Cheap Flights
Practical ways to find cheaper flights, compare fares, and make your travel budget go further.
FLY MORE, SPEND LESS
Flights can take up a big part of your travel budget, but paying more doesn’t always mean getting a better journey. Being flexible with your dates, comparing different routes and understanding what is included in the fare can help you find better prices and avoid unnecessary costs.
Finding a cheap flight isn’t about one secret trick. It’s usually a combination of flexibility, comparing your options and looking at the total cost before you book.
HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS
These practical strategies can help you compare flights more effectively and avoid paying more than you need to.
1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Flight prices can change significantly from one day to another. If your travel dates are flexible, compare several days before and after your preferred departure date rather than searching for only one specific day.
Travelling during the middle of the week or outside major holidays and peak travel periods can sometimes offer better prices, but there is no single day that is always cheapest. Compare the actual fares available for your trip.
2. Compare Flights Before Booking
Don’t automatically book the first fare you find. Use flight comparison tools to see different airlines, departure times, routes and prices in one place.
Once you find a suitable flight, also check the airline’s own website. Compare the final price and what is included before deciding where to book.
3. Check Nearby Airports
Some cities have several airports, and flying from or into a different one can sometimes reduce the ticket price.
However, always consider the cost and time required to reach that airport. Saving money on the flight isn’t worthwhile if you then spend the difference on trains, buses or taxis.
4. Compare Direct and Connecting Flights
Direct flights are usually more convenient, but flights with a connection can sometimes be considerably cheaper. If your budget is more important than travel time, compare both options.
Check the total journey time carefully. Saving a small amount may not be worth spending an additional eight hours travelling or having an uncomfortable overnight connection.
5. Understand Budget Airline Fees
Low-cost airlines can offer excellent fares, particularly for shorter journeys, but the advertised price may include very little.
Check baggage allowances, seat-selection charges, airport check-in rules and any other extras before booking. Once these are added, another airline with a higher initial fare can sometimes work out cheaper overall.
6. Travel Light to Save on Baggage
Baggage fees can significantly increase the price of a cheap flight. If you can travel with only the luggage included in your fare, you may save a considerable amount, particularly when using low-cost airlines.
Check the airline’s exact size and weight limits before travelling. Different airlines have different baggage policies, and exceeding the allowance at the airport can be expensive.
7. Consider One-Way and Separate Tickets
A return ticket with the same airline isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes flying out with one airline and returning with another can reduce the total cost or give you better travel times.
If you book separate tickets with a connection, however, be careful. If the first flight is delayed and you miss the second separately booked flight, you may not have the same protection you would have with a single through-ticket.
8. Set Flight Price Alerts
If you know where you want to travel but aren’t ready to book, price alerts can help you monitor how fares change.
This can be particularly useful when planning several months ahead. Instead of manually checking the same route every day, you can monitor the price and decide whether a fare fits your budget.
9. Check the Total Cost, Not Just the Fare
The cheapest ticket displayed in the search results isn’t necessarily the cheapest journey.
Add the cost of baggage, seat selection, transport to and from the airport and any other fees you’ll actually need. A slightly more expensive ticket from a convenient airport with baggage included may offer much better value.
10. Know When to Book
There is no guaranteed number of days before departure that always produces the cheapest flight. Prices depend on the route, season, demand, airline and how quickly seats are selling.
Rather than waiting endlessly for the perfect price, research the normal fare range for your route. When you find a price that works comfortably within your budget, it can make more sense to book it than risk the fare increasing later.
TOOLS TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS
I usually start by comparing flights on Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, and KAYAK. These tools make it easy to compare different dates, airlines, routes, and nearby airports to find better fares.
You can also use price alerts to track fares if you’re not ready to book yet.
Once you find a suitable flight, it’s worth checking the airline’s own website before booking. Compare the final price, baggage allowance, and booking conditions before making your decision.
SAVE MORE ON YOUR NEXT TRIP
Finding a cheaper flight is only one part of travelling on a budget. Your accommodation can make an even bigger difference to your total trip cost, so choosing where to stay carefully can help your money go further.