How to Find Cheap Flights? 10 Proven methods to get cheap flight tickets

Planning a trip but worried about expensive flight tickets? You’re not alone!

Flights can eat up a huge chunk of your travel budget—but the good news is, there are smart ways to find cheap flights without stress.

I’ve tested these 10 proven methods myself, and they’ve saved me hundreds of dollars.

Whether you’re booking last-minute or planning ahead, these tips will help you score the best deals every time.

1. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Waiting until the last minute is a big mistake. Airlines raise prices as seats fill up, so booking in advance is key. But how early? Here’s the sweet spot:

International flights: Book 8–10 months before.

Winter travel: Book 100 days ahead.

Spring travel: Book 75–78 days before.

Summer travel: Book 40–45 days early.

Fall travel: Book 75–80 days in advance.

💡 Pro tip: Avoid booking around holidays (like Thanksgiving)—prices skyrocket!

Also read: When to Book Flights to Get the Cheapest Deals (The Perfect Timing Trick!)


2. Check Nearby Airports

If your city has multiple airports, compare prices for all of them.

Sometimes flying from a smaller airport saves you 50–50–100 or more.

Use Google Flights to quickly check all options.


3. Fly on the Cheapest Days

Not sure when to book? Hopper (a free app) shows a color-coded calendar with the best days to fly. Generally:

Cheapest days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Most expensive days: Friday and Sunday.

Cheapest flight time: Early morning (around 6 a.m.).


4. Use a VPN for Hidden Discounts

Did you know airlines show different prices based on your location? A VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) tricks airlines into thinking you’re from a cheaper country, which can lower prices.

Try setting your VPN to a low-income country (like India or Mexico) before searching.


5. Mix Airlines for Bigger Savings

Instead of booking a round-trip with one airline, try:

✅ Outbound flight with Airline A.

✅ Return flight with Airline B.

Websites like Kiwi help find the best combo deals. Also, check Priceline & Expedia for bundled discounts (flights + hotels + car rentals).


6. Set Up Price Alerts

Manually checking prices every day? No thanks! Let these tools do the work:

Google Flights (free alerts).

Skyscanner (notifies you when prices drop).

Hopper (predicts price changes).


7. Join Airline Rewards Programs

Frequent flyer miles = free or discounted flights! Sign up for:

Airline credit cards (earn points fast).

Loyalty programs (get free upgrades & lounge access).

💡 Pro tip: Some cards offer 50,000+ bonus miles just for signing up!


8. Book Solo Tickets (Not Group)

Airlines charge extra for group bookings. Instead:

✅ Book seats one by one.

✅ Use SeatGuru to pick seats near each other.

You’ll save 20–20–50 per ticket!


9. Check Airlines That Don’t Show Up on Search Engines

Some budget airlines (like Southwestdon’t list prices on Google Flights or Skyscanner. Always check their official websites directly.


10. Try Budget Airlines (But Watch for Hidden Fees)

Airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and Frontier offer super cheap tickets, but:

No free baggage (pay extra for check-in).

No meals or legroom.

Do the math—sometimes traditional airlines end up cheaper after fees!


Final Tip: Book Fast When You See a Deal!

Flight prices change every few minutes. If you find a good price, grab it ASAP—it might disappear!


FAQs

Q. When is the best time to book flights?

A.
Domestic flights: 2–3 weeks before.
International flights: 4–5 months before.

Q. Do flight prices drop on Tuesdays?

A. Yes! Airlines often lower prices on Tuesday afternoons after checking competitors.

Q. What’s the cheapest day to fly?

A. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually the cheapest.


What’s Your Favorite Trick?

Have you used any of these methods? Which one saved you the most? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to check out Fiery Trippers for personalized holiday packages. Let’s make your dream vacation happen! ✈️🌎



Avatar of Nikita Khanna

There is nothing I love more than exploring and enjoying the world and its cultures. I have been to 15 countries and believe that every country has its charm, you just need to have that insight. My life is full of adventure, and every moment is worth every penny. After all, we only live once, and there’s so much to see and so much to do. I am here to share my experiences in the hope that they would benefit trippers all over the world. Read More

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