For most travelers, flights represent one of the most costly travel expenses. But landing a great ticket price is more possible than most people think.
You don't have to spend hours hunting around for the best price, either. You just need to know where to look and how to use the tools you already have at your disposal.
I’ve spent more than a decade traveling all around the globe, from short domestic hops to long-haul international routes, landing great flight deals along the way. Looking to get the lowest price on your next flight? Here are five strategies that I’ve seen actually work.
In this article
Get Deals Sent to You
If you don't have time to hunt for flight deals and monitor prices daily, certain services can do the hard work for you.
Companies like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) and Thrifty Traveler Premium send deal alerts straight to your inbox for good prices on popular flights around the world, so you jump on one that interests you.
Subscriptions are available in multiple tiers at varying price points, and some have free base plans. The tier you select will determine the type of deals you’re sent, so review plan options carefully to choose one that meets your needs.
With Thrifty, I pay an annual fee (it can vary between $90 and $130 based on a few different factors) to receive domestic and international flight deals across economy, business class, and first class, plus error-fare alerts and points-and-miles award alerts.
You can also set up free flight alerts through Google Flights. Search your route, then toggle on "Track prices" to get notified when fares change or drop for your dates.
Stay Flexible
Most travelers know that flexibility can mean cheaper flights. But you can take it further than just avoiding weekend departures and traveling during the holidays.
If you have a destination in mind but have flexibility in your travel dates, tools like Google Flights let you search by month, week, or specific date to find the lowest available fares.
Traveling during shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak travel times, can mean lower fares and fewer crowds. Knowing when to book your flights can make a difference, too.
For those with limited flexibility, like parents who need to book their next vacation during their child's spring break or summer vacation, it may be more difficult to put this strategy to use. But self-employed people, remote workers, and solo travelers may benefit from this approach.
Go Wherever the Deal Takes You
Some of the best flight deals can result from being open to where you end up. If you don't have a specific destination in mind, letting the best available ticket price guide your choice can lead to trips you might never have planned otherwise.
The savings could help you free up your budget, allowing you to spend more on unique experiences, or a hotel or vacation rental upgrade.
My favorite way to do this is through Google Flights. Enter your home airport, then type 'anywhere’ in the destination field and hit search. You'll see the best available fares from your home airport to destinations around the world. If you're feeling spontaneous, give this a try.
Redeem Your Travel Rewards
If you have points or miles stashed away, booking an award seat can be one of the most effective ways to slash the cost of a flight.
You can redeem miles directly through your preferred airline, or if you carry a travel rewards card with transferable points, you can transfer them to a select airline partner. Beyond the points or miles required, you'll only pay taxes and fees. It won’t get much cheaper than that.
Pro Tip: Always confirm award seat availability before transferring points, since most transfers aren't reversible and some aren't instant. And note that taxes and fees vary by airline and route, so it's worth researching these costs before booking.
Look Beyond Your Home Airport
If you live within an hour or two of more than one airport, it's worth searching flights out of neighboring cities. The price difference can be significant. Don't forget to factor in any additional expenses you'll pay to get there, such as gas, tolls, and parking, to make sure you’re still saving money.
For example, instead of departing from Washington Dulles International Airport, you might consider flying out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) if the price is right.
The Shortcut
Let a deal-alert service do the hunting. Going and Thrifty Traveler Premium send fares to your inbox so you don't have to search.
Type "anywhere" into Google Flights' destination field and let the cheapest fares lead your trip plans.
Using points and miles can drop a fare to just taxes and fees. Be sure to confirm award tickets are available before you transfer, since most transfers can't be undone.
Live near two airports? Price both, then subtract gas, tolls, and parking before you make a call.
