How to Find Cheap Flights Online

an interior of a plane on a cheap flight

If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, you want the cheapest flight you can get. There are certain tips and tricks that airline companies don’t want you to know. Here is how you can find the cheapest flight available without busting your budget.

Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

The price changes on flights after you’ve looked them up a few times on your browser. When you visit a website, cookies are saved that help websites tailor content to you. Airlines use these cookies to up the price of popular flights. When you’re booking a trip, use incognito or private mode on your browser because it doesn’t save cookies.

Check Again After 24 Hours

There’s a magic rule when you’re booking flights to check back the morning after you book your flight. If the price fell, many airlines will refund the difference or even cancel your flight and book the other without charging you a penalty.

Use SkyScanner

There is no consistent time of booking for cheaper flights. On average, Tuesdays at midnight are the best, but each flight will have a unique time. Websites like SkyScanner looks through your trip to find a cheaper time and airlines. Plus, you can ask the site to give you updates when the price drops.

Search Budget Airlines

Budget airlines offer significantly cheaper flights than the full-service airlines. Of course, you’re giving up legroom and other amenities, but you’ll save a lot of money along the way. Some examples of budget airlines include Allegiant Air, Frontier, Spirit Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and Porter. When you use these airlines, check where the airport is located, read the fine print, and ensure that you’ve booked and paid for your luggage allowance ahead of time.

Book Flight Legs Separately

If you’re going overseas, consider booking your connecting flights separate. So, let’s say you’re flying into Florence, and you have a connecting flight in Paris. Instead of buying your flights together, get one that is just to Paris and then another that is just to Florence. For just a little more hassle, you can save quite a bit of money, and maybe even some spend time sightseeing in your layover city.

Fly to a Nearby Airport

Popular airports are more expensive and more convenient. However, if you’re willing to travel a bit further, you can fly to a smaller airport for less money. Kayak is a fantastic website that allows you to see what airports are nearby and less expensive. A ferry ride could be what stands between you and saving $300.

Check With Your Travel Agency

If you’re going to a popular location, travel agents may be able to get you a better deal due to their rapport with airlines. If you’re planning an entire vacation, an agent is a great deal, but it isn’t a guaranteed discount. Using agencies could end up costing you more than the flight would originally.

Don’t Wait

Many people say you to wait until the last second to book your flight, which can be a great deal, but you’re betting your trip. The price of the flight increases as the departure date gets closer, so if you absolutely have to go somewhere, don’t wait. Schedule your flight immediately and then check to see if the price decreased.

Look at Multiple Sites

There are plenty of sites that you can search to find a great deal on airfare. When you’re looking for a cheap flight, every website will have a different price. Some of the most common sites include Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. There are also smaller companies like AirfareWatchdog, Kayak, and Yapta that are worth checking. Be sure to use private browsing mode when searching each of these sites.

Be Flexible

One of the most important things to do when searching for a cheap flight is to be flexible. Can you leave early in the morning or a few days later? Can you leave a few days early? By having dates that are fluid, you can find the ultimate cheapest price.

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