How to Get Cheap Flights: 6 Proven Tips
To find cheap airline tickets, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations, use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices, set up price alerts, and book during the ‘Goldilocks window’—usually 1-3 months in advance for domestic trips, 2-8 months for international. Traveling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays is often cheapest.
1. Search Price First, Not Place
Instead of picking a destination first, use Google Flights Explore Map or Momondo to see where it’s cheapest to fly from your home airport.
Let the best deals inspire your next adventure.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Compare fares instantly with Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Kiwi.
These platforms allow you to filter by flexible dates, alternate airports, and different airlines—making it easy to spot deals other sites miss.
3. Set Up Price Alerts
Turn on price alerts in your favorite flight apps to get instant notifications when fares drop.
This proactive approach means you can book as soon as a deal appears.
Tip: Expedia’s Price Drop Protection can even refund you if your fare goes down after booking.
4. Be Flexible with Dates, Times, and Airports
· Best days to fly: Thursday or Saturday are usually cheapest, while Sunday is often most expensive.
· Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) and odd-hour departures often cost less.
· Check nearby airports—flying in or out of a different airport can sometimes save big.
· Layovers: One-stop or connecting flights can be much cheaper than direct.
5. Leverage Loyalty Programs & Error Fares
Sign up for rewards programs to earn miles or points for free or discounted travel.
Watch for rare “error fares”—big discounts from airline mistakes. Track these on sites like Secret Flying or The Flight Deal.
6. Use a VPN to Reveal Hidden Fares
Airlines often show different prices depending on your location.
With X-VPN, you can check fares from other countries and sometimes find much lower prices—like saving $80 on a London to Mexico flight just by booking from Mexico instead of the UK.
Tip: Clear cookies or use private browsing before each search.
Best Booking Windows for Major U.S. Holidays (2025)
For major U.S. holidays, book flights 1–3 months in advance; for Thanksgiving, aim for early October, and for Christmas, book by Halloween for the lowest fares.
Thanksgiving
Book: Early to mid-October (about 45 days before departure)
Cheapest day to fly: Thanksgiving Day itself
Tip: Book by Oct 14 for best prices; fares rise a month before the holiday.
Christmas
Book: By Halloween (late October), or 4–6 months in advance if possible
Cheapest days to fly: Just before or after Dec 20–26
Tip: Flying just before or after peak holiday week is usually cheaper
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Book: 5 months in advance (August–September)
Cheapest day to fly: New Year’s Day or just after
Note: Early booking secures the best deals; occasional last-minute drops for New Year’s Day flights
Easter & Spring Break
Book: 1–3 months in advance for domestic; 3–7 months ahead for peak international
Cheapest days to fly: Midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday)
Tip: Prices vary—set fare alerts and monitor for drops
Summer Vacation (June–August)
Book: 1–3 months in advance for domestic; 3–7 months ahead for international
Cheapest month to fly: August
Tip: Avoid booking too early or for peak holiday weekends
Frequently asked questions
What is the trick to find cheap flights?
The trick to finding cheap flights is to compare prices across multiple flight search engines, set up price alerts for fare drops, stay flexible with your travel dates and airports, and check prices using a VPN to unlock hidden regional deals.
How to book flights at the lowest price?
To book flights at the lowest price, purchase your tickets on a Sunday, book 1–3 months ahead for domestic trips or 3–5 months for international, and fly on less popular days like Thursday or Saturday.
How to get lower prices on airline tickets?
You can get lower prices on airline tickets by searching flexible dates, flying midweek, using fare comparison tools, signing up for rewards programs, and checking for special offers or “error fares” on deal sites.
Are flights cheaper if you use a VPN?
Sometimes, yes. Airlines may show different prices based on your browsing location. Using a VPN lets you compare fares from different countries and sometimes unlock hidden discounts not visible in your region.
Is it illegal to use a VPN on a plane?
No, using a VPN on a plane is not illegal. However, inflight Wi-Fi may block certain VPN services, and you should always follow airline internet usage policies.
How to get cheap flights last minute?
To find cheap last-minute flights, stay flexible with dates and airports, check budget airlines directly, use “everywhere” search tools, and use your reward points or miles for last-minute bookings.
What day is cheapest to fly?
Thursday or Saturday are usually the cheapest days to fly, while Sunday is typically the most expensive.
