Airfare is one of the biggest costs when planning a trip. Learning how to find cheap flights can help you travel more often without blowing your budget. This guide gives you simple, proven strategies that help you book smart and save money every time you fly.
1. Book at the Right Time
Domestic Flights
To get the best prices on domestic flights, book between 20 to 45 days before departure. Booking too early or too late can cost you more.
International Flights
For international travel, it’s best to plan ahead . Book 2 to 6 months in advance to grab lower fares before they spike close to travel dates.
Best Days to Book
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often show cheaper fares. Airlines update prices early in the week after the weekend rush.
Best Days to Fly
Flying midweek, especially Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, can save you money because of lower demand.
2. Use Google Flights to Compare Deals
Google Flights is one of the most effective tools to help you find cheap flights. It offers:
- Price tracking and alerts
- Flexible date search
- Interactive maps to explore cheaper destinations
Google Flights makes it easy to compare options and book directly with the airline. It eliminates the guesswork and shows you when to buy and how to find cheap flights.
3. Stay Flexible with Dates and Airports
If your travel dates are flexible, you can save big. Flying a day earlier or later often cuts costs. Google Flights shows which days offer the cheapest fares.
Also check nearby airports. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami may reduce your fare.
4. Watch for Airline Sales and Mistake Fares
Airlines offer flash sales during low travel times, such as January or September. Follow your favorite airlines and sign up for their email alerts.
Keep an eye out for mistake fares—accidental price drops that sometimes lead to huge savings. These can be rare but worth taking advantage of quickly.
5. Try Booking Tactics That Save Money
Hidden City Ticketing
This method involves booking a flight with a layover at your destination and skipping the final leg. Tools like Skiplagged help with this, but use caution—airlines may penalize repeat users. Only try this with carry-on bags.
Book One-Way Flights
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) is cheaper than a round trip. This also gives you more flexibility if your plans change.
6. Use Points, Miles, and Rewards
- Join frequent flyer programs even if you only fly occasionally.
- Use travel credit cards with welcome bonuses and earn miles on daily purchases.
- Transfer retail points from grocery or shopping rewards to airline programs where available.
Using points or miles can cut your cost significantly or even cover the entire flight when prices are high.
7. Adjust Strategy Based on Destination
International Travel
- Book earlier to lock in the best fares.
- Look into flying into nearby countries and using budget carriers to reach your final destination.
- Check foreign versions of the airline’s website — sometimes they offer lower prices based on local currency.
Domestic Travel
- Compare budget airlines like Southwest or Frontier, which may not appear in all search engines.
- When looking for how to find cheap flights, remember to check baggage fees. A “cheap flight” might not be a great deal if you must pay extra for your checked bags.
- If possible, drive to a larger or alternate airport to save more on airfare.
8. Avoid Common Booking Mistakes
- Don’t book too early or too late. Stick to the best booking windows for each type of flight.
- Watch for extra fees. Low fares may not include baggage, seat selection, or taxes.
- Search in incognito mode. Some travelers believe prices rise based on search history.
Travel Smarter, Not More Expensive
Traveling becomes more affordable and fun once you learn how to find cheap flights. Use tools like Google Flights, stay flexible, and apply the right strategies based on your trip type. Whether flying across the country or worldwide, this guide can help you save.
Bookmark this page and come back before booking your next trip — and start seeing how much farther your travel budget can take you.
Find Cheap Flights with Google Flights
Want to know how to find cheap flights that actually save you money?
Google Flights shows live price trends, alternate airports, and better dates — all in seconds. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use.
- Compare multiple airlines instantly
- Track flight prices with one click
- Explore the cheapest routes on a visual map
Don’t overpay. Start your search with Google Flights and book your next trip with confidence.
