1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the most effective ways to find cheaper flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Airfare prices fluctuate based on demand, and small changes in your itinerary can make a significant difference in price. Flights during peak seasons or weekends are often more expensive. If possible, try flying on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when demand tends to be lower.

Additionally, flying during off-peak seasons, like late fall or early spring, can save you a lot of money. Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to check prices on different dates and see how they vary.

2. Use Fare Comparison Websites

Fare comparison websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Momondo allow you to compare prices across a wide range of airlines and booking platforms. These sites show you the cheapest options for your destination, so you can choose the best deal available. Be sure to set up price alerts, which notify you when flight prices drop for your desired route.

3. Book in Advance

While last-minute deals sometimes pop up, booking your flight in advance is generally a safer bet for securing lower prices. Experts recommend booking domestic flights about 1-3 months in advance and international flights 2-6 months ahead of your departure. This gives you access to the best deals before prices start to rise closer to the departure date.

4. Consider Alternative Airports

If your destination has more than one airport, consider flying into a smaller or less popular airport. Larger airports tend to have higher traffic and higher fares, while smaller airports might offer cheaper flights. Just be sure to factor in any additional transportation costs, like shuttle services or taxis, to reach your final destination.

5. Use Airline Miles and Points

If you’re a frequent flyer or belong to a loyalty program, you may have accumulated points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Credit cards with travel rewards programs can also be a great way to rack up points and reduce the overall cost of your flight. Check if your credit card offers additional perks like travel credits or bonus miles for certain purchases.

6. Check for Airline Promotions

Airlines often run sales and promotions, especially during special events like Black Friday or New Year’s. To stay on top of these deals, subscribe to airline newsletters, follow airlines on social media, or use fare alert apps to get notifications. Booking directly with the airline during a sale can help you avoid third-party booking fees while securing a great price.

7. Clear Your Browser History or Use Incognito Mode

Some websites track your browsing history and may raise prices when they see that you’re repeatedly searching for a specific route. To avoid this, clear your browser history or use incognito or private browsing mode while searching for flights. This can help you avoid price hikes and allow you to see the best possible deals.

8. Mix and Match Airlines

Sometimes, booking separate one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than booking a round-trip flight with a single airline. Look into flying one leg with one airline and the return leg with another to find the best price combination. Be sure to account for layover times and check if the airports are conveniently located.

9. Consider Stopovers

Direct flights are often the most convenient, but they can also be more expensive. If you’re open to a longer journey, consider flights with one or more stopovers. These flights are often cheaper and can also give you the opportunity to explore a new city during a layover.

10. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

Many travel websites, airlines, and booking platforms offer email alerts that notify you about discounted flights. Signing up for newsletters from airlines, booking sites, and travel deal blogs can give you access to exclusive promotions and flash sales. Websites like Airfarewatchdog, SecretFlying, and The Flight Deal often share last-minute deals and error fares that can lead to significant savings.

11. Use a VPN

Sometimes, airlines and booking sites offer different prices based on your location. By using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can change your location to see if there are cheaper prices available from a different country. This trick can sometimes result in savings, especially for international flights.

12. Check for Student, Military, or Senior Discounts

Certain groups like students, military personnel, and seniors are eligible for discounts on flights. If you fall into one of these categories, always check to see if you can get a better deal. Some airlines even offer exclusive discounts or special pricing for these groups.