Discover How to Find Cheap Flights: Your Ultimate Guide

travelwithus717
Jun 9, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Let’s face it — nothing beats the thrill of booking cheap flights and jetting off on a spontaneous adventure. But with flight prices constantly fluctuating, scoring the best deals can feel like a full-time job. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

In this blog, I’m going to break down how to find cheap flights, share my favourite tools and strategies, and dish out tried-and-true travel hacks to help you save money. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, these tips will help you fly more and spend less.

1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

When it comes to finding cheap airfare, flexibility is your best friend. Flight prices vary depending on the day of the week, season, and even time of day. Flying mid-week (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is often significantly cheaper than weekend flights.

Pro tip: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to view a calendar of fares and identify the cheapest days to fly. These are two of my favourite sites to use when it comes to checking flight deals!

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites

To find the best deals, always compare prices across multiple platforms. Some of the most reliable flight search engines for finding cheap flights include:

Google Flights – great for flexible date searches and tracking prices.
Skyscanner – perfect for browsing “everywhere” if you're open to different destinations.
Momondo – excellent for spotting lesser-known budget airlines.
Hopper – predicts the best time to buy flights and alerts you when prices drop.

These platforms not only help you compare prices but they can often show error fares or flash sales you might otherwise miss.

3. Set Fare Alerts

One of the easiest ways to find discount flights is by setting up fare alerts. Websites like Airfarewatchdog, Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), and Skyscanner allow you to track specific routes and notify you when prices drop.

This is a great passive way to monitor deals without constantly checking. Skyscanner is my top choice when it comes to doing this.

4. Book in Advance — But Not Too Early

Timing does matter. Generally, booking your flight 2 to 3 months in advance for domestic travel and 3 to 6 months for international flights gives you the best chance at cheap fares. However, don’t book too early!

Airlines rarely release the best deals more than 6 months in advance. If you’re feeling adventurous, last-minute deals can sometimes pop up — especially for less popular routes.

5. Consider Nearby Airports

Expanding your search to include nearby airports can open up a world of savings. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Gatwick instead of Heathrow, might save you hundreds.

This is particularly useful in large cities with multiple airports or if you're willing to travel a little further to your final destination.

6. Use Points, Miles & Credit Card Perks

Frequent flyer miles and travel reward credit cards are a goldmine for saving on flights. If you travel often, consider signing up for a travel rewards card that earns points for every purchase.

Some of the best cards offer sign-up bonuses large enough to cover a round-trip flight, and many come with added perks like free checked bags or lounge access.

I personally use the British Airways and Virgin Red points. You can earn points from shopping at places you would shop at anyway. If they are partnered with the airline and you shop with them, you can earn a certain amount of points from your purchase which you can then use towards your future flight!

7. Browse in Incognito Mode

It might sound like a myth, but some travellers swear by this: flight prices may increase based on your search history. To avoid potential price manipulation, search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to get the most accurate fares.

You may be asking, so how do you find cheap flights in incognito mode? Well, all you have to do is go into Google Chrome and click the wrench icon that is located in the top right corner. Then click 'new incognito window' and now you can search for flights how you normally would without the potential price changes. You can tell you are in incognito mode on Google when the icon at the top left looks like it is in disguise (it will be wearing sunglasses and a hat).

8. Don’t Dismiss Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Spirit, EasyJet, and Jetstar often offer unbeatable prices — if you’re willing to forgo some of the frills. Be sure to check baggage policies and add-ons so you don’t get hit with surprise fees.

Hack: Bring your own snacks and pack light to save even more.

9. Mix and Match Airlines

Instead of booking round-trip flights with the same airline, check if it’s cheaper to fly out with one airline and return with another. Some booking sites automatically show “hacker fares” that piece together different airlines to save you money.

10. Explore Alternative Routes

Sometimes, taking a longer route can save you money. Consider booking a flight with a layover instead of a direct flight. This can often lead to significant savings. Just be sure to factor in the extra travel time.

Final Thoughts: Your Cheap Flight Checklist

Finding cheap flights isn’t magic — it’s strategy. To recap:

Be flexible with dates and destinations.
Use multiple flight comparison websites.
Set up fare alerts.
Book at the right time.
Look into alternate airports.
Leverage points and miles.
Go incognito when searching.
Consider budget airlines.
Mix and match for savings.
Explore alternative routes.

With these tools and tricks, cheap flights are always within reach. So go ahead — book that trip, explore new horizons, and keep your wallet happy! Don't forget you can also find amazing holiday deals on our website too! Just check our deals page, we have holiday and excursion deals on there! We can also create a custom itinerary for you too, just check out the itinerary page! ✈️ Happy travels and cheaper flights!

✈️ Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Cheap Flights

1. When is the best time to book a flight?

The best time to book a flight is typically 2–3 months in advance for domestic flights and 3–6 months ahead for international travel. Booking too early or too late can result in higher prices.

2. What day of the week is cheapest to fly?

Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer the cheapest flights. Flying mid-week instead of over the weekend can save you a significant amount of money.

3. Are flight prices cheaper at certain times of the day?

Yes! Early morning or late-night flights tend to be less expensive. Red-eye flights are often cheaper because they are less in demand.

4. Do flight prices go up the more you search?

Some users report seeing higher prices after repeated searches. To avoid this, use incognito or private browsing mode when looking for flights online.

5. What websites are best for finding cheap flights?

Top websites and apps for finding cheap flights include:

Google Flights
Skyscanner
Momondo
Hopper
Kayak

Each has different features that help you compare fares and track price changes.

6. Are budget airlines worth it?

Budget airlines can offer great deals, but be aware of extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and meals. If you're traveling light and flexible, they’re often worth it.

7. How do fare alerts work?

Fare alerts notify you when flight prices drop on a route you’re watching. Tools like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Airfarewatchdog let you set alerts by email or app notifications.