How To Find the Best Deals on Flights: 15 Cheap Flights Hacks

1.) Book Your Flight In Advance

As a savvy Savings Hackers traveler, it's always in your best interest to book your flight ahead of time.

Not only does booking in advance give you more options when it comes to flight times and routes, but it also lets you score some major savings.

By reserving your seat well before you takeoff to that exciting destination you've been dreaming of, you can take advantage of sweet deals, discounts, and bonuses.

Plus, by booking in advance you'll avoid the stress and expenses of last-minute bookings, where seats can be limited and prices can skyrocket (hello surge pricing!)

If you want to get the absolute best possible price, booking in advance + combining some of the tips below will yield the cheapest ticket prices.

Best Reasons To Book Your Flight In Advance

1. Maximize Your Savings: Booking a flight early means access to cheaper prices, with airlines typically offering lower fares for early birds.
2. More Flight Choices: Book early to open up a wider selection of airlines, flights, and departure times.
3. Choose Your Seat: Get first dibs on your preferred seat by booking in advance.
4. Worry-Free Trip Planning: Secure your travel plans and reduce stress by booking early.
5. Avoid Overbooking Struggles: Early booking minimizes the risk of overbooking and ensures your spot on the flight.
6. Smooth Travel Planning: Book early for a more organized and efficient trip planning process.
7. Upgrade Opportunities: Increase your chances of upgrades like premium seats or extra baggage allowances by booking early.
8. Ample Preparation Time: Book early and have plenty of time to sort out visas, vaccinations, and more before your trip.
9. Stress-Free Travel: Say goodbye to last-minute changes and cancellations by booking early.

2.) Flexible Travel Dates

When it comes to booking flights, being a bit flexible with your travel dates can save you a lot of dough.

Who doesn't love saving money while they travel, right?

It's worth taking the time to compare prices across different airlines and departure days and times to find the best deal.

So, listen up Savings Hackers! If you're willing to fly on weekdays, specifically on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you're more likely to score a deal that'll make your wallet smile.

Just imagine, you could use the extra cash for more souvenirs or that extra fancy meal. It's a win-win situation, folks!

But seriously, the flexibility pays off, so keep an open mind and keep those savings coming.

Also, if you care at all about money (you do!), please avoid traveling during the 10 days below...

Top 10 Most Expensive Days To Fly Each Year

1. The day before Thanksgiving
2. The day after Thanksgiving
3. Christmas Eve
4. Christmas Day
5. New Year's Eve
6. New Year's Day
7. Memorial Day Weekend
8. Labor Day Weekend
9. Fourth of July
10. Easter Weekend

3.) Flight Aggregators

Are you ready to hack your way to massive savings on your next flight?

By using these smart platforms, commonly known in the industry as "flight aggregators", to compare and book flights, you'll have access to the best deals and discounts the travel industry has to offer.

With a wide range of options from budget to high-end and user-friendly booking processes, you'll be able to easily find the perfect deal for your budget and travel style.

One caveat I must mention is that when you purchase through 3rd party flight aggregators you must deal with their customer service for any issues. So, that means if you have a problem on Alaska Airlines and you booked through Travelocity, you need to handle your ticket issues through Travelocity, not Alaska Air!

A bit of an inconvenience, but it makes up for it in price if you don't mind the extra step.

Top 10 Discount Travel Websites For Flights

1. Expedia
2. Kayak
3. Skyscanner
4. Orbitz
5. Travelocity
6. CheapOair
7. Priceline
8. Booking.com
9. Cheapflights
10. Google Flights

4.) Airline Newsletter Promotions

Signing up for the airlines' newsletters can be the key to unlocking a world of savings.

You'll be privy to the latest sales and promotions and can stay ahead of the game with early access to new offers, and exclusive discounts you won't find anywhere else.

If that sounded like a cheesy sales pitch, it wasn't. We have no affiliation with these newsletters, it's just a simple fact; airlines promote their best offers to their email subscribers, and often, well in advance.

So, you can combine 2 great strategies.

