Planning your end-of-year holiday? Airfare can be one of the most significant expenses, but savvy travelers know that finding cheap flights is entirely possible with the right strategies. Here are ten tried-and-true tricks to save money and track prices for the best deals.
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Apps
Flight comparison platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are invaluable tools for finding the best deals. These platforms aggregate fares from multiple airlines, allowing you to compare prices at a glance. Enable price alerts to track fluctuations and book at the lowest fare.
Pro tip: Use the “flexible dates” option to see how shifting your travel dates by a day or two could save money.
2. Book Early for Peak Travel Seasons
End-of-year holidays coincide with high demand for flights. Booking at least two to three months in advance can help you lock in lower fares. Airlines often release their cheapest seats first, so early planners are rewarded with better deals.
Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during airline anniversary events or flash sales.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can lead to significant savings. Similarly, consider booking flights that depart early in the morning or late at night, as these tend to be less expensive.
If you’re flexible about when you can travel, you’re more likely to find budget-friendly options.
4. Opt for Nearby Airports
Major cities often have multiple airports, and flying into or out of a secondary airport can be cheaper. For example, instead of New York’s JFK, consider Newark or LaGuardia.
Use flight comparison tools to check fares for all nearby airports to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
5. Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
Airline websites and booking platforms can track your searches and may increase prices based on your activity. Avoid this by clearing your browser cookies or using an incognito window when searching for flights.
This simple trick ensures you’re seeing the freshest and most accurate fares.
6. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Loyalty Programs
Airlines often offer exclusive deals and promotions to subscribers and loyalty program members. Signing up for newsletters ensures you’re among the first to know about discounts, especially for frequent flyers.
Loyalty programs can also help you earn points that can be redeemed for future travel.
7. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and AirAsia often offer significantly lower fares than traditional carriers. While these flights may have fewer frills, they’re an excellent option for short-haul travel or when you’re flying light.
Be sure to read the fine print on baggage fees and other charges to avoid unexpected costs.
8. Use Travel Credit Cards with Rewards
Travel credit cards can be a game-changer for frequent flyers. Many offer sign-up bonuses, cash back, or points that can be used to offset airfare costs. Cards affiliated with specific airlines often provide additional perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.
Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees if your holiday plans include international travel.
9. Leverage Social Media for Flash Deals
Follow airlines and travel deal accounts on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Many flash sales and mistake fares are shared first on these platforms.
Act quickly when you spot a deal, as these offers are usually limited and disappear fast.
10. Set Up Multiple Price Alerts
Don’t rely on a single platform to track prices. Set up alerts on multiple tools like Hopper, Momondo, and Google Flights. Each platform has unique algorithms and might pick up deals others miss.
Monitor these alerts regularly, and when you see a good deal, act fast—fares can change in minutes.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights for end-of-year holidays requires a mix of planning, flexibility, and leveraging the right tools. By incorporating these tricks into your travel planning process, you’ll save money and enjoy a stress-free start to your holiday season. Happy travels!