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OptionTrip.com, we know that finding affordable flights can be a game-changer when it comes to budgeting for your next vacation. Over the years, we’ve learned several tricks to save hundreds, even thousands, on flights—and now we want to share them with you! Whether you’re a novice flyer or a seasoned traveler, these strategies will help you book cheap flights with ease.
1. Leverage Positioning Flights
Positioning flights might sound complicated, but it’s a savvy way to save on airfare. Essentially, you’re adding an extra flight to your itinerary to reach a cheaper departure city. Let’s say you want to fly from Detroit to Malta, and direct flights cost $1,021. But if you fly to Vienna first for $677, then take a budget flight from Vienna to Malta for just $30, you can save hundreds! Plus, you get to explore a new destination along the way.
This trick works in both directions. If you’re located in a city with high airfare, you can take a budget flight to a major airport hub, and from there, book a cheaper flight to your final destination.
Positioning flights can also help you save when using miles or points. Some airlines offer award flights based on distance, so if you can reduce your overall flight distance by adding a positioning flight, you might qualify for cheaper miles rates.
2. Incognito Mode: Is It Really Worth It?
For years, travelers have sworn by searching for flights in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on cookies. However, after researching more deeply, we’ve discovered that this is mostly a myth. Even flight deal companies like Going—who analyze thousands of flight prices every day—don’t use incognito mode.
While it’s still a good idea to clear your cookies or try incognito mode if you’re concerned, it’s not the magic solution that many believe it to be. You might find better results with just a straightforward search on a reliable flight comparison site like OptionTrip.com.
3. Take Advantage of Airline Rules & Laws
Understanding certain airline policies can save you money when booking flights. One of the most important rules to know is the 24-hour rule. This rule states that you can cancel or make changes to most flights within 24 hours of booking without any penalties, as long as your flight is booked more than 7 days before departure and is with a U.S. airline.
If you spot an incredible deal, don’t hesitate—book it quickly and then use the 24-hour window to confirm all details. If you’ve booked a non-refundable ticket but the airline changes your flight, they are required to either refund you or offer a rebooking, giving you a chance to adjust your travel plans.
4. Book During the “Goldilocks” Window
There’s no single best time to buy a flight, but the “Goldilocks Window” is the optimal time frame to find cheaper deals. According to experts at Going, this window is typically 1 to 3 months before a domestic flight and 2 to 8 months for international flights. If you’re traveling during peak seasons (like summer or the holidays), you’ll want to book even earlier.
The closer you get to your travel date, the higher the chances of prices going up. So, keep an eye out for deals during the Goldilocks Window and try to book as early as possible to get the best price.
5. Pay with Travel Insurance Credit Cards
Paying for your flight with a credit card that offers travel insurance can save you from unexpected expenses. If something goes wrong, like a canceled flight, missed connection, or delayed flight, your travel insurance can cover costs like accommodation or meals.
It’s a small extra step, but it can provide peace of mind and help protect your trip if things don’t go according to plan. Be sure to check out our recommended travel credit cards at OptionTrip.com for excellent benefits.
6. The Reverse Round-Trip Strategy (Advanced)
For frequent travelers, the reverse round-trip strategy can be a clever way to save on long-haul flights. This strategy involves booking a round-trip ticket that starts in Europe (or another destination) rather than the U.S. When booking round-trip flights between cities like Chicago and London, you may find it’s cheaper to fly from London than to fly fromDetroit.
For example, a round-trip flight from Detroit to London might cost $764, but from London to Chicago, it could be just $555. You can take advantage of this by flying one-way to Europe and then booking round-trip flights from there back to your destination.
This trick might not be for everyone, but it can be a great option for those who travel frequently or have the flexibility to adjust their itinerary.
7. Use a Budget Travel Cheat Sheet
To keep all of these tips handy, we’ve compiled a free travel hacks cheat sheet with all of our best tips for booking cheap flights. Check it out in the description below and use it to make your next flight booking easier and more affordable!
By following these strategies, you can take control of your flight search and uncover incredible deals that will save you money on your travels. Whether it’s learning how to take advantage of positioning flights, knowing when to buy, or using credit cards with travel perks, you now have the tools to book your next flight like a pro.
