How to Save Money on Flights: Finding Deals and Avoiding Peak Season Traps

For frequent travelers and budget-conscious explorers, airfare often eats up the largest portion of a travel budget. But with the right timing, tools, and strategy, you can find affordable tickets and avoid peak-season price spikes. Here’s how to make the most of your money when booking flights.

1. Book at the Right Time

Timing is crucial when hunting for cheap flights. Generally, the best time to book domestic flights is 1–3 months in advance, while international flights should be booked around 2–6 months ahead. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly and to purchase tickets. Avoid booking on weekends when prices tend to surge due to higher demand.

2. Use Price Tracking Tools

Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper offer fare prediction and tracking tools. You can set up alerts for your desired route and receive notifications when prices drop. These platforms also allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking websites at once, helping you spot the best deal quickly.

3. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Flexibility can significantly lower your flight costs. If your travel dates aren’t fixed, search for flights using “whole month” or “cheapest month” features on booking platforms. Flying mid-week or during less popular times of the day often results in lower fares. Similarly, flying into or out of alternative airports nearby can save you money.

4. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

Airfare tends to skyrocket during major holidays, school vacations, and summer months. Traveling during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—is not only cheaper but often less crowded and more enjoyable. Research your destination’s off-peak periods and plan accordingly.

5. Consider Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Southwest, Frontier, or Spirit in the U.S., or Ryanair and EasyJet in Europe, often offer deeply discounted fares. Be aware of added costs for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services, and always read the fine print. If you can travel light and skip the extras, these airlines can be a great money-saving option.

6. Use Points and Miles

Frequent flyer miles and credit card reward points are valuable tools for lowering travel costs. Consider signing up for travel rewards credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses, free checked bags, or companion tickets. Use them strategically for big purchases and pay off balances monthly to avoid interest.

7. Clear Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Some users believe flight prices increase the more you search for a specific route. While evidence is mixed, it doesn’t hurt to use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies to avoid potential price manipulation by travel sites.

Being smart about when and how you book your flights can make a big difference in your overall travel budget. With a bit of research and some flexible planning, those dream destinations can become a lot more affordable.