Finding cheap flights can often be a daunting task, especially when you are traveling on a budget. Fortunately, with the right strategies, it’s possible to save a significant amount of money on your next flight. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to find or purchase a cheap flight.

Flight algorithms do take into account the day of the week and the time a flight is purchased. Airlines use complex algorithms to set their prices, and these algorithms take into account a wide range of factors, including demand, competition, and historical booking data.

In general, flights that depart on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be cheaper than flights that depart on other days of the week. This is because these are typically the least popular travel days, and airlines may offer lower prices to fill up their planes.

Additionally, flights that depart early in the morning or late at night may be cheaper than flights that depart during the middle of the day. This is because these are typically less popular times to travel, and airlines may offer lower prices to attract more passengers.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to flight pricing algorithms. Prices can fluctuate based on a wide range of factors, and what may be the cheapest option one day may not be the cheapest option the next. But here are some tips to help you find the best price.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the most effective ways to find a cheap flight is to be flexible with your travel dates.
Generally, flights that depart mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper than flights that depart on weekends. Try to avoid traveling during these times if possible. Additionally, if you’re able to travel during off-peak seasons, you can often find significantly cheaper flights.

Luck Draw Destinations

Instead of searching for flights to a specific destination, try searching for flights by date and price.
This can help you identify cheaper destinations that you may not have considered before. The Skyscanner platform is great for doing this. If you feel like you need a vacation and are not perturbed about where to go, then try their “Explore Everywhere” function. It will show you cheap airline tickets to various destinations departing from your home base airport.

Stopover Destinations

It often happens that cheap flights come with a long layovers.
Take advantage of this and do a stopover. If you’re traveling a long distance, consider planning a stopover in a different city along the way. This can often be cheaper than booking a direct flight, and it allows you to explore a new place. Two cities for the price of one!

Use Price Comparison Websites to Find Cheap Flights

Price comparison websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can be incredibly helpful in finding the cheapest flights available. These websites allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines, and they often offer helpful features such as price alerts, flexible date searches, and the ability to search for flights to “everywhere” within a certain date range. And if you’re still not sure you have gotten the best deal, check to see what the airline is charging should you go directly to them. Although big search platforms bulk buy seats or get them at a discounted rate, there is still a chance you might get it cheaper by going directly to the airline.

Book in Advance

Booking your flight in advance can often save you a significant amount of money. Generally, the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. It’s recommended to book your flight at least six weeks in advance, although you may be able to find even better deals by booking several months ahead of your travel date. Also, try booking two one-way tickets. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip ticket can be cheaper. This is because airlines may offer lower prices on one-way tickets to fill empty seats.

Use Airline Rewards Programs

If you frequently travel with a specific airline, it may be worth signing up for their rewards program.
Many airlines offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every flight you take, which you can then be redeemed for free or discounted flights in the future. I have found that many of these points are most often never redeemable or they expire before you can use them, but sometimes, just sometimes, you can use a small portion of your hard-earned points to get a small discount in your fair. Try looking for Star Alliance members as this could help accumulate points faster or consider paying with a credit card that earns you flyer miles.

Consider Alternate Airports

If you’re flexible with your travel plans, consider flying into or out of alternate airports. In many cases, smaller airports or those located outside of major cities may offer significantly cheaper flights than their larger counterparts. Consider some land travel. Depending on where you’re traveling, it may be cheaper to fly into the alternative airport and then take a bus, hired car or train to your final destination. This can also be a great way to see more of the country you’re visiting.

Monitor Social Media and Newsletters for Cheap Flights

Airlines often promote their sales and discounts on social media or through their email newsletters. Be sure to follow your favorite airlines on social media and sign up for their newsletters to stay informed of any upcoming deals or promotions. One could also set an airfare alert. Many flight search sites allow you to set up airfare alerts, which will notify you when prices for a specific flight or route drop. This can help you snag a great deal when it becomes available.

Finding a cheap flights requires a bit of effort and strategy, but it can be well worth it in the end. By being flexible with your travel dates, using price comparison websites, booking in advance, using airline rewards programs, considering alternate airports, and monitoring social media and newsletters, you can significantly reduce the cost of your next flight.

Planning a trip? See our “Travel Resources” page to help you get the best deals!