8. Set Fare Alerts to Stay on Top of Deals
Sometimes, the best deals are the ones that sneak up on you. By setting fare alerts with websites like OptionTrip.com, you can stay on top of any price drops and be the first to know when a cheap flight becomes available. These alerts are set to notify you when there are price changes or new deals for your preferred route, giving you a head start in securing that affordable ticket.
Fare alerts are particularly helpful when you don’t have a fixed travel date but are looking for deals to a certain destination. Rather than constantly checking flight prices, let the system do the work for you, and be ready to book as soon as the price is right!
9. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports
Flexibility is one of the biggest factors in finding cheap flights. While it’s tempting to search for flights on exact dates, being flexible by just a few days can unlock significant savings. Flights that depart mid-week, such as on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper compared to weekends.
In addition to flexible dates, you can also explore alternate airports. Sometimes flying out of or into a nearby airport can save you hundreds of dollars, even when factoring in the cost of additional transportation to get to your final destination. This strategy might involve a bit more time and planning, but the potential savings are worth it.
10. Consider Budget Airlines for Short Hauls
Budget airlines are often overlooked, but they can provide amazing deals—especially for short-haul flights. While they do tend to charge additional fees for things like checked bags or seat selection, the base fares are often so low that you can still save a lot compared to flying with a full-service airline.
At OptionTrip.com, we always encourage our users to weigh the pros and cons of flying budget airlines for short domestic or regional trips. If you pack light and are prepared for a no-frills experience, these carriers can save you a ton of money. Popular options include Ryanair, easyJet, and Spirit Airlines, just to name a few.
11. Mix and Match Airlines
Sometimes, booking a round-trip flight with the same airline isn’t the most cost-effective option. Mixing and matching airlines can often lead to cheaper fares. You can book a one-way flight with one airline for the outbound trip and another airline for the return. This strategy works particularly well for international travel, where airlines may offer competitive pricing for one leg of the journey.
By checking prices for multiple combinations, you can often find better deals than booking everything with a single airline. Websites like OptionTrip.com allow you to easily compare different airlines and find the best combination for your trip.
12. Look for Special Deals and Mistake Fares
Occasionally, airlines or online booking sites make errors when listing their fares. These mistake fares can offer incredibly low prices, often too good to pass up. While these deals may only last for a few hours or days, keeping an eye out for them can help you snag a flight for a fraction of the usual cost.
One way to catch mistake fares is by subscribing to travel deal newsletters and following airlines on social media. Sites like OptionTrip.com and other flight deal platforms frequently post about error fares, so you can jump on them before they disappear.
13. Check for Student or Group Discounts
If you’re a student, or if you’re traveling with a group, don’t forget to check for any special discounts. Many airlines offer reduced fares for students, while group bookings may come with perks like lower rates or additional flexibility for changes.
For students, services like StudentUniverse or STA Travel specialize in offering discounted tickets. For group travel, booking directly with the airline and explaining your situation can sometimes yield discounts or benefits such as free checked bags or priority boarding.
14. Use Multi-City Flights to Your Advantage
Multi-city flights are often cheaper than booking multiple one-way tickets. If you’re planning on visiting several destinations on your trip, using a multi-city search engine like OptionTrip.com can help you find better prices for your entire itinerary.
For example, rather than flying from New York to Paris and then Paris to Rome, you can book a multi-city flight that includes all of those legs in one ticket. Not only does this make your trip simpler, but it could also save you significant money.
15. Don’t Forget About the Cost of Extra Fees
When searching for cheap flights, remember that the price of the ticket isn’t always the full story. Airlines often charge additional fees for checked luggage, seat selection, or in-flight services. Make sure to factor these fees into your total cost when comparing flight options.
A low-cost carrier might have a ticket price that looks appealing, but after adding the baggage fees, you might end up paying more than you would on a full-service airline. Always check the fine print to ensure that your “cheap” flight doesn’t end up being more expensive than you anticipated.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best deal on flights is a combination of research, flexibility, and timing. Whether you’re booking a short weekend getaway or a long-haul international trip, the tips above can help you find a cheaper flight and make your travels more affordable.
For more flight-saving tips and tricks, be sure to check out the additional guides on OptionTrip.com, where we’re committed to helping you travel smarter and cheaper.