Flying doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Have you ever booked a flight, only to find out a friend paid hundreds less for the exact same trip?
The reality is, you probably didn’t do anything wrong, you just didn’t know the rules of the game, like the cheapest day to book flights. The difference between an expensive ticket and a bargain can be hundreds of dollars.
That money could cover your accommodation for a week, pay for amazing local experiences, or simply stay in your pocket.
As they say, ‘work smarter, not harder.’
So let’s get into this blog to learn how you can score great deals without spending hours looking for them.
It's All About When and How
The golden rule of cheap flights? Be flexible. Booking a flight is a lot like being a detective.
You’re trying to figure out the best time to strike and get the best deal. The biggest clue is the timing. The best time to find a great deal is typically 2 to 3 months before your trip.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: clearing your browser cookies or searching in incognito mode can sometimes show lower prices.
Airlines and booking sites track your searches and might raise prices if they see you checking the same route repeatedly. It sounds sneaky because it is, but now you know their trick.
Consider flying into nearby airports instead of major hubs. Landing in Newark instead of JFK, or Oakland instead of San Francisco, could save you serious money.
Sure, you might need to take a train or bus to your final destination, but if you’re saving $200 or more, that extra hour of travel time becomes worth it.
How to Be a Smart Shopper (And Not Lose Your Mind)
Want to find the best cheap flights best deals?
A useful suggestion: some of the cheapest airlines don’t show up on those big search sites. You gotta visit their websites yourself (think Southwest or Ryanair). It’s an extra step, but it can save you a ton of cash.
Oh, and be careful of those “too-good-to-be-true” prices! That cheap fare might not include a bag or a seat assignment. By the time you add everything you need, the price can double.
So read the details! A slightly pricier ticket that includes everything might be your real bargain.
The Straightforward Take!
Booking your next trip can be a hassle, with so many sites to check for flights, hotels, and rental cars. Instead of jumping from one website to another to delta airlines book flight or find a hotel, a smarter option is to use an all-in-one travel site like JustBuyTravel.com.
These sites make things easy by bundling everything together. When you book a flight and a hotel at the same time, you can often unlock special package deals that save you money.
You also get the added benefit of dealing with just one company for all your travel needs. This is a huge help if you need to change your plans or if something goes wrong.
Plus, they can even alert you when prices drop on a route you’re interested in, saving you from constantly checking for a better price.
Alternative Routes and Creative Booking Hacks
Sometimes the cheapest way from point A to point B isn’t a straight line. Booking two separate tickets – one to a major hub and another to your final destination – can save money.
Just make sure you leave enough time between flights to account for delays. Missing a connection on separate tickets means buying a new ticket at last-minute prices.
Error fares and mistake prices pop up more often than you’d expect when planning your flight ticket booking. Airlines occasionally mess up and list flights for way below their usual price.
These deals don’t last long – sometimes just hours – so you need to book fast when you spot one. Follow flight deal accounts on social media, sign up for newsletters, or use tools from websites like https://justbuytravel.com/ that specialise in finding these glitches.
This is a travel hack where you book a flight that connects in your desired city, then you just get off there and skip the rest of the trip.
For example, if flights to Chicago are expensive but flights to Milwaukee with a Chicago layover are cheap, you could book the Milwaukee flight and just leave the airport in Chicago.
Warning: airlines hate this; it only works for one-way tickets, and you can’t check bags since they’ll go to the final destination.
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
Student, military, senior, or AAA member? You might qualify for discounts that aren’t widely advertised.
Many airlines offer special rates but don’t promote them prominently. Call the airline directly or check their website’s special offers section. These discounts typically range from 5-15% but every bit helps.
Credit card points and airline miles aren’t just for business travellers. Sign-up bonuses alone can be worth one or two free flights.
Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, using a travel rewards card for everyday purchases builds up points you can redeem for flights. Just pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges that would wipe out your savings.
Book flights in the airline’s home currency when searching international routes. If you’re flying on a European airline, check prices in euros. Flying with an Asian carrier?
Check prices in their local currency. Currency conversion differences can sometimes work in your favour, especially if your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Group bookings can be tricky. Airlines often show the highest price for all seats when you search for multiple passengers.
Try searching for one ticket first to see the lowest available price, then check if booking individually might be cheaper. You can usually call the airline afterwards to link the reservations and ensure you’re seated together.
The Bottom Line
We hope this blog was helpful for you! Finding affordable flights isn’t about luck or spending countless hours searching. Honestly, it comes down to knowing when to jump on a deal, where to search, and rolling with a bit of flexibility.
Save on flights, and suddenly you’ve got money for more nights, more meals, or just peace of mind knowing you didn’t overspend. We shared a few hacks for your next booking.
And just a reminder, JustBuyTravel.com is your go-to site for the best travel deals, so you can save money and explore more.
Can I really save money by booking flights and hotels together?
Yes! JustBuyTravel.com lets you bundle your flight and hotel, which often unlocks special package deals. It’s an easy way to save without hopping between multiple sites.
How do I know if I'm getting the cheapest flight deal?
Start searching a few months in advance and stay flexible with dates and airports. JustBuyTravel.com also offers price alerts, so you get notified when a fare drops, no endless checking needed.
How far in advance should I book holiday travel?
Holiday flights need different strategies. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, book at least 2-3 months ahead. Prices only go up as these dates approach. If you’re flexible, flying on the actual holiday (like Christmas Day) is often cheaper than the days before or after.
Are there ways to get extra discounts on flights?
Yes! Check for student, military, or senior discounts, use travel rewards points, or even book in the airline’s local currency. JustBuyTravel.com makes it simple to explore all these options in one place.
