international trip and at least three weeks for domestic flights. Prices tend to climb the closer you get to departure.

7. Book on a Sunday

It used to be common wisdom that Tuesdays were the cheapest day to book flights, but recent trends suggest Sundays often offer better deals. Avoid buying tickets on Fridays—fares tend to be higher going into the weekend.

8. Fly Midweek

If you have some flexibility, try flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday. These days tend to have lower demand, which means lower prices compared to the busy weekend rush.

9. Be Flexible with Your Dates

A difference of just a day or two can mean a big price change. When searching, check flights a few days before and after your preferred departure to see if shifting your plans can save you money.

Bonus Tip: Look at flights from nearby airports—you might find a much better deal just a short drive away!

10. Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Don’t rely on just one website when looking for flights. Check search engines like Google Flights, Cheapflights, and Kiwi, and also visit airline websites directly—sometimes they offer exclusive discounts.

11. Use Private Browsing Mode

Ever notice that flight prices seem to go up after you’ve searched a few times? That’s because many sites track your searches and may raise fares based on demand. Use incognito mode in your browser to prevent this from happening.

12. Don’t Assume Layovers Are Cheaper

While booking flights with stops can sometimes save money, that’s not always the case. During off-peak seasons or when a new route opens, direct flights can actually be the better deal. Always compare!

13. Keep an Eye Out for Error Fares

Occasionally, airlines accidentally list flights at super low prices due to technical errors. Websites like Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog track these mistake fares—if you’re quick, you can snag an insanely cheap ticket before the airline fixes it.

14. Try Open-Jaw Tickets

An open-jaw ticket means flying into one city and out of another—like flying into Paris and leaving from Rome instead of booking a round-trip to just one destination. If flights to a certain city are expensive, this trick can sometimes help you save.

15. Consider Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers often offer much cheaper fares than full-service airlines. Sure, you might not get free snacks or extra legroom, but for short-haul trips, the savings can be well worth it. Just be sure to check their baggage policies before booking.

Final Thoughts

Scoring cheap flights isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing where to look, when to book, and how to stay flexible. With these strategies, you can spend less on airfare and more on making incredible memories.

Happy travels!