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How and where can I find cheaper flights?

WikiStoatFlyer858
9/4/2024 12:28 PM
I'd love to travel more but I feel like flights are so expensive. Are there any tips and tricks you use to get cheap flights? Websites or apps that I should be aware of? Thanks!
wikiHow Expert
9/4/2024 2:07 PM
The key to purchasing cheap airline tickets is to stay at the destination over a Saturday night. Air fares for the most part, have been priced to the extent where business travelers are charged the most, and those are the people that cannot stay a Saturday night. So anytime that you will not be able to spend a Saturday night at the destination, chances are you're going to be facing a more expensive airfare. If you know the precise dates of your trip, you should always book in advance as many days as you possibly can. With those two items, booking in advance and staying a Saturday night, you're bound to get the best fares and the lowest fares.
WikiElephantKeeper424
09/04/24 3:33 PM
Try a budget airline, like Spirit or Frontier. While they don't have the most amenities, they get you where you need to go for a fraction of the cost. Just make sure you're traveling light because there are usually extra charges for checked bags or carry-ons.

Also, check the prices of flying into nearby airports. Some cities even have multiple airports you could fly into. It might add a little extra travel time after you land, but it can help you save a bit of money on your flights.
wikiHow Expert
09/04/24 6:18 PM
Always search flights in stealth mode on your browser. Check Google Flights to get a feel for which airlines fly your chosen route and check their sites. Often, you’ll find a low fare calendar which gives you the dates of the lowest prices for the route you’re looking for. Check often.
WikiAntelopeKeeper764
09/04/24 7:32 PM
Something that has helped me get cheap flights is being open to some wiggle room when it comes to the dates I fly. If you're willing to fly on a weekday or during off hours, you can usually find flights that are cheaper than the flights that are on more in-demand days. I also subscribe to notifications for deals so that when airlines have sales or discounts I can take advantage of them. Some airlines or credit cards also have loyalty or reward programs that you can use to earn points that can help make your flights cheaper.
WikiMistRider890
09/06/24 8:19 AM
Not gonna lie, I thought checking flight info in incognito mode was a myth until this exact moment! But I totally second flying Spirit. Seats feel like I'm riding in a rickety roller coaster BUT it saves money. I also always look at Skyscanner for the best prices, but make sure to buy directly from the airline since they usually have the cheapest tickets compared to third-party websites AND they're a lot easier to deal with should anything go wrong, especially if you're booking a connecting flight. Third-party websites will typically not help you if something goes wrong with your flight.

What do other wikiHow readers have to say?

Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.

Anonymous wikiPanda
Anonymous wikiPanda
If you're traveling around a major holiday, be aware that it's generally cheaper to fly on the holiday itself. People generally want to relax on holidays and not deal with the hassles of air travel. So, tickets are typically cheaper on the holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Labor Day.
Anonymous wikiChinchilla
Anonymous wikiChinchilla
Airlines typically don't offer upgrades if you bought the cheapest fare listed. If you'd like the opportunity to be offered upgrades, your best bet is to contact the carrier or a travel agent and ask about fares that are upgradeable.
Anonymous wikiLlama
Anonymous wikiLlama
If you prefer flying first class, you can save money by purchasing a business class ticket instead if available. Both first-class and business class sit in the same front section, eat the same meals and are treated exactly the same, yet business class is often half the fare of first-class!
Reader Tips from How to Book a Flight
Anonymous wikiTapir
Anonymous wikiTapir
Consider working with a travel agent to book your flight, as they might be able to get tickets at a negotiable rate or discount.
Anonymous wikiOwl
Anonymous wikiOwl
If you are part of a frequent flyer program, check your program for flight deals or other ways to book cheaper airline tickets.