How to Find Cheap Flights: Tips to Get the Cheapest Plane Tickets
Flights often take up the biggest part of a travel budget, so finding a good deal can be the difference between going on an amazing trip or staying home to watch Netflix.
Strangely, even with today’s technology, finding cheap flights feels more stressful than it did 20 years ago. There are countless travel sites and airlines, all offering deals and all claiming to have the lowest prices. It’s easy to spend hours searching and still feel unsure you found the best fare.
Instead of jumping from site to site, use this simple, proven guide to help you find cheap flights without the frustration.
When Should I Buy Plane Tickets?
One of the most asked questions from air travelers keen to make savings is, “How far in advance should I book a flight?”
However, unlike most travel costs, earlier isn’t always cheaper when it comes to flights. Where advance reservations in airport parking can save you up to 70%, the best fares for flights often land 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
There’s a common misconception that searching mid-week brings lower rates. This used to be the case, as domestic airlines used to release their sales on Tuesdays. In 2025, however, pricing algorithms adjust constantly. Keep your finger on the pulse by periodically checking, and book when the prices are lowest.
Signing up for airfare alerts using Google Flights and other booking engines will notify you when prices drop.
Where to Search
Search engines like Expedia and Google Flights have a lot of coverage, but certain caveats. They won’t show you every flight available, and they’re not always privy to the best prices on offer.
To get the best prices, it’s best to use these engines to hunt down the date, time, and route you’re after. Once you’ve chosen this, shop around between sites to find the best ticket deal. Often, going to the airline and booking directly will give you a cheaper fare, as there are no commission fees stacked on to the price.
When to Fly
Airline seats, like most products, are priced based on supply and demand. Historical data from Skyscanner, amongst other sources, reveals that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly on. Weekends have the heaviest passenger numbers, so mid-week tends to be the cheapest time to fly.
To learn more about seasonal impacts on passenger numbers and prices, read our guide on the busiest days to travel.
Budget Airlines
Budget airlines don’t always show in popular travel search results. This is because they rarely offer commission to booking comparison providers, but they’re worth seeking out on your own.
Some of the best-known budget airlines include:
Just be mindful that a lot of Ultra-low cost carriers (ULCCs) charge extra for carry-on luggage. Weigh up how much you’re carrying, as if you bring a lot of bags, the fees might claw back what you would have saved on your ticket.
Are Frequent Flyer Programs Worth It?
If you’ve already started to take a liking to a particular airline, it could be beneficial to you to take the relationship a step further. If you haven’t already, join your favorite airline’s frequent-flyer program and start saving.
If you travel often, you could easily rack up miles that could be used on future destinations. Plus, if all that travel earns you elite member status, you’ll gain extra rewards like early boarding and free checked luggage.
Compare Direct Flights with Connections
Connecting flights can be a source of inconvenience and anxiety for many travelers, but in many cases, a lifeline to your wallet. They offer incredible savings on simple routes as operators tend to price them more competitively.
Comparison is key, however. There are some routes where flying direct can be cheaper, for example, if connecting routes require detours and demand is high. Tools like Sky Scanner allow you to filter by direct and the amount of stops, so you’ll have a clear view of your options.
Optional: Clear Your Cookies
This tip may sound unusual, but it’s a common practice used by bargain hunters. It’s said that some travel sites use cookies to capture data on your browsing habits and purchase history and adjust their prices. Even if you’ve never visited a site before, they may use third-party cookies, which give them some of your habits through ads and analytics.
This has become an urban legend of the internet, as most legitimate retailers won’t use this kind of dynamic pricing. However, if you clear your cookies, you’re browsing with a clean slate. It’s worth a try if you’re curious!
FAQs
How can I find cheap flights without spending hours searching?
Use flight search engines like Google Flights to compare routes and dates quickly, then book directly with the airline when possible. Setting up price alerts helps you monitor fares without constant manual searches.
When is the best time to buy cheap plane tickets?
The best time to book is usually 6–8 weeks before departure for domestic flights. Prices fluctuate constantly, so tracking fares over time is more effective than booking as early as possible.
What days are cheapest to fly?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly, as demand is lower than weekends. Mid-week flights often come with better deals and fewer crowds.
Do flight prices drop on certain days of the week?
In the past, prices dropped mid-week, but modern pricing algorithms adjust fares continuously. Instead of waiting for a specific day, focus on booking when alerts show a price drop.
Are budget airlines a good way to get cheap plane tickets?
Yes, budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and Avelo often offer very low base fares. Just be aware of extra fees for baggage and seat selection, which can increase the total cost.
Is it cheaper to book flights directly with airlines?
Often, yes. Booking directly with an airline can be cheaper because it avoids third-party commissions and may offer better flexibility for changes or cancellations.
Do connecting flights help you find cheaper airfare?
Connecting flights are frequently cheaper than nonstop options, especially on popular routes. Always compare both, as some direct flights can be competitively priced.
Does clearing cookies help find cheaper flights?
Generally speaking, no, but many people swear by it. While most airlines don’t use cookie-based price increases, browsing in incognito mode can give peace of mind.
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