• Booking in advance
• Getting early access to cheap flights via the carrier newsletter.

Also, [shameless plug] sign up for the Savings Hackers newsletter, it's free!

5.) Airline Rewards Programs

Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats, because you're about to enter the world of travel hacking!

By signing up for a rewards program, you'll earn more points and miles than you can shake a stick at, and let me tell you, they're more valuable than a gold-plated stick.

With these points, you'll be able to save money on flights, upgrade to first-class, and even score exclusive discounts on hotels and car rentals - talk about a triple threat!

No more counting your pennies and trying to keep track of scattered savings, with a rewards program, all your hard-earned points are conveniently stored in one place.

Think of it like a piggy bank for travel, but instead of pennies, you're saving on first-class flights and five-star hotels.

Check out the links below to see popular airline rewards programs you can join today.

Top 10 Airline Rewards Programs

6.) One-Way Flights

The numbers don't lie - booking one-way flights instead of round-trip tickets is the ultimate hack for maximizing your travel savings.

In fact, studies show that one-way ticket prices can be up to 20% cheaper than round-trip tickets, and that's just the tip of the savings iceberg.

With discounts galore for one-way flights and the flexibility to choose different airlines and routes for your return journey, you'll have the power to tailor your itinerary and squeeze every penny out of your travels.

And let's not forget the added bonus of one-way tickets often being priced lower as airlines try to fill their flights with cost-effective options.

The bottom line is clear, if you want to save big on your next trip, booking one-way flights is the way to go!

7.) Off-Peak Hours

According to travel industry data, booking your flights during less busy times such as mid-week and the shoulder season can save you big bucks.

It's reported that flights during off-peak hours can be up to 30% cheaper than peak times! Imagine, a $1,200 round-trip flight to Europe suddenly being $840!

Many airlines offer special discounts for off-peak season bookings, giving you even more reason to book off-peak. But that's just the start of your savings journey.

By booking during off-peak hours, you can also enjoy the perks of lower crowds, shorter lines at airports, and better deals on everything from hotels to car rentals.

Best Hours To Book A Cheap Flight

According to the travel industry the below days and hours are considered off-peak and should yield the lowest prices when combined with advanced booking.

If you take it a few steps further and book one-way + shoulder season you could be looking at even more dramatic savings.

8.) Budget Airlines

When it comes to saving money on flights, budget airlines can seem like a great option.

However, it's crucial to be a savvy Savings Hackers traveler and thoroughly review all the details before making your purchase. Hidden fees, such as baggage charges and seat selection fees (Ryan Air is famous for this), can quickly add up and make your ticket price much higher than anticipated.

If you don't need all of the frills and can make some compromises (big compromises?) you can save a plane load of cash going with a budget airline.

Top 10 Budget Airlines (Worldwide)

9.) Use A Travel Agent

As surprising as it may seem, travel agents are still around. Why? Because for the right people they are incredibly useful.

Now, don't get me wrong, you can typically save more money researching your own travel, transportation and lodging yourself, but you may not have access to the deals that they do.

So, imagine this.

You use a travel agent to save yourself time AND you get access to deals you can't find publicly available. That's a win-win my Savings Hackers friend!

Top 10 Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

1. They have access to exclusive deals and discounts
2. They handle all the complicated details and paperwork for you
3. They can save you time and stress by doing all the research for you
4. They are knowledgeable about destinations and can offer personalized recommendations
5. They can handle any issues or problems that may arise during your trip
6. They have connections and resources that can result in upgrades and perks
7. They can ensure all your travel arrangements are seamless and hassle-free
8. They are available to assist you 24/7, even when you're abroad
9. They can provide valuable travel insurance options and recommendations
10. They often have long-standing relationships with suppliers and can offer better rates

10.) Layovers

Savings Hackers everywhere know this trick. When it comes time to book a flight, the one with layovers is almost always cheaper.

If you wanna save like the pro's, opt for flights with layovers to save on travel expenses.

