14 Rules to Master Cheap Flights

Airfare is usually the biggest expense of any trip, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Dynamic pricing algorithms make flights expensive, but they also create opportunities if you know how to manipulate them.

Here is the no-nonsense guide to finding the cheapest airfare every time.

1. Stop Believing the Myths

There is no "magic hour" to book. Buying on a Tuesday at midnight or searching in Incognito mode does not guarantee cheaper fares. Airline algorithms are complex and based on demand, not your browser history. Focus on the data, not the myths.

2. Flexibility is Key (Dates)

Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is almost always cheaper than flying on weekends. Avoid major holidays and school breaks. Use the "Whole Month" view on search engines to spot the cheapest days instantly. Shifting your trip by 24 hours can save you hundreds.

3. Flexibility is Key (Destinations)

If you just want to travel somewhere, let the price decide the destination. Use the "Everywhere" or "Anywhere" search function on Skyscanner or Google Flights. This reveals the cheapest places to fly from your home airport on your chosen dates.

4. Automate the Search

Don't waste hours refreshing pages. Sign up for deal newsletters like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Jack’s Flight Club. They scan for error fares and massive price drops and email them to you. Most specific sales last less than 24 hours; let the deals come to you.

5. Embrace Long-Haul Budget Carriers

The gap between legacy and budget airlines has closed. Carriers like Norse Atlantic, Zipair, and French Bee offer transcontinental flights for a fraction of the cost. Warning: Always calculate the final price including baggage and meals. If the add-ons are too high, stick to legacy carriers.

6. The "Self-Transfer" Trick

Direct flights are convenient but expensive. It is often cheaper to fly to a major regional hub (like London, Bangkok, or Singapore) and then book a separate budget flight to your final destination. Crucial: Leave at least 3–4 hours between flights, as the second airline will not wait if you are delayed.

7. Use the Right Tools

Not all search engines see the same inventory.

• Google Flights: Best for speed and calendar visualization.

• Skyscanner: Best for finding budget carriers and smaller OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) that Google misses.

Always compare both before booking.

8. Check Student & Youth Fares

If you are under 26 or a student, you are eligible for specific discounts that aren't shown on standard search results. Check portals like StudentUniverse or Flight Centre. Major airlines like SAS and Lufthansa also offer youth tickets directly on their sites.

9. Mix and Match Airlines

Booking a roundtrip with one airline is easy, but often pricier. "Hacker Fares" involve flying there with one airline and back with another. Search engines usually do this automatically, but sometimes booking two one-way tickets manually results in a lower total price.

10. Points are Better than Cash

Travel credit cards are the single fastest way to free flights. Sign-up bonuses can be worth multiple international tickets. Don't hoard miles—seats devalue over time. Use tools like point.me to find the best award seat availability.

11. Search for One Person First

When booking for a group, airline algorithms default to the highest fare bucket for the entire group. If there is only one cheap seat left and you search for two people, the system charges you the higher price for both. Search for 1 passenger to see the true base price, then book separately if necessary.

12. Currency Arbitrage

Sometimes, booking a flight in the currency of the departure country is cheaper. If you are flying a local airline in South America or Asia, try changing the website region and currency. Ensure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees before paying.

13. The Booking "Sweet Spot"

Don't book 11 months out, and don't book last minute.

• Domestic: 1–3 months in advance.

• International: 2–5 months in advance.

  
  

Booking too early is expensive because airlines haven't released discount inventory yet; booking too late subjects you to business-traveler pricing.

14. Skiplagging (Hidden City Ticketing)

This is a risky but effective strategy where you book a flight through your destination rather than to it (e.g., booking NYC -> Dallas -> LA, but getting off in Dallas).

Rules: Never check a bag (it will go to LA). Never use your frequent flyer number. Do not do this often, or the airline may ban you. Use Skiplagged to find these routes.

The Bottom Line

Cheap flights are out there, but they require you to be smarter than the average tourist. Be flexible, check multiple search engines, and be ready to book immediately when you see a price drop. Start your search on Skyscanner or Google Flights today —procrastination is the most expensive travel habit.