Today, there are endless websites and platforms to book flights on. From airline websites, to travel aggregators, it’s overwhelming and often challenging to find the best deals. A quick search can turn into hours and hours of research and too many new tabs to count. This becomes overwhelming and exhausting and often makes us resort to purchasing a more expensive ticket later.
Our team at Behere, has been to over 100 countries and taken thousands of flights, so we know a thing or two about how to find cheap ones. We’ve also tried all the crazy booking myths to figure out which ones work, and which don’t. That’s why we’ve compiled our top tips on how to find cheap flights. With these tips, you’ll be able to book flights without breaking the bank.
1. Do your research
When booking flights, always do your research on the city’s airports and figure out the best option for you once on the ground. Oftentimes booking a cheaper flight to a further out airport will end up costing you more in time and money, than a flight to the more central airport.
2. Shop around, without getting overwhelmed
Google Flights – This is our team’s favorite tried and tested flight search engine. Here you can enter your departure airport and see flights to anywhere. Plus, you can filter based on arrival or departure time, airline and more. They include budget airlines as well – something larger sites often omit.
Momondo – They search all major and budget airlines, plus English and non-English websites to find the best deals. They find great options, but navigating the different languages and currencies can be challenging so be mindful when using.
3. Ignore booking myths
You don’t need to book at 1 am on a Tuesday or 68 days in advance to get the best deals. While booking in advance is helpful, 6 – 12 weeks out is generally a good time. Anything more than that is most often not a better deal.
4. Loyalty isn’t always necessary
Sometimes flying with the same airline you always use will end up costing you a lot more. If you don’t have points or your company isn’t using that airline, then do a little research and opt for the airline that has the best deal. Just be wary of extras! Discount airlines are well priced, but only come with the basics. All the extras like checked luggage, food, and more leg-room, can really add up if you’re not careful.
5. Get a new travel credit card
By getting a travel credit card, you can rack up points for flights on your everyday purchases. Do a bit of research and choose a travel credit card with a hefty sign-up bonus. Here’s an up to date list of travel credit cards on Forbes to get started. Then use those points for free flights or large discounts.
6. Sign up for newsletters
Airlines will announce sales and discounts to their email newsletters first. Signing up for them will let you be the first to know (and snag a seat) when these deals are launched and for how long. Our team also uses Scotts Free Flights and Secret Flying newsletters to stay up to date on deals, and error fares.
7. Be flexible with your dates
Sometimes, flexibility with your dates can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars! Try looking at the cost each day of the week for both your arrival and departure date to save some serious cash.
8. Always search ticket prices for 1 person
Even if you’re traveling with a friend or group, always search for tickets for one guest. This will show you the best deals, as airlines always show the highest ticket price for all parties in the group.
9. Limit your search time
When searching for a flight, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the best deal and spend hours or days searching. If you’re not in a rush to book or travel this might not be a problem. But if you’re a busy person like most of us, you’re wasting your valuable time. Find the best airports, head to your favorite search engine, choose flexible dates and book the best deal. Done.
Using the tips above you can often save hundreds, if not thousands on flights. We know there are more tips for finding great deals, we’d love to hear yours in the comments below!
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