💡 10 Proven Tips to Find Cheap Flights

November 2024 • 5 min read • Travel Tips
Want to save hundreds on your next flight? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, these 10 expert tips will help you find the cheapest flights available. We've compiled proven strategies that frequent travelers and booking experts use to score the best deals.

1 Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to flight prices. Research shows that booking at the right time can save you 20-40% on airfare.

Best booking windows:
  • Domestic flights: 1-3 months in advance
  • International flights: 2-8 months in advance
  • Best day to book: Tuesday or Wednesday
  • Best time of day: Early morning or late night

2 Be Flexible with Dates

Flying just a day or two earlier or later can dramatically reduce prices. Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are typically 15-20% cheaper than weekend departures.

Use FlightBrain's flexible date search to compare prices across different days and find the sweet spot for your budget.

3 Compare Multiple Airports

If you live near multiple airports, checking all of them can reveal significant savings. For example:

  • London: Compare LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, and LCY
  • New York: Check JFK, LGA, and EWR
  • Paris: Look at CDG, ORY, and BVA

FlightBrain automatically searches all nearby airports when you select "Include all nearby airports" - just select your city!

4 Use Incognito Mode

Airlines and booking sites may track your searches and raise prices on routes you've viewed multiple times. Always search in incognito/private browsing mode to see genuine prices.

5 Consider Budget Airlines

Budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air in Europe can offer flights for 50-70% less than traditional airlines. Just be aware of:

  • Baggage fees (often £15-£40 per bag)
  • Seat selection charges
  • Airport locations (sometimes further from city centers)
  • Limited flexibility for changes

6 Book Connecting Flights

Direct flights are convenient but often cost 30-50% more. Consider flights with one stop - you'll save money and might discover a new layover city to explore.

Pro tip: Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip on one carrier!

7 Clear Your Cookies

Websites use cookies to track your browsing history. Clearing your browser cookies before searching can sometimes reveal lower prices, as sites won't know you're a returning visitor.

8 Sign Up for Price Alerts

Set up notifications for routes you're interested in. When prices drop, you'll be the first to know. Many travelers save 20-30% by booking during flash sales.

9 Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

Flying during off-peak times can cut your costs in half:

  • Avoid: School holidays, Christmas, Easter, summer (June-August)
  • Best times: January-March (except holidays), September-November
  • Shoulder seasons: Late spring and early fall offer good weather and lower prices

10 Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Prices can vary significantly between booking platforms. That's why FlightBrain shows you options for Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak - so you can compare and choose the best deal.

Remember: The cheapest option isn't always the best. Consider total travel time, baggage allowances, and airline reputation when making your decision.

Ready to Find Your Cheap Flight?

Put these tips into action and start searching for amazing deals on FlightBrain!

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