Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Timing is Everything: When to Book for the Best Airfare Deals
When it comes to scoring cheap flights, timing is everything. Knowing the best time to purchase airline tickets can help you save big on your next trip. Our frequent flyer experts recommend keeping these tips in mind when looking to get the lowest fares:
Book early. In general, booking at least 2-3 months in advance will open up access to the lowest fares. Airlines typically release seats at discounted rates far in advance to stimulate early booking. The most budget-friendly seats get snapped up quickly.
Avoid peak seasons. Flying during peak holiday weeks or summer breaks comes with premium pricing. Opting for off-peak seasons like September and October as well as weekdays can yield major savings. Being flexible with your travel dates opens the door to better deals.
Watch fare sales. Sign up for airline and deal site alerts so you’re notified when fare sales are released. Move quickly as the deepest discounts have very limited availability. Flash sales often require travel within a set timeframe, but the savings can be substantial if your schedule aligns.
Book on Tuesdays. Historic booking data shows average fares tend to be lowest when searches are done on Tuesdays. It pays to be diligent and check back multiple times as sales can pop up randomly.
Leverage tools. Subscription services and meta search engines like Kayak can track price fluctuations and alert you when rates drop. This removes the guesswork involved with deciding the best time to purchase.
Consider last minute deals. While inherently risky, waiting until the last minute (1-3 weeks out) can unlock deep discounts as airlines slash fares to fill empty seats. This requires flexibility and not all routes offer last minute deals.
What else is in this post?
- Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Timing is Everything: When to Book for the Best Airfare Deals
- Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Hidden Gems: Unconventional Routes That Can Save You Big
- Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Loyalty Pays Off: Maximizing Miles and Points for Affordable Flights
- Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Flexible Flyers: How Adjusting Dates and Airports Can Cut Costs
- Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Insider Secrets: Expert Hacks for Spotting Limited-Time Fare Sales
Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Hidden Gems: Unconventional Routes That Can Save You Big
While the major hubs and popular routes are often the first places travelers look when searching for flights, savvy flyers know that exploring some lesser-known routes can uncover some truly incredible deals. These hidden gem routes might not be the most direct, but they can offer enormous savings compared to the typical nonstop options.
One prime example is flying from the U.S. to Asia via Europe. Many European cities serve as key gateways for onward travel to destinations across Asia, so you can often find jaw-droppingly low fares by adding a quick stopover in places like London, Paris, or Frankfurt before continuing on to your final Asian destination. The savings can be dramatic, with round-trip economy flights from the U.S. to cities like Tokyo or Bangkok that can be 50% or more below the usual nonstop pricing.
The tradeoff, of course, is the additional travel time from the European connection. But for many travelers, the ability to fly business class for the price of economy on a nonstop flight makes it well worth the extra time. And there's an added bonus of getting to experience a new city, even if just for a short layover.
Similarly, flying to Europe via Morocco or Iceland can unlock incredible fares. Both countries have become increasingly popular stopover points for travelers, with airlines offering very competitive rates to connect through these hubs. An additional perk is that both Morocco and Iceland are fascinating destinations in their own right, so you can turn a simple layover into a multi-destination adventure.
Even within specific regions, looking beyond the biggest and busiest airports can yield major savings. For example, flying into smaller airports in Italy like Pisa or Bologna instead of Rome or Milan can provide large discounts, while still offering easy access to the country's top attractions. The same holds true for Spain, where flying into Seville or Malaga rather than Madrid or Barcelona can lead to sizable savings.
Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Loyalty Pays Off: Maximizing Miles and Points for Affordable Flights
Frequent flyers know that racking up airline miles and hotel points can be a game-changer when it comes to scoring cheap flights. By strategically earning and redeeming these rewards, savvy travelers can unlock access to deeply discounted airfare, premium cabin upgrades, and even free flights altogether.
The key is to focus on a core set of loyalty programs that align with your travel patterns. For instance, if you tend to fly with a particular airline, make sure to enroll in their frequent flyer program and use their co-branded credit card for all eligible purchases. This dual-pronged approach will accelerate your mileage earning, allowing you to reach elite status faster and qualify for valuable perks like priority boarding, baggage allowances, and lounge access.
Of course, the real power of miles and points comes when it's time to redeem them. Many programs offer redemption rates that equate to 1-2 cents per mile, meaning 50,000 miles could be worth $500 to $1,000 towards a flight. The key is to look for sweet spots - routes, seasons, or cabin classes where the program offers outsized value. Carefully monitoring award availability and being flexible on your travel dates can unlock these hidden gems.
Beyond flight redemptions, savvy travelers can also leverage their points for hotel stays, car rentals, and even non-travel purchases. Some programs even allow you to pool points with friends and family, multiplying your redemption potential. The key is to stay on top of program changes, bonus offers, and transfer partner promotions to maximize the value you extract.
Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Flexible Flyers: How Adjusting Dates and Airports Can Cut Costs
Savvy travelers know that flexibility is the key to unlocking incredible flight deals. By being willing to tweak your travel dates or consider alternative airports, you can uncover massive savings that make your dream trips more accessible.
Timing is everything when it comes to airfare, and even minor adjustments to your departure and return dates can lead to significantly lower prices. The sweet spot is usually 2-3 months in advance, when airlines are most eager to fill seats and offer discounted fares. However, being open to flying a day or two earlier or later than your ideal schedule can open the door to even deeper discounts.
Monitoring price fluctuations and pouncing on flash sales is another tactic used by the pros. Setting up price alerts on sites like Google Flights and Hopper can notify you the moment fares drop, allowing you to book before the deals disappear. A willingness to be spontaneous and travel on short notice can also pay dividends, as airlines sometimes slash last-minute prices to fill empty seats.
Exploring alternative airports in your region can be another goldmine. Flying into a smaller or secondary airport within a reasonable distance of your final destination can yield shockingly low fares compared to the major hubs. For example, instead of landing in New York City, consider touching down in Newark, Westchester, or even Philadelphia to save hundreds on your ticket. The same principle applies in destinations around the world - looking beyond the main international airport can unlock remarkable bargains.
Frequent Fliers Share Their Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights - Insider Secrets: Expert Hacks for Spotting Limited-Time Fare Sales
Uncovering limited-time fare sales takes insider knowledge and a bit of luck. Savvy frequent flyers rely on these expert tips to stay on top of the fleeting deals that can unlock massive savings on flights:
Use fare alerts - Sign up for notifications from airlines, online travel agencies, and deal sites. Act quickly when sales are announced, as the deepest discounts have very limited availability.
Target flash sales - Some airlines run 24-72 hour flash promotions focused on specific destinations or travel windows. These provide deep, short-term discounts if you can drop everything and book fast.