25 Smart Hacks to Save Big on Flight Bookings

Ready to jet off without breaking the bank? Buckle up for a whirlwind guide with savvy tips to score the cheapest flights! From mastering booking timing to leveraging secret discounts, we have the ultimate hacks to keep your wallet happy while you explore the world. Let’s take off on a money-saving adventure and realize your travel dreams!

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to use search engines and alerts effectively
• The best times to book and fly
• How to leverage rewards programs
• Tricks to find hidden discounts and error fares
• And much more!

1. Book in Advance, but Not Too Early

• Timing is Everything: Aim to book your flight around 6-8 weeks in advance. Airlines typically release discounted fares during this window. Booking too early or too late can often result in higher prices.
• Set Fare Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to set fare alerts. You’ll get notified when prices drop, helping you snag the best deal.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times

• Midweek Magic: Flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If possible, avoid weekends and peak travel days.
• Red-Eye and Early Morning Flights: These less popular times can offer significant savings. Plus, you might avoid the crowds!

3. Consider Alternative Airports

• Nearby Airports: Sometimes, flying into or out of a nearby airport can be cheaper. Check the cost of ground transportation to see if it’s worth the extra savings.
• Budget Airports: Smaller, budget-friendly airports can offer better deals. For example, consider flying into Stansted, London, instead of Heathrow in Europe.

4. Mix and Match Airlines

• Combine One-Way Tickets: Instead of booking a round-trip with the same airline, consider booking two one-way tickets with different carriers. This can sometimes be cheaper and offer more flexibility.
• Budget Airlines: Don’t overlook budget airlines. While they may have additional fees, the base fare can be significantly lower.

5. Take Advantage of Layovers

• Free City Tours: Some airlines and airports offer free city tours for long layovers. This can be a great way to see an extra city without additional cost.
• Cheaper Multi-City Flights: Sometimes, booking a flight with a layover is more affordable than a direct flight. Plus, it gives you a chance to stretch your legs and explore.

6. Use Points and Miles

• Loyalty Programs: Sign up for frequent flyer programs and airline credit cards. Accumulate points through flights and everyday purchases.
• Redeem Smartly: Use your points and miles strategically. Look for sweet spots in the rewards charts where you can get the most value.

7. Check for Hidden Discounts

• Student and Senior Discounts: Some airlines offer special rates for students and seniors. Always check if you qualify for these hidden discounts.
• Military and Government Discounts: Active-duty military personnel and government employees often receive discounted fares. Be sure to inquire about these options.

Tip: Check these links for more student discounts, military discounts, and senior discounts.

8. Sign Up for Newsletters and Flash Sales

• Exclusive Deals: Airlines and travel websites often send exclusive deals and flash sales to their subscribers. Sign up for newsletters to stay in the loop.
• Social Media: Follow airlines and travel deal accounts on social media. They often post time-sensitive deals that you can take advantage of.

9. Travel Light

• Avoid Baggage Fees: Pack light and stick to carry-on luggage to avoid hefty baggage fees. Most budget airlines charge extra for checked bags.
• Weigh Your Bag: If you must check a bag, weigh it at home to avoid overweight fees. Every pound counts!

10. Use Price Comparison Tools

• Aggregators: Websites like Kayak, Momondo, and Expedia compare prices across multiple airlines, helping you find the best deal.
• Explore Everywhere: If you’re flexible with your destination, use Skyscanner’s “Explore Everywhere” feature to find the cheapest flights from your departure city.

11. Consider Alternative Transportation

• Trains and Buses: Consider trains or buses as alternatives for shorter distances. They can be cheaper and offer scenic views along the way.
• Car Rentals and Rideshares: Sometimes, renting a car or using rideshare services can be more cost-effective, especially if traveling with a group.

12. Explore Alternative Booking Sites

• Secret Flying and The Flight Deal: Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal specialize in finding error fares and last-minute deals. Look on these sites for unexpected bargains.
• Local Travel Agencies: Local travel agencies can sometimes offer better deals than major online travel agencies (OTAs). It’s worth checking out a few local options.

13. Avoid Peak Seasons and Holidays

• Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you substantial money. Beaches are less crowded, cities are more relaxed, and flights are cheaper.
• Holiday Timing: If you must travel during the holidays, try to fly on the actual holiday (e.g., Christmas Day or New Year’s Day). These days, there are often cheaper fares than those leading up to and following the holiday.

