Flights are one of the biggest expenses when traveling. For international trips, you'd be hard-pressed to find a roundtrip flight for less than $100. But that's not saying it's impossible to get great deals on flights - just that it's hard.

Booking cheap flights requires careful planning, flexibility, and a bit of research. As a budget traveler, I've managed to get awesome every now and then. Here are some tips on how to book cheaper flights.

Book Cheaper Flights

1. Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations.

If you have flexibility in your travel dates, you can often find better deals. Use fare comparison websites or search engines, such as Google Flights, that allow you to view fares for an entire month to identify the cheapest days to fly.

Consider alternative airports near your destination, as flying into or out of smaller airports can sometimes be more cost-effective.

2. Book in advance.

The best time to book a flight for your planned trip is as soon as you've finalized your travel dates. Booking your flight well in advance can often lead to lower prices. Airlines tend to increase fares as the departure date approaches.

3. Use fare comparison websites and booking apps.

Use flight search engines and apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo to compare prices across various airlines and travel agencies. These platforms often offer fare alerts and can help you track price fluctuations so you can book cheaper flights. 

After comparing the prices, remember to book directly at the airline's website. I only use third-party sites to compare but I always book with the airline because third-party sites always charge a service fee for using their platform, which adds to the cost.

4. Set fare alerts.

While we often ignore pop-up windows asking us to sign up for email notifications, it's best not to do this with airline companies. Always sign up for fare alerts on flight booking websites or apps. These alerts notify you when prices drop for your preferred routes and dates, allowing you to book when fares are at their lowest.

5. Consider connecting flights or booking with different airlines.

Direct flights are often more convenient but they can be pricier. Be open to taking connecting flights, as they can be significantly cheaper. Just ensure you have enough layover time to make your connections.

In addition, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines can sometimes be more cost-effective than a round-trip ticket on a single carrier. This is especially true whenever I travel to Europe. 

6. Travel during off-peak season.

Avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons or weekends when fares tend to be higher. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper.

This is one tip that I always follow. By avoiding peak tourism months, I get better deals on flights, hotels, and activities. Plus I get to visit the popular attractions when they're not overly crowded with tourists.

7. Use Airline rewards and miles.

If you're a frequent traveler, consider joining airline loyalty programs and using miles or points to offset the cost of flights or to get discounted tickets. This helps a lot if you want to book cheaper flights.

8. Clear your browser cookies.

Some people suggest that airline websites may track your searches and raise prices when they see you're interested in a particular route. Clearing your browser cookies or using an incognito/private browsing mode might help you find lower fares. I haven't gotten a cheaper flight by doing this but it's always worth a try.

9. Check for discounts, promo codes, and package deals.

Keep an eye out for airline promotions, discounts, and promo codes. Airlines and travel agencies often offer limited-time deals.

You can also bundle your flight with accommodation or car rental services through package deals. This can help save you money. Make sure to check travel websites for package options.

10. Book at the right time.

Research suggests that booking flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or during the late-night hours can sometimes yield better prices.


And lastly, always be ready to book. Once you find a fare that meets your budget and preferences, be prepared to book it quickly. Prices can change rapidly, especially for popular tourist destinations.