Traveling can be an exciting experience, but flight costs often represent a significant expense. With a bit of strategy and some tricks, it’s possible to find cheap flights even in 2024. Here’s a guide to getting the best prices while saving time and money.
Use Smart Flight Search Engines
Flight search engines are the starting point for finding deals. Some of the best tools to use in 2024 include:
- Google Flights: it allows you to view prices on a monthly calendar, identifying the cheapest times to fly. Additionally, you can set price alerts and track fare trends.
- Skyscanner: it offers flexible date searches and the ability to view flights to “Anywhere” if you are open to different destinations.
- Momondo: great for comparing prices from various airlines and finding hidden deals. Additionally, it allows you to select flights with longer layovers to save even more.
These tools are great for uncovering price trends and allow you to compare deals across multiple platforms with just a few clicks.
Be flexible with travel dates
One of the most effective ways to find cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week or the time of year. Generally, flying mid-week, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, tends to be cheaper than weekend flights.
Avoiding peak tourist seasons or holidays can also make a big difference. If you can travel during less crowded months, like January or September, you’ll have a better chance of finding favorable rates.
Sign Up for newsletters and flight alerts
Airlines and search engines often offer flash deals or promotions on flights that last for just a few hours or days. By subscribing to newsletters from sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Pirate Travel, you’ll receive exclusive offers directly in your inbox that you might not find elsewhere.
You can also enable price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner. This way, you’ll receive a notification when the price of a flight you’re interested in drops, allowing you to book at the right time.
Book during the best times
One of the secrets to finding cheap flights is booking at the right time. According to various studies, the best time to book an international flight is between 6 and 8 weeks before departure. For domestic flights, the ideal window is between 3 and 5 weeks.
Avoid booking too far in advance or at the last minute, as prices tend to be higher during those times.
Take advantage of low-cost airlines and layovers
Low-cost airlines often offer very attractive fares, but you may have to give up some comforts like free meals or checked baggage. Examples of low-cost airlines to consider in 2024 include Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir in Europe, as well as Spirit Airlines in the United States.
Another trick is to choose flights with longer or more complex layovers. While less convenient, flying with layovers can lead to significant savings, especially on international routes. Check if combinations of flights with different airlines can offer you a lower price compared to a direct flight.
Benefit from loyalty programs and frequent flyer miles
Airline-associated credit cards allow you to earn points or miles that can be used for discounted or free flights. In 2024, many cards offer signup bonuses and periodic promotions. If you’re a frequent traveler, taking advantage of these loyalty programs can save you a lot on flights.
Additionally, keep an eye on airline mileage promotions: many airlines launch offers to earn extra miles on specific routes or during certain periods.
Use a VPN to book flights
Some airline websites and search engines offer different rates based on your geographical location. By using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can “change” your virtual location and check if flight prices are lower from another country. This trick can help you save, especially on international flights.
Finding cheap flights in 2024 requires a combination of strategy, patience, and the right tools. By leveraging search engines, monitoring promotions, and staying flexible, you can uncover unmissable deals and travel without breaking the bank. Pack your bags and start exploring the world!
