Want to globetrot without emptying your bank account? Scoring dirt cheap flights is all about knowing the right strategies and being a little bit savvy with your bookings. For many of us, the most expensive part of travel is simply getting there, but with these 8 ways to score dirt cheap flights, you can save a ton of money, making your next adventure more affordable than ever.
In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to find cheap flights, including using the right tools, being flexible with your travel dates, and utilizing flight deal websites. By following these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to booking cheap flight tickets without any stress.
1. Book Flights Before Anything Else
One of the most effective ways to score dirt cheap flights is by making your flight bookings a priority. Many people make the mistake of planning their accommodation and activities first, only to end up spending more than expected on expensive flights.
Instead, make finding the cheapest flights your first step. By doing so, you can adjust your entire itinerary based on flight prices rather than being restricted by fixed dates or locations. You can also take advantage of booking months in advance, allowing you to lock in some amazing deals. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or flight search engines like Kayak let you track prices for upcoming trips, which can help you choose the best time to book.
Book Early for the Biggest Savings
Booking your flights early, particularly for international flights or popular destinations, can lead to significant savings. A general sweet spot is 2-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 6-8 months for international travel. The closer you get to your departure date, the higher the prices tend to be, especially for peak seasons.
Take, for example, flights from New York (JFK) to Europe. Booking a year in advance could cost significantly less than waiting until the last minute, which can see prices skyrocket. By making early bookings a habit, you can enjoy cheap airfares while also having the comfort of knowing your travel plans are secure.
2. Take Advantage of Alternative Airports
Another great tip for scoring dirt cheap flights is to consider alternative airports for both departure airports and arrival cities. Many large cities have multiple airports, and prices can vary significantly between them.
For instance, if you’re flying to a city like Los Angeles, checking flight options for nearby airports like Long Beach (LGB) or Burbank (BUR) can sometimes lead to better deals compared to flying directly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Similarly, when flying out, you might find cheaper flights from a neighboring city.
Use “Add Nearby Airports” Options: Tools like Kayak and Google Flights allow you to add nearby airports when searching, which means you can compare the cost of flying from different locations and find the cheapest option. By being flexible with your departure city, you might end up saving quite a bit of extra money.
3. Flexibility Is Your Best Friend
When it comes to getting the cheapest flights, flexibility is crucial. This means being open to different departure dates, times, and even destinations.
Flexible Travel Dates
If you can be flexible with your travel days, you have a much better chance of finding cheap flight tickets. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday tend to be the cheapest days to fly, whereas Fridays and Sundays usually have higher prices due to increased demand. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to search for prices across an entire month to see which days offer the lowest prices.
Flexible Destinations
If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, tools like Skyscanner allow you to search for flights to “everywhere.” This means that you can base your travel plans on the cheapest destinations available during your preferred travel period, which can lead to some unexpected but rewarding adventures.
Imagine flying to South America on a whim just because you found a sweet flight deal — that’s the kind of flexibility that will help you maximize your travel opportunities while keeping costs to a minimum.
Flight deal websites and newsletters are goldmines when you’re searching for dirt cheap flights. Websites like Dollar Flight Club, Secret Flying, and Scott’s Cheap Flights (now known as Going) specialize in finding incredible deals and mistake fares that often disappear quickly.
Take Advantage of Mistake Fares
Mistake fares are tickets that are priced much lower than usual, often due to human error or technical glitches. These fares are rare but can lead to massive savings on international flights. However, you need to act fast as they can be corrected within hours.
By subscribing to newsletters from these flight deal websites, you can receive amazing flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you from the need to constantly search the internet for flight deals.
5. Utilize Budget Airlines for Short-Haul Flights
Flying with budget airlines is one of the simplest ways to cut down on costs, particularly for short-haul or domestic flights. While these airlines may not offer the same level of comfort as major carriers, they often provide significant savings, especially for travelers who don’t need additional services like seat selection or checked baggage.
Low-cost airlines like Spirit Airlines, Norwegian Air, and Flair Airlines are known for offering cheap tickets, though it’s important to be mindful of additional costs. For example, many budget airlines charge for things like carry-on bags, seat selection, or even snacks and drinks during the flight.
Pro Tip: Make sure to read the fine print to avoid any surprise charges. When booking with a budget airline, factor in all the extra costs before deciding if it’s the cheapest option.
6. Embrace Long Layovers
If time is on your side, consider embracing long layovers to save money. Multi-city flights or flights with budget airlines that have longer stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Plus, this can give you a chance to explore another city during your trip, making for a mini-adventure without the need for a separate plane ticket.
Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to search for multi-city options or flights with layovers, which can result in huge savings. You may even find that by extending a layover to a multi-day stopover, you can get a bonus trip to a new destination for little to no additional cost.
Another lesser-known trick is called hidden city ticketing. This involves booking a flight with a layover in your intended destination and skipping the second leg. While this can result in cheaper routes, it’s important to know the risks. Airlines may penalize travelers for missing legs of their flight, and this only works for one-way tickets, as any missed segments will cancel the rest of your itinerary.
7. Maximize Credit Card and Loyalty Rewards
Travel credit cards can be a fantastic way to reduce the cost of your flights. By using airline rewards credit cards, you can accumulate points that can later be redeemed for cheap flight tickets or even free flights. Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or the Delta SkyMiles card offer generous rewards for travel spending.
Sign-Up Bonuses
Many credit cards come with sign-up bonuses that can lead to amazing deals on flights. For example, some cards may offer up to 60,000 points if you meet the spending requirement within the first three months. These points can be used to book flight tickets for little to no cost, making them an excellent option for budget travelers.
Airline Loyalty Programs
Another great way to save on flights is by joining airline loyalty reward systems. Many major airlines, including United Airlines and members of the Star Alliance, offer loyalty programs that let you earn miles every time you fly. Over time, these miles can be redeemed for discount flights or other perks, such as seat upgrades or free checked baggage.
8. Use Flight Search Engines in Incognito Mode
Have you ever noticed that flight prices tend to increase the more you search? This is because airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your searches and raise prices accordingly. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito browser mode or clear your browser cookies before starting a new search.
Use Price Alerts
Setting up price alerts on typical flight search engines like Google Flights and Kayak can also help you stay ahead of price increases. You will receive notifications whenever there is a drop in the price of a specific flight route, allowing you to act quickly and secure the lowest prices available.
Conclusion
Finding dirt cheap flights doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By planning your flights first, staying flexible, subscribing to newsletters, and utilizing credit card rewards, you can significantly cut down on travel costs. Remember to keep an open mind, explore alternative routes, and use every tool at your disposal to secure the cheapest airfare. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip abroad, these 8 ways to score dirt cheap flights can help you make your dream adventures a reality without breaking the bank.
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FAQs
The best time to book flights is generally 2-3 months in advance for domestic trips and 6-8 months for international travel. Additionally, the cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mistake fares are airline tickets sold at significantly reduced prices due to human error or technical glitches. These fares are usually available for a limited time and can offer massive savings.
Budget airlines can be a great way to save money, especially for short-haul flights. However, be mindful of additional fees for things like baggage and seat selection, which can add up.
Yes, travel credit cards can provide valuable points, sign-up bonuses, and rewards that can significantly reduce your flight costs or even provide free flights over time.