14. Consider Package Deals

• Flight + Hotel Packages: Booking your flight and hotel together through travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity can sometimes offer significant discounts.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Look for all-inclusive packages that include flights, accommodation, and sometimes even meals and activities. These can be a great way to save on the overall cost of your trip.

15. Join Airline Alliances and Loyalty Programs

• Alliance Networks: Airlines within alliances (e.g., Star Alliance, OneWorld) allow you to earn and use points across multiple carriers. Join these programs to maximize your earning potential.
• Elite Status Benefits: Accumulating miles and achieving elite status can provide benefits like free upgrades, priority boarding, and free checked bags, enhancing your travel experience while saving money.

16. Earn Cashback and Rewards

• Cashback Portals: Use cashback websites like Rakuten or TopCashback when booking flights. You can earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash.
• Credit Card Rewards: Book your flight using a travel rewards credit card. You’ll earn points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel, effectively lowering the cost of your current flight.

17. Stay Updated with Travel Apps

• Mobile Alerts: Download travel apps from your favorite airlines and booking sites. Enable notifications to receive instant alerts on flight deals and promotions.
• Flight Price Predictions: Apps like Hopper track flight prices and predict whether prices will rise or fall, helping you decide the best time to book.

18. Utilize Student and Youth Discounts

• Student Travel Agencies: Platforms like StudentUniverse and STA Travel offer exclusive discounts for students and young travelers. Always carry proof of your student status to take advantage of these deals.
• Youth Fares: Some airlines offer youth fares for travelers under a certain age, typically 26. These fares can be significantly cheaper than standard adult tickets.

Tip: Check for more student discounts.

19. Consider Alternative Routes and Multiple Stops

• Hub Airports: Flying into significant hub airports and then taking a budget flight to your final destination can sometimes be cheaper than a direct flight.
• Regional Airports: Don’t overlook smaller regional airports. They often have lower taxes and fees, resulting in cheaper flights.

20. Use Free Stopovers to Your Advantage

• Extended Layovers: Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates offer free stopovers in their hub cities. This allows you to explore an extra city without additional airfare.
• Plan a Mini Vacation: Make the most of your layover by planning a mini-vacation. Research visa requirements and local attractions to maximize your time.

21. Take Advantage of Open-Jaw Tickets

• Open-Jaw Flights: These tickets allow you to fly into one city and return from another. For example, fly into Paris and return from Rome. This can be cheaper and more convenient than separate one-way tickets.
• Exploration Opportunities: Open-jaw flights are perfect for multi-destination trips, allowing you to explore more without backtracking.

22. Negotiate with Airlines

• Call Centers: Sometimes, speaking directly to a call center agent can yield better deals than online. Be polite and inquire about any unpublished discounts or specials.
• Group Discounts: If you’re traveling with a group, ask about group discounts. Airlines often provide lower rates for larger parties.

23. Leverage Seasonal Promotions and Sales

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Look for significant sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other seasonal promotions. Airlines often offer substantial discounts during these periods.
• End-of-Season Sales: Airlines frequently have sales to fill remaining seats after peak travel seasons. Take advantage of these for last-minute trips.

24. Book Separate Legs with Budget Airlines

• Multi-Airline Itineraries: Sometimes, booking separate legs of your journey with budget airlines can be cheaper than a single ticket with a primary carrier. Use tools like Kiwi.com to find and book these multi-airline itineraries.
• Check Luggage Policies: Remember luggage policies and potential fees when booking with multiple airlines. Ensure you have enough time between connections to collect and recheck your bags if necessary.

25. Stay Updated on Industry News

• Follow Travel Blogs and News Sites: Stay informed about industry trends and changes by following travel blogs, forums, and news sites. They often provide insights into when and where to find the best deals.
• Join Travel Communities: Engage with travel communities on social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter. These communities often share tips, deals, and personal experiences to help you save on your next flight.

Industry News and Deal Websites

Website	Description
Secret Flying	Finds and posts error fares and unusually low prices for flights globally.
The Flight Deal	Curates and shares flight deals and airfare promotions.
Scott’s Cheap Flights	Subscription service that emails you about cheap flight deals departing from your preferred airports.
Airfarewatchdog	Monitors airfare deals and price drops and alerts subscribers to low prices.
Travelzoo	Offers deals on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and activities.

Conclusion 

With these 25 flight-saving hacks, you’re set to explore the world without emptying your wallet. From booking strategically and leveraging discounts to using loyalty programs and considering alternative routes, these tips ensure you get the best deals. So, pack your bags, stay flexible, and embark on your next adventure with confidence and savings. Safe travels!

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