For many travellers, finding cheap flights is one of the most challenging aspects of planning a trip. Airfare can make up a significant portion of your travel budget, but with the right strategies, you can unlock great deals and save money for the rest of your adventure. Here are some expert tips on the art of finding cheap flights, ensuring that you can travel without breaking the bank.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is key when it comes to booking cheap flights. Airfares can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. Generally, flying on weekdays (especially Tuesday and Wednesday) tends to be cheaper than flying on weekends. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid peak seasons like school holidays, Christmas, or popular summer months, as flights during these periods tend to be much more expensive.

Many flight comparison websites, like Skyscanner or Google Flights, offer tools that allow you to view a calendar of fares, so you can easily compare prices for different dates. If you can shift your travel by even a few days, you might find a much cheaper option.

2. Set Fare Alerts

Another great way to find cheap flights is by setting fare alerts. Websites and apps like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to monitor flight prices for specific routes and dates. By setting up a fare alert, you’ll be notified when prices drop, giving you the chance to book at the best possible rate.

This is especially useful for destinations that you’re not set on visiting during a specific timeframe. With fare alerts, you can keep track of price fluctuations and jump on a deal when it appears.

3. Book in Advance (But Not Too Far Ahead)

While it’s often advised to book flights in advance, booking too early might not always yield the best prices. Typically, booking 6-8 weeks in advance is ideal for most domestic flights, while for international flights, booking 2-5 months in advance may give you the best deal.

Booking too far in advance can sometimes mean that airlines haven’t released their best offers yet, or you might miss out on last-minute promotions. By keeping a balance and monitoring fares over a couple of months, you’ll get a better idea of the right time to book.

4. Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Airlines and travel websites often track your search history to determine how much you’re willing to pay for a flight. This means that after multiple searches for the same route, prices can increase due to your browsing behaviour. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode on your web browser.

This simple trick can help you avoid the inflated prices that sometimes appear after you’ve been repeatedly checking the same route. Clear your cookies or use a different browser if you don’t want to use incognito mode.

5. Consider Nearby Airports

While it’s convenient to fly into major airports, they aren’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport and taking a bus or train to your destination can be significantly cheaper. For example, when flying to London, you may find cheaper flights into airports like Stansted or Gatwick, as opposed to Heathrow. Similarly, flying into an airport that’s located a short distance from your final destination could save you money, especially if it’s well-connected by public transport.

When you’re booking flights, always check alternative airports and calculate the additional transportation costs to see if it’s worth it.

6. Use Points or Miles

If you’ve accumulated air miles or points through credit cards, loyalty programs, or frequent flyer memberships, now is the time to use them! Many airlines allow you to redeem miles for flights or discounts, and using these points can significantly lower your airfare costs.

If you don’t already have a loyalty program membership, it’s worth signing up for one, especially if you fly frequently. These programs often offer promotions and bonus miles that can quickly add up to significant savings. Additionally, some credit cards offer great travel rewards and sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights.

7. Check for Special Offers and Flash Sales

Airlines regularly offer flash sales and special promotions that can help you score cheap flights. These offers are often time-sensitive and may be for specific routes or destinations, so it’s important to act quickly when you see a good deal. Signing up for airline newsletters and following them on social media is a great way to stay updated on any upcoming sales or promotional codes.

You can also check travel deal websites like Airfarewatchdog, Secret Flying, and The Flight Deal for alerts on last-minute flight deals and flash sales across various airlines.

8. Book One-Way Tickets or Multi-City Flights

Booking a round-trip flight may seem like the most straightforward option, but sometimes booking two one-way tickets or a multi-city flight can be cheaper. For example, booking a one-way flight to your destination on one airline and then a return flight with a different airline can save you money, especially when airlines have specific deals on one-way fares.

Multi-city flights are also a great option for travellers who want to visit several destinations on a single trip. If you’re planning to explore multiple cities, booking a multi-city flight could be more economical than buying separate one-way tickets for each leg of your journey.

9. Look for Budget Airlines

Budget airlines are a great way to score cheap flights, but it’s essential to be aware of extra fees that might not be included in the initial fare. While carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest offer low base fares, they often charge additional fees for things like baggage, seat selection, and food. Make sure to factor in these extra costs when comparing prices to traditional airlines.

If you’re flying short distances or within regions with plenty of budget airline options, they can be an excellent way to travel affordably. Just be prepared to compromise on luxuries like extra legroom or free snacks.

10. Be Open to Layovers

Direct flights are often the most convenient, but they’re not always the cheapest. If you’re willing to be flexible, consider flights with layovers. These can often be significantly cheaper, especially if the layover is in a major hub or if you have a long wait time between flights.

Use this opportunity to explore another city during your layover. Many airports are located near exciting destinations, and some airlines even offer free stopover programs, allowing you to extend your trip for no additional cost.

In conclusion, finding cheap flights is an art that requires patience, flexibility, and a bit of know-how. By following these tips and being strategic about your flight search, you can travel more affordably and have more funds left over for experiences at your destination. With these expert techniques in your arsenal, you’ll be able to find incredible flight deals and take the trips you’ve always dreamed of without breaking the bank.