How to Get Cheap Flight Tickets: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

Planning a trip can be thrilling, but high flight prices can dampen your excitement. Fortunately, getting cheap flight tickets is easier than you think with the right strategies. This guide will walk you through step-by-step tips to help you find affordable flights, so you can save money on your next adventure.

Step 1: Be Flexible with Travel Dates

One of the best ways to find cheap flights is to remain flexible with your travel dates. Flight prices often fluctuate based on the day of the week, time of year, and holidays. Midweek flights tend to be cheaper, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Traveling during off-peak times, such as September or early December, can also save you a significant amount.

Tips for Flexibility:

• Fly Midweek: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically more affordable than those on weekends.
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid flying during holidays or school vacations. Instead, opt for months like September, October, or early December for cheaper fares.

Example: If you’re planning a trip from New York to Paris, check flights for midweek dates. A flight on a Friday might cost $700, while a Tuesday flight could drop to $450.

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Compare Flights, Save More

Step 2: Use Flight Comparison Tools

Flight comparison websites allow you to search across multiple airlines and booking platforms, making it easier to spot the best deals. These tools can also show you budget airlines that may not appear on traditional airline websites.

Recommended Flight Comparison Tools:

• Google Flights: A user-friendly interface that shows prices over a range of dates.
• Skyscanner: Ideal for finding budget carriers and exploring destinations.
• Momondo: Provides insights into when flights are the cheapest and the best time to book.

Example: If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, use Skyscanner to compare prices. You may discover that budget airlines like ZIPAIR offer much cheaper options.

Step 3: Set Price Alerts

If you’re not ready to book right away, set up price alerts. Price alerts notify you when fares drop, allowing you to book at the most affordable rate.

How to Set Price Alerts:

• Google Flights: Turn on the “Track Prices” option for your selected flight, and receive notifications when prices change.
• Hopper: This app predicts when prices will drop and sends you alerts.
• Kayak: Offers similar price tracking features to keep you updated.

Example: Set a price alert for a flight from Toronto to London using Google Flights. After a few weeks, you might receive an alert showing a price drop, allowing you to save hundreds.

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Step 4: Search in Incognito Mode

Airline websites and travel booking platforms often track your search history, causing prices to increase each time you check for the same flight. By searching in incognito mode (or private mode for iPhone/Mac users), you can avoid dynamic pricing and find better deals.

How to Enable Incognito/Private Mode:

• Chrome (Desktop): Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to open an incognito window.
• Safari (iPhone/Mac): Open a new private tab by pressing the tabs icon and selecting Private.
• Firefox/Chrome (Android/iPhone): Open a new incognito tab by selecting the menu and choosing the incognito option.

Example: If you’ve repeatedly searched for a flight from San Francisco to Singapore and prices have increased, try searching in incognito mode to see if the price drops.

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Step 5: Book Directly with Airlines

While third-party booking platforms are useful, they often add hidden fees or offer less customer support. After finding a deal on a comparison website, go directly to the airline’s website to check for a better price or extra perks like loyalty points.

Example: You find a $500 flight from Miami to Madrid on Kayak. However, by booking directly with the airline, you discover the same flight for $480 and earn miles with the airline’s frequent flyer program.

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Step 6: Look for Budget Airlines

Budget airlines offer significantly lower prices by cutting out extras like meals and checked baggage. These flights may be less comfortable, but the savings can be substantial.

Popular Budget Airlines:

• Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
• Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Tigerair
• North America: Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Flair Airlines, Porter Airlines

Example: Instead of paying $800 for a flight from New York to Berlin with a traditional airline, you could book a $400 flight with a budget carrier like Norwegian, saving you half the cost.

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Step 7: Consider Flights with Layovers

Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. Choosing a flight with one or more layovers can reduce costs significantly.

How to Find Layover Flights:

• Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to filter flights by the number of layovers and hours.
• Secret Flying occasionally posts deals on multi-city flights, which may include layovers but come with significant savings.

Example: A non-stop flight from Chicago to Sydney may cost $1,200, but if you’re open to a layover in Los Angeles, you could find the same route for $800.

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Step 8: Redeem Airline Miles or Credit Card Points

If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card rewards, now is the time to use them. Redeeming miles can make your flight free or heavily discounted.

How to Maximize Points:

• Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs: Airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points on every flight.
• Use a Travel Credit Card: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum offer generous points on travel purchases that you can redeem for flights.

Example: If you have 50,000 points through your Chase Sapphire card, you can use them to book a free round-trip flight from Dallas to Rome, saving you $600.

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Step 9: Check Cancellation Policies

Before purchasing your ticket, always review the cancellation policy. Some airlines and booking platforms allow free cancellations within 24 hours of booking, while others charge a fee.

Example: You book a flight through Expedia, which offers free cancellations within 24 hours. However, booking directly through an airline might come with a cancellation fee. Always check before purchasing to avoid unexpected charges.

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Step 10: Book at the Right Time

While there’s no perfect time to book, research shows that booking domestic flights 1-3 months in advance and international flights 2-8 months ahead usually yields the best deals. Also, try booking on Tuesday or Wednesday when airlines often release deals.

Example: For a trip from Vancouver to Cancun, booking two months in advance could save you $200 compared to booking closer to the departure date.

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FAQs About Getting Cheap Flights

Q: Does booking early guarantee cheaper flights?
A: Booking in advance, especially 2-3 months before international trips, usually secures better deals than last-minute bookings.

Q: Do flight prices change based on the day I book?
A: Yes, booking midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) often yields cheaper fares as airlines release discounts on these days.

Q: Why should I search in incognito or private mode?
A: Searching in private mode prevents websites from tracking your searches and potentially raising flight prices.

Q: Are budget airlines really worth it?
A: Yes, budget airlines offer great savings, but you should factor in extra costs like baggage and seat selection.

Q: Can I cancel my flight without a fee?
A: Some airlines and websites allow free cancellations within 24 hours, but many charge fees. Always check the cancellation policy before purchasing.