Are you tired of scrolling through endless airline websites, only to find overpriced flights and unreasonably long layovers? You might spend hours scouring the internet for the cheapest flights, only to end up with a ticket that costs more than your entire travel budget. How can you really be sure you're getting the best price? And what about all those rumors about using incognito windows or clearing your search history to save a few bucks? So, get ready to take some notes and let's explore some reputable tips and tricks of budget-friendly flights.
First step: Use Google Flights for searching
Let's face it, nobody has the time to sift through every single airline’s website to find the best deals on international flights. That is where Google Flights comes in handy. Think of Google Flights as your personal travel agent, minus the hefty commission fees, and available 24/7. Unlike other travel search engines that act as online travel agents, or OTAs, Google Flights is a global distribution platform, giving starters the access to the most reliable and up-to-date information on travel pricing. Furthermore, thanks to its advanced filters, you can easily find flights that fit your exact requirements, whether it is the cheapest option, the quickest journey time, or the most convenient route.
But what actually distinguishes Google Flights is its ability to show you alternate airports and routes. For example, if you are flying to a major city, Google Flights will display all nearby airports, allowing you to select the cheapest choice. If you are willing to change flights or go greater distances, Google Flights can show you alternate routes that may offer lower fares.The search engine giant automatically presents the top outgoing flights based on a range of characteristics such as price, routing convenience, number of stops, and journey time. Rather than having to navigate various airline websites and keep track of all the different costs, Google Flights brings together all of the information you require in one spot. It also allows you to book flights up to 11 months in advance, helping you take advantage of the best offers first.
Book directly from airline companies
Booking airline tickets through third-party sites like Kiwi.com, Booking.com, and Expedia may seem like a convenient option, but they can often lead to trouble. Potential issue with booking through third-party sites is that they may not always have access to the most up-to-date information about flight schedules and changes. This means that travelers who book through a third party may not receive timely notifications about changes to their itinerary, leaving them stranded or unsure about the status of their flight. Many travelers have experienced the disappointment of canceled or delayed flights, caught in a frustrating blame game with the online travel agency and airlines. That is why booking directly with the airline is often the best choice. Not only will you receive the most up-to-date information and pricing, but you will also enjoy added benefits such as loyalty rewards and upgrades. Certain credit cards like Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card offer exclusive advantages when you book directly with the airline, such as discounted fares or bonus miles. Qatar Airways rewards you with a 2,000 Avios bonus for first-time direct bookings, which can be redeemed for reward miles on Qatar Airways, oneworld airlines, or airline partners, helping you save money and earn perks on your next international flight.
Be flexible with travel dates and times
If you are looking to save money on international flights, flexibility is key. Being open to traveling during off-peak seasons can often result in significantly lower prices. For instance, visiting Europe during the summer months when demand is high will almost always come with a hefty price tag. Avoid mid-June to August if possible. Additionally, the day of the week you choose to fly can also make a difference. According to Google data from the past five years, flying on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can be 12% cheaper than flying on a weekend. So, remember the “Flight first” principle - focus on finding the right flights before locking in specific travel dates. Rather than limiting yourself to a particular day, consider a week-long window of time that works for you. And don’t forget to pay attention to flight times as well. While “red-eye flights” that cross multiple time zones may not be the most comfortable option, they are often less expensive than shorter, direct flights. So, be flexible with your travel plans, weigh the costs and benefits, and choose the most cost-efficient and convenient option for your next adventure.
Book in advance
Proper planning and preparation are the keys to snagging the best deals on international flights. It is important to strike a balance between booking early and not booking too early. Booking early for the right amount of time can provide you with more options, better pricing, and minimize the risk of missing out on seats, but it can also mean missing out on last-minute deals. Different airlines have different time frames for when you can start booking, so it is essential to do some research and find out when the best time to book is.
According to research, the best time to book a flight in general is between 320 and 106 days before your trip. The best time to book an international flight also depends on the destination. For instance, the cheapest airfares for destinations such as Canada can be found if you book two months before departure. The best time to buy flights to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, Central America, Asia, Africa, and Europe is at least three months before the departure date. The cheapest flights usually start dropping at the 105-day mark. It is also important to keep in mind that pricing is affected by seasonality. For example, the best time to book a flight for summer vacations is 67 days before departure. For winter trips, it is 94 days before the departure date, and for fall trips, it is 89 days before departure.
Consider positioning flights to major hubs
This strategy involves taking a domestic or short international flight from your home airport to a bigger gateway city with more award availability on foreign airlines. Some of the biggest U.S. airports with regular international flights include New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston-Intercontinental (IAH), and Boston (BOS), and other major cities. The price difference can be huge when flying from major hubs. For example, a flight from Chicago to Prague costs only $437, while the same flight from New Orleans costs $1,580. Similarly, as you can see from the screenshots below, for the flight in June, a nonstop flight from LAX to Dubai costs $880, while a 2-stop flight from Long Beach International Airport costs at least $1332.. However, it is important to keep in mind that using positioning flights can also come with additional expenses and risks. For example, you may need to book a hotel if you are arriving the night before your flight. If you book your flights separately, you'll need to collect your baggage and check in again for the second segment of your flight. This can be a time-consuming process, so be sure to leave plenty of time between flights. Be flexible, do your research, and position yourself for the best deal on your next international flight.