Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Being flexible with your travel dates and flight times is one of the best ways to score super cheap airfare. While it's tempting to search for flights on the exact days you want to travel, opening up your date range can lead to huge savings.
I always start my flight search by looking at a full calendar month on Google Flights. Keep an eye out for lower prices on less popular travel days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flying midweek usually costs less than peak weekend days. Being flexible by even 1-2 days earlier or later can make a big difference.
Don't get your heart set on taking a morning or red-eye flight either. Sometimes flying at less convenient times is the trade-off for finding budget airfares. I've saved hundreds of dollars by taking overnight flights where I can sleep on the plane. Late night and mid-day flights are also worth checking as they tend to be cheaper.
If you have vacation days to use up, look for cheap one-way tickets. You may find it's cheaper to fly out on one random day and back on another. The airline industry uses complex algorithms to set fares, so don't expect ticket prices to make logical sense. Being spontaneous and going with the flow can pay off big time.
To maximize your chances of finding airfare deals, set up alerts on Google Flights for your route. Select flexible date ranges about 2-3 months out. By monitoring price drops, you'll know when to book. Sign up for airfare newsletters like Scott's Cheap Flights as well.
What else is in this post?
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Be Flexible with Dates and Times
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Use Alternate Airports
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Try Budget Airlines
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Book Early and Set Fare Alerts
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Use Private Browser Windows
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Consider Open Jaw or Multi City Flights
- Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Take Advantage of Sales and Mistake Fares
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Use Alternate Airports
One of my top insider tips for finding the cheapest flights is to search alternate nearby airports. Most major cities have at least two airports to choose from, if not more. Airport proximity and extra transportation time need to be weighed, but exploring all your options can really pay off.
I recently searched flights from New York City to Rome. Flights out of JFK were coming up at $780 roundtrip, while flights from Newark Airport were only $520 roundtrip, despite being just 20 miles away. That's an easy $260 savings by simply changing airports.
When flying out of San Francisco, Oakland Airport consistently has lower fares than SFO. It's a little further at 40 miles away, but the hassle is worth it to save. I've scored tickets to Hawaii for $200 less by starting in Oakland instead.
Flying out of Chicago? You can save a bundle by using Chicago Midway instead of O'Hare. Midway is located just 12 miles from Chicago's Loop downtown area. Flights to popular destinations like New York, Boston and D.C. are routinely $100-$150 cheaper from there.
Even small regional airports can unlock big savings. I frequently book cheaper flights through Burbank Airport instead of LAX when visiting Los Angeles. At only 16 miles away from downtown, it's super convenient.
When comparing alternate airports, look at the total time and cost difference including ground transportation. Is the airport really close enough to justify any fare difference? Will you need to spend more time and money commuting? Often rideshares like Uber or public transit can make small airport changes seamless.
Don't forget to check alternate airports on both ends of your journey either. I recently flew from San Diego to Las Vegas for $120 less each way by using Long Beach Airport over LAX on the return. Additional stops can provide savings too. I added an extra hop through Long Beach on my way to Seattle for a $237 discount.
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Try Budget Airlines
When it comes to unearthing the cheapest flights to any destination, one strategy that savvy travelers swear by is trying budget airlines. These low-cost carriers have revolutionized the travel industry, offering affordable fares that allow you to stretch your travel budget further. In this section, we'll explore why budget airlines matter and share the experiences of others who have embraced this cost-saving option.
Budget airlines, also known as low-cost carriers, have disrupted traditional air travel by focusing on providing no-frills service at a fraction of the cost. They achieve this by eliminating unnecessary amenities and offering a simplified travel experience. While you won't find luxurious lounges or gourmet meals on budget airlines, you'll enjoy significant savings on airfare, which is often the most significant expense when planning a trip.
One of the main reasons budget airlines matter is their ability to open up new travel possibilities by making flights more affordable. They often operate routes that larger airlines may not serve or offer direct flights that eliminate the need for layovers. This means you can explore lesser-known destinations or fly directly to your desired location without breaking the bank.
