We all know how we’ve felt frustrated with flight search engines before. You can find the best cheap flight options quickly if we are using the right tools. You can save yourself a lot of time and a lot of money just by using the best search methods and tricks.
Follow this guide if you want to become a flight searching guru!
In this article, you’ll find some key tips that will save you time, frustration and most importantly money when booking your next flight.
Be flexible
The way most people approach getting a flight is by picking a place they want to visit and where they want to go, and this usually results in high prices.
Instead, the smart approach if getting a cheap flight is your priority is being flexible:
- See what prices are available via Google Flights, Momondo, etc. to various places are around the world
- Decide which of the cheap destinations appeal to you
- Select the dates you like that have cheap fares available
Be flexible with where and when to go. Flexibility is king.
Keep your searches top secret
You’re not crazy for thinking that a flight price has changed after searching it a few times in your web browser. Based on the cookies in your browser, flight prices do increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched, as the site wants to scare you into booking the flight quickly before prices get even higher. Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the lowest prices.
In Google Chrome or Safari, incognito is enabled by hitting Command (or “Control” if using PC), Shift, “N”. For Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer, hit Command (or “Control” if using a PC), Shift, “P”. This will open a new browser window where your information is not tracked, thus not inflating prices as you search. Note: if you’re using an older version of OS X, open Safari then click “Safari” in the menu bar, and select “Private Browsing”.
Your cookies are reset each time you re-open an incognito window. Close all your incognito windows, open a new one, and then perform your flight search.
Use the best tools to search for flights
Every traveler seems to have their favorite search engine. I think Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights are all pretty great.
Search for airline error
Airlines sometimes make mistakes when posting their fares, leading to seriously discounted flights. Reasons for that could be – currency conversion mishaps, technical glitches, or human error. If you’re in the know-how on where to find airline error fares, you can save yourself some serious bucks on a ticket.
AirFare Watchdog and Secret Flying are great resources to stalk for finding mistake and sale pricing.
Avoid peak travel months
In North America and Europe, the cheapest time of year to fly is usually:
- January through mid-May
- September through early December
The most expensive time to fly is usually:
- Peak summer: mid-June through mid-August
- Christmas
- New Year’s Eve
Travel on the cheapest days
What are the cheapest days to travel? In general Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the cheapest days to travel. Friday and Sunday are usually the most expensive days.
Find cheap last-minute flights
Cheap last-minute flights are more likely on international routes than domestic routes because business travelers don’t fly international routes nearly as much. In general, using the tips above is the best strategy for finding cheap last-minute flights
For more clever hacks on how to find and book a cheap flight watch the video below.
If you like their video don’t forget to share it and subscribe.
After you’ve learned how to book the cheapest flight, it’s time to learn how to find the best hotel deals. Follow our guide Find Cheap Hotels
Photo by Fancycrave.com & Madison Inouye from Pexels