Booking tickets with a layover can often result in lower prices, as airlines offer discounts for these types of flights. This is a great opportunity to both save money and explore new cities, as you can add a layover in a different location and enjoy a new experience.

For instance, if you're flying from New York to Los Angeles, you might find a flight with a layover in Chicago at a significantly reduced cost. Not only will you save on the ticket price, but you'll also get to visit a new city and make the most of your trip.

10 Most Popular Flight Layover Airports

1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
2. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
4. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
5. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
6. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
7. Munich Airport (MUC)
8. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
9. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
10. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

11.) Book A Package Deal

Opting for a comprehensive travel package that includes both airfare and lodging can be a savvy and cost-saving decision for your next getaway. Not only does it simplify the process of searching for separate travel components, but it also presents the opportunity to unlock special discounts and promotions.

Oh, and, many travel packages come with added benefits such as complimentary meals and complimentary excursions, further enhancing the value and experience of your trip (I'll give an example below)

Imagine you're planning a trip to Europe and you want to make sure you get the most out of your budget.

Instead of spending hours searching for the best flight and hotel deals separately, you can save time and money by booking a package deal.

I recently did this for my trip to Paris and it was a game-changer. Not only did I save on the cost of my flight and hotel, but I also got access to exclusive discounts and bonuses, such as complimentary breakfast and a free city tour.

It was a win-win situation - I got to save money and make the most of my vacation.

So, the next time you're planning a trip, consider a package deal and see the difference for yourself.

12.) Credit Cards With Travel Rewards

As a frequent traveler & resident Savings Hacker, I always make sure to use a credit card that rewards me for my travels. Not only does it allow me to accumulate points or miles quickly, but it also comes with a range of benefits that make my trips even more enjoyable.

With the right card, I can easily save on airfare and other travel expenses, and even earn free flights or upgrades to first-class.

For example, I recently signed up for a credit card that offers a generous rewards program and intro bonus. In less than a year of using it, I was able to accumulate a large number of points that I was able to redeem for a free flight. And that's not all – the card also gives me access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and even concierge services. This has made my travels so much more comfortable and hassle-free.

So, if you're a frequent traveler like me, I highly recommend using a credit card that rewards travel and includes a big signup bonus. Check our credit card section to find the best credit cards for travel.

13.) Avoid Weekend Travel

As a budget-conscious traveler, I always try to book my flights for mid-week travel instead of the weekend.

According to industry statistics, mid-week flights can be up to 20% cheaper than weekend flights. Not only does this help me save money, but it also means I have a more relaxed and comfortable journey as mid-week flights tend to be less crowded.

By taking advantage of weekday travel deals, I am able to make the most of my travel budget and have an enjoyable travel experience.

Top 10 Most Expensive Destinations To Fly To On A Weekend

1. London, England
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Paris, France
4. New York City, USA
5. Dubai, UAE
6. Los Angeles, USA
7. Singapore
8. Hong Kong
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Bangkok, Thailand

14.) Book A Connecting Flight

Why take a direct flight like a boring boss when you can take a connecting flight like a #BigBoss traveler?

With direct flights, airlines are charging sky-high prices because they know they've got you between a rock and a hard place. But connecting flights? That's like a buffet of affordability with more options than a dessert bar. Plus, with all the extra options, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store picking the perfect route.

And if you really need to reach that one remote destination? Connecting flights are like a trusty steed, getting you there without breaking the bank. So save some dough and take a connecting flight, it's the adventure you never knew you needed!

Top 10 Airports For Connecting Flights

1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
2. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK
3. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
4. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
5. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
6. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
7. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
8. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
9. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
10. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

15.) Check For Last-Minute Deals

According to a study, 1 in 4 travelers have reported snagging a sweet deal by booking their flight within two weeks of their trip.

And let's be real, who needs to plan ahead anyway?

Spontaneity is the spice of life, and with last-minute deals, you might just be able to afford some extra spices (AKA Mai Tais) on your trip.

So, go ahead, play with fire and wait until the last minute to book. Who knows, you may end up flying first-class for the price of economy.

Top 10 Last-Minute Flight Deal Programs