Let’s be real—traveling in 2024 isn’t exactly cheap, and flights can eat up a big part of your budget. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-haul adventure, finding a cheap flight can feel like hitting the jackpot. Prices seem to jump around all the time, and figuring out the best time to book can feel like a bit of a guessing game.
But here’s the thing: finding cheap flights doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart tricks and some planning, you can score awesome deals and save that extra cash for more exciting stuff—like exploring your destination or treating yourself to a local meal.
In this post, we’ll cover the best tips for finding cheap flights in 2024. From being flexible with your travel dates to using flight alerts and rewards points, these strategies will help you stretch your budget and travel more for less. Ready to save some money and start your adventure? Let’s get into it!
1. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Use Flexible Date Search Tools
One of the easiest ways to find cheaper flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you’re set on flying out on a Friday and back on a Sunday, you might end up paying more. But if you can shift your dates by even a day or two, you’ll often find way better deals.
Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak have features that let you search for the cheapest flights over a whole month. Seriously, sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save you hundreds. Plus, if you can avoid peak times (think holidays, weekends, or school breaks), you’ll have a much better chance of snagging a bargain.
Stay Open to Multiple Destinations
Not tied to a specific destination? Perfect—you’ll have way more options for finding cheap flights. Tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search or Google Flights Explore are perfect for this. Just plug in your home airport and see what pops up as the cheapest place to fly.
It’s a fun way to discover new spots you might not have considered. Like, maybe you were thinking of going to Paris, but find out Lisbon is half the price—and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to explore Portugal for less?
2. Set Flight Alerts and Track Prices
Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Here’s an easy trick: let the deals come to you! Setting up flight alerts is like having someone do all the hard work while you chill. Tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner let you set up alerts for the destinations you’re interested in. Once you’ve got it set, they’ll shoot you a message whenever prices drop.
Just plug in where you want to go, pick your dates (or leave them flexible), and sit back while the app does its thing. No need to check every day—you’ll get a heads-up when it’s time to book a cheaper flight.
Best Apps for Tracking Prices
And now, let’s talk apps. If you’re serious about finding cheap flights, Hopper and Skyscanner are your best friends. Hopper even uses AI to predict when prices will drop or spike, so you can book at the perfect moment. Google Flights is awesome too—it shows you price trends and lets you know when a deal is about to expire.
The bottom line? You don’t have to obsessively check prices—just let these apps do the work and keep you in the loop when it’s time to snag that cheap flight.
3. Book at the Right Time
The Best Times to Book Flights
When it comes to booking cheap flights, timing is everything. The sweet spot for locking in a good deal is usually about 6-8 weeks in advance for most flights. If you’re going international, aim for around 2-3 months before your trip. It’s all about booking before prices start creeping up as the flight gets closer.
Oh, and there’s the whole “what day to book” thing. While it changes all the time, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to snag lower prices. Also, flying mid-week (instead of on weekends) tends to be cheaper since fewer people want to travel then.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings (Unless It’s a Deal)
Now, let’s talk last-minute bookings. Yeah, it’s tempting to wait for a last-minute deal, but here’s the truth: last-minute flights are usually more expensive. If you’ve got a specific destination or dates in mind, waiting until the last second isn’t a great idea.
That said, if you’re flexible and love a bit of adventure, sometimes airlines drop prices at the last minute to fill empty seats. So if you’re not picky and just want to hop on a plane, you could score a deal—but it’s more of a gamble.
4. Use Budget Airlines and Know the Fees
How to Find Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are your best friend when it comes to saving money on flights. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, and AirAsia often have super cheap fares, especially for shorter trips. The trick is finding them! Use sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to search, and don’t forget to check their actual websites—sometimes they drop deals there that you won’t find anywhere else.
Now, don’t expect luxury—budget airlines keep things pretty basic. No free snacks or extra legroom here, but hey, if you’re just trying to get from point A to point B without spending a fortune, they’re perfect.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
This is where budget airlines like to sneak up on you—extra fees. That $50 flight might sound awesome, but once you add baggage fees, seat selection, and maybe even a carry-on fee, it can creep up fast.
The good news? You can totally avoid some of these fees. Skip the seat selection if you don’t care where you sit, and try to pack light to avoid baggage fees. Just read the fine print before booking so you don’t get surprised at the airport.
5. Consider Layovers and Alternate Airports
Choose Flights with Layovers
Nonstop flights are awesome, but if you’re looking to save some serious cash, layovers might be your best bet. Flights with one or two layovers are usually way cheaper than direct ones, and if you don’t mind hanging out at the airport for a few hours, you can save a lot.
And hey, if your layover is in a cool city, why not make it part of the adventure? Some airports even offer free city tours if your layover is long enough, so you can explore a bit while you wait for your next flight. Just make sure the layover isn’t too short—you don’t want to be rushing!
Check Nearby Airports
Another sneaky trick? Check out nearby airports. Sometimes flying into an airport that’s a little farther away can save you a ton of money. For example, if you’re heading to New York City, try looking at flights to Newark or even Philadelphia. They’re not far, but the prices can be way better.
Same thing with cities like London—instead of flying into Heathrow, check out Gatwick or Stansted. You might have to travel a little more once you land, but the savings could make it totally worth it.
6. Take Advantage of Rewards Programs and Credit Card Points
Join Airline Loyalty Programs
If you’re someone who flies even a few times a year, it’s worth signing up for airline loyalty programs. Seriously, they’re free to join, and you can rack up points quicker than you think. Fly a few times with the same airline and, boom—you’re earning points that can go toward free flights or upgrades. It’s like a little bonus for doing something you were going to do anyway!
Even if you switch airlines often, it doesn’t hurt to join a couple of programs. You never know when those points will come in handy.
Use Travel Credit Cards
Now, travel credit cards—these are gold for scoring cheap flights. Most of them offer massive sign-up bonuses that can sometimes cover a round-trip flight right away. And as you spend, you keep collecting points that can go toward future trips. Some cards even offer cool perks like free checked bags or access to airport lounges, which is a nice little upgrade for your travel experience.
Just remember, use the card smartly! Don’t let the rewards lead you into overspending, and make sure to pay off your balance each month. Nobody wants to be stuck paying interest when the goal is to save money!
Conclusion
So, there you have it—finding cheap flights in 2024 isn’t as tough as it seems. With the right tricks up your sleeve, like being flexible with your travel dates, setting flight alerts, and using rewards points, you can save big and still have money left for all the fun stuff on your trip.
The key is to stay patient and plan ahead. Keep an eye out for deals, explore different airports, and use those credit card points and loyalty programs to your advantage. With a little effort, you’ll be flying for less in no time.
Now that you’ve got these tips, where’s your next adventure? Got any secret flight hacks of your own? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear how you save on flights!