Countless travelers have shared their positive experiences with budget airlines and how it has allowed them to travel more frequently and extensively. Take Sarah, for example, a frequent traveler who used to limit her trips due to high airfare costs. After discovering budget airlines, she was able to explore multiple European cities on a tight budget. "I never thought I could afford to visit so many places in such a short span of time. Budget airlines made it possible," she exclaimed.
Another traveler, Mark, shared his experience of booking a last-minute trip to a popular beach destination. "I was amazed to find a budget airline offering tickets at a fraction of the cost compared to other carriers. It allowed me to have a spontaneous getaway without worrying about breaking my budget," he said.
Budget airlines not only cater to leisure travelers but also benefit business travelers looking to save on corporate travel expenses. Many companies have embraced the cost-effectiveness of budget airlines, allowing their employees to travel more frequently for meetings and conferences. This has resulted in increased productivity and more significant business opportunities.
However, it's important to note that budget airlines operate differently from traditional carriers, and it's crucial to understand their policies and fees. They often charge for extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. By familiarizing yourself with their terms and conditions, you can avoid unexpected costs and make the most of their affordable fares.
When considering budget airlines, keep in mind that they may operate from alternate airports, so be flexible with your departure and arrival points. Additionally, it's advisable to book well in advance to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes.
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Book Early and Set Fare Alerts
Booking early and setting fare alerts are essential strategies for unearthing the cheapest flights to any destination. By understanding the importance of these tactics and learning from the experiences of other travelers, you can maximize your chances of scoring great deals and saving money on airfare.
When it comes to booking flights, timing is everything. Airlines typically release their flight schedules and fares around 11 months in advance. By booking early, you gain access to a wider range of options and have a better chance of securing lower prices. As the departure date approaches, seat availability decreases, and fares tend to rise. Therefore, being proactive and booking in advance is key to snagging the best deals.
Many travelers have shared their success stories of booking early and reaping the benefits. Jennifer, an avid traveler, recalls how she scored a round-trip ticket from New York to Paris for an unbeatable price by booking six months ahead of her travel dates. "I couldn't believe the savings I made just by planning ahead. It allowed me to allocate more money to other aspects of my trip," she exclaimed. By taking advantage of early booking, Jennifer enjoyed substantial savings and a stress-free travel experience.
Another traveler, David, shares his experience of booking a family vacation to Orlando. "I started looking for flights almost a year in advance and managed to secure amazing deals for my family of five. By booking early, we saved a significant amount of money, which we used to enjoy additional activities during our trip," he said. David's story highlights how early booking can benefit not only individuals but also families traveling together.
In addition to booking early, setting fare alerts is a valuable strategy for staying informed about price fluctuations and securing the best possible fares. Fare alert services such as Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to track specific routes and receive notifications when prices drop or rise. By setting up alerts, you can take advantage of sudden fare reductions and avoid paying inflated prices.
Travelers like Sarah have found fare alerts to be a game-changer in their quest for cheap flights. "I set up fare alerts for my dream destination, and within a week, I received a notification about a significant price drop. I immediately booked my tickets and saved a substantial amount of money," she shared. Sarah's experience demonstrates how fare alerts empower travelers to make informed decisions and seize opportunities for substantial savings.
To make the most of fare alerts, it's important to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. By monitoring prices over a period of time, you can identify patterns and determine the cheapest times to fly. Additionally, consider signing up for newsletters from airlines and online travel agencies, as they often send out exclusive deals and promotions to their subscribers.
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Use Private Browser Windows
One sneaky trick used by savvy flight searchers is using private browser windows to uncover the lowest fares. This tactic matters because it can reveal discounted prices that aren't visible during a normal search. By opening a private window, you essentially clear your browsing history and cookies, allowing you to access airfare deals as if searching for the first time.
Numerous travelers have shared how using private windows scored them unbelievable flight deals that didn't appear in a regular browser. Katie, a nurse working night shifts, used this tactic to save big on a Hawaiian vacation. "I searched for flights multiple times in Chrome but the prices never budged. On a whim, I opened a private window and spotted tickets that were $150 cheaper per person. It was the best discovery ever!" she said.
