Finding fantastically cheap airfare online can be like hunting for a needle in an Internet haystack, but with the right strategy and a dash of flexibility, great deals can be found. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to book cheap flights online, leveraging the magic of the internet and technology to save you money.
Use The Right Flight Search Engines
Fare aggregator or metasearch engines are the first port of call. Not all websites are created equal and not all of them display the same prices. Selection matters, and while Expedia, Kayak, and Google Flights are global leaders, regional players like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Cheapflights are also worth bookmarking. A pro tip is to always cross-check the fare on the airline’s official site. Although it’s rare, there may be instances when the airline offers the best price.
Focus on Optimal Booking Window
There’s a commonly touted belief in the travel world that booking flights either super early or at the last minute will yield the best discounts. However, the reality lies somewhere in the middle. Both ARC and Expedia have confirmed that the optimal booking window for securing cheap flights is around two months to six weeks before departure. During this time, airlines have a better idea of demand and start adjusting their prices accordingly. Early birds may not always get the worm in the airline industry!
Be Flexible With Your Dates And Times
Traveling on weekends or during peak hours can be pricey. To score cheap flights, consider flying midweek, early in the morning, or late at night. Getting savvy with the “whole month” search option available on Skyscanner and Google Flights reveals the cheapest days to fly. Also, flying during the offseason or shoulder season can drastically reduce the ticket price.
Consider Nearby Airports
Depending on your location, you might have several airport options within driving distance. If you’re open to taking a bit of a road trip to reach your airport, you could stand to save considerably on ticket costs by choosing a less expensive airport. Price comparison can be easily done through tools like Skyscanner which allows for searching flights from your city instead of your specific airport.
Sign Up For Fare Alerts
Almost all booking sites have flight alerts that ping your mail or smartphone when prices drop on specified routes. By subscribing to these alerts, you ensure you never miss those sudden fare wars or error fares. Hopper turns this feature up a notch by suggesting whether to buy the ticket now or wait for a better price in the near future.
Book Connecting Flights Separately For Savings
Booking separate tickets on multiple airlines can be risky because if a flight is delayed and you can’t make your connection, the second airline might charge you a high change fee. But when savings are to be made, it’s a risk worth considering. Kiwi.com’s guarantee protects you from these kinds of situations, allowing you to make daring combinations for the chance of a cheap flight.
Take Advantage Of Student Discounts
Student discounts often apply to accommodation, attractions, and restaurants, and many airlines also offer these savings. Airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and STA Travel have great programs for students or young travelers.
Join Frequent Flyer Programs
These programs reward loyalty and can save you heaps on every flight you take. The miles accrued can be used to pay for future flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and more. Moreover, airlines often give preferential treatment to frequent flyer members even during peak periods.
Use An AirPass
Depending on where you’re planning to travel, it may be to your advantage to buy an airline pass. For example, the Qantas Walkabout Air Pass makes exploring Australia a lot cheaper, providing significant savings on domestic flights.
Consider Multi-City Flights
If the trip permits, booking a multi-city flight can be cheaper than a series of one-way tickets. The ‘multi-city’ search interface on your flight search engine offers this customizability.
Use Of Incognito Mode For Searching Flights
Airlines and booking sites operate on dynamic pricing, meaning prices change based on demand, time of booking, and plenty of other factors. Consequently, many have claimed that airlines use cookies to monitor your search history, hiking up prices if a particular route is repeatedly searched. To avoid this, do your searches in a private browser or incognito window. There’s not enough definitive proof to confirm the concept, but with a potential saving, it’s worth a try.
Exploit Budget Airlines
Budget airlines significantly cut the cost of your ticket by offering fewer amenities and less leg room. Carriers such as Ryanair in Europe, Southwest in the U.S., Jetstar in Asia, or Fastjet in Africa, offer competitive prices for your destination.
Remember, the quest for the cheapest flights demands some effort and patience, but the savings are undoubtedly worth it. With these tips at your fingertips, here’s to routing your way to the best flight deals online!