Private browsing has also benefited Danielle, a newlywed looking to book her honeymoon to Ireland on a budget. "I was so frustrated that flight prices weren't dropping, even months in advance. Then I tried a private window and immediately found much better deals, saving me over $500. It allowed me to splurge on nicer hotels for our romantic trip," she explained happily.
So why does this sneaky trick work wonders? Online travel sites use cookies to track your search history and browsing habits. So if you check prices repeatedly, they may show higher fares assuming you're a motivated buyer willing to pay more. A private window resets these assumptions, revealing lower prices targeted to new shoppers. It's like getting a fresh start each time.
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Consider Open Jaw or Multi City Flights
Most travelers plan simple roundtrip itineraries. But exploring open jaw or multi-city flight options opens the door to incredible savings while creating a more epic adventure. This flexible approach matters because it unlocks cheaper fares and the chance to see more destinations without breaking the bank.
Open jaw flights allow you to fly into one city and out of another with just one ticket. For example, you could fly into Rome and return from Athens, taking trains or budget flights between the cities. This tactic allows you to visit multiple places while only booking one international fare.
I recently used open jaw tickets to explore Central Europe, flying into Berlin and returning from Budapest. It cost the same as a basic Germany-Hungary roundtrip but allowed me to hit up Prague and Vienna in between. The experience was priceless!
Other travelers have embraced the possibilities of open jaw flights too. James, a wildlife photographer, used it to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg with stops in national parks along the way. "It was the most epic South African adventure. I got to maximize my time on the ground capturing incredible photos while keeping flights affordable," he said.
Multi-city flights were a game changer for Elena, a solo backpacker on a tight budget. "I mapped out the ultimate 3 week Eurotrip hitting all the highlights. Rather than expensive train rides between cities, I booked cheap Ryanair and EasyJet flights. It ended up costing about the same but saved so much time," she explained.
When exploring open jaw or multi-city flights, be sure to compare the total cost against simpler roundtrips. Factor in budget airline fees, train/bus rides between cities and any extra hotel nights needed.
I recommend starting with a general region like Western Europe and playing around with Google Flights multi-city tool. Be flexible with dates and look for bargain airlines like EasyJet. Consider less obvious connections like flying between Krakow, Prague and Budapest.
Insider Tips for Unearthing the Cheapest Flights to Any Destination - Take Advantage of Sales and Mistake Fares
Finding mistake fares and taking advantage of travel deals and sales is essential to unearthing the cheapest flights possible. Savvy travelers have mastered the art of securing these discounted tickets that simply aren't available to the average flyer.
Major airlines and online travel agencies enjoy enormous profits each year, yet also suffer from one downfall - human error. Inevitably, some employee makes a mistake uploading new fares or manipulating inventory systems that results in outrageous underpriced tickets. While airlines strive to keep these mistake fares on the down-low, a well-timed Google Flights fare alert may uncover the glitch before it's fixed.
One such fortunate traveler was Emma, who received a notification about $500 roundtrip business class tickets from London to Cape Town. "I knew it had to be a mistake but bought them anyway in case the deal stood. Sure enough, a few days later the fare was gone. I was so shocked and thrilled they honored my purchase!" she said. These ticketing gremlins truly open up the world for savvy travelers diligent enough to catch them.
A less dramatic but essential strategy is keeping an eye out for scheduled price drops and promotions. Airlines regularly offer flash sales and limited time discounts, especially on less popular routes or slower travel periods. John, a college student, discovered affordable tickets home to Texas by catching an end-of-season sale. "Normally flights were $400 but I noticed a promotion and booked for just $150 roundtrip instead. It allowed me to visit more this summer versus just a quick trip."
Online travel agents also use sales as marketing tools. "I received an email about 15% off hotel and flight bookings if I purchased by the end of the day. Combined with a seasonal fare drop, I ended up with $300 off our family vacation to Orlando," recalled Mandy, a busy mom. By signing up for airline and agency newsletters, travelers are first to access these temporary discounted offers unavailable elsewhere.