20 Ways to Save Money on Flights

Booking a flight doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. If you’ve ever found yourself clicking through dozens of travel sites wondering if you’ll ever snag a deal, you’re not alone. Many travelers in the USA and the UK are constantly searching for how to save money on flights, and thankfully, there are tried-and-true strategies that work. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation, a quick getaway, or flying home for the holidays, this guide is packed with practical, insider tips to help you fly for less.

Why Flight Prices Fluctuate So Much (and How to Outsmart the System)

Before we dive into the hacks, let’s understand why prices vary so wildly. Airline ticket pricing is like the stock market—dynamic and based on demand, time, competition, and even user behavior.

Dynamic pricing algorithms: Airlines use complex systems that change ticket prices multiple times a day.
Cookies and browser tracking: Your search history can influence the price you see.
Timing: Booking too early or too late can cost you.

Understanding these factors helps you make smarter decisions.

How to Save Money on Flights

1. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when trying to save money on flights.

Best time to book: For domestic USA flights, booking 1 to 3 months in advance is ideal. For international flights, aim for 2 to 8 months.
Cheapest days to fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the least expensive.
Fly during off-peak seasons: For UK travelers, this means avoiding July and August. For US travelers, avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas.

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites (Smartly)

Sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are goldmines for finding deals.

Set up alerts: Let the deals come to you.
Use the ‘whole month’ search: See which days are cheapest.
Mix and match airlines: Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round-trip.

3. Browse in Incognito Mode

Flight prices may increase based on your search activity. Use private browsing or clear your cookies to avoid this.

Use incognito windows, especially when doing multiple searches.
Try different devices or IP addresses: A VPN can also help you see regional price differences.

4. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, Spirit, and Frontier offer significantly lower fares.

Watch out for extra fees: Baggage, seat selection, and food can add up.
Travel light: A small carry-on can save you big.

5. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates and Airports

Flexibility gives you access to the best deals.

Try nearby airports: Heathrow vs. Gatwick or JFK vs. Newark.
Travel mid-week: Prices can drop significantly.
Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature: Great for spontaneous travelers.

6. Sign Up for Flight Deal Newsletters

Services like Scott’s Cheap Flights (USA) or Jack’s Flight Club (UK) alert you to rock-bottom deals.

Free and premium versions available: Premium often gets you first dibs.
Deals often disappear fast: Check your email often!

7. Use Points and Miles

If you’re not using a travel rewards card, you’re leaving money on the table.

Get a travel credit card: Look for sign-up bonuses and no foreign transaction fees.
Use loyalty programs: Frequent-flyer miles add up.
Combine points with cash: Some platforms allow partial redemptions.

8. Book Error Fares When You Can

Error fares are pricing mistakes that savvy travelers can capitalize on.

Act fast: They rarely last more than a few hours.
Use sites like SecretFlying and Airfare Watchdog: These track mistakes for you.
Book with a credit card: For better dispute and refund protections.

9. Consider Layovers

Direct flights are convenient but often pricier.

Look for longer layovers: Some cities even offer free tours for long layovers.
Use layovers to your advantage: Two vacations in one!

10. Use Price Tracking Tools

Google Flights’ price tracking: Get notified when prices drop.
Hopper App: Uses AI to predict the best time to book.
Kayak Price Alerts: Customizable based on your route and preferences.

11. Join Airline Loyalty Programs

Even if you don’t fly often, these programs can yield savings.

Earn miles on every flight: Even on partner airlines.
Enjoy perks: Free bags, priority boarding, and special discounts.
Get status upgrades: The More benefits, the more you fly.

12. Consider Alternative Airports

Smaller airports can offer better rates.

For UK travelers: Look at Luton, Stansted, or Birmingham.
For US travelers: Consider BWI instead of DCA, or Long Beach instead of LAX.

13. Check Local Travel Agencies or Airlines

Not all fares show up on comparison websites.

Visit airline websites directly: Sometimes cheaper than third-party sites.
Use local travel agencies, especially for regional or niche destinations.

14. Don’t Delay—Prices Can Rise Quickly

Once you find a good deal, act fast.

Set a budget and stick to it: Don’t wait for “perfect” if “great” is in front of you.
Some sites offer 24-hour cancellations: Book now, decide later.

15. Take Advantage of Student, Military, or Senior Discounts

Check directly with airlines: Some offer special fares.
Use platforms like StudentUniverse or STA Travel: Great for younger travelers.

16. Sign Up for Airline Credit Cards

Big bonuses: Often enough for a free round-trip flight.
Companion tickets: Buy one, get one free offers.
Free checked bags and priority boarding: Save time and money.

17. Avoid Weekend Departures

Weekends are expensive: Depart mid-week for the best savings.
Late-night or early-morning flights: Less popular, more affordable.

18. Use Multi-City or Open-Jaw Flights

Visit multiple cities for less: More bang for your buck.
Examples: Fly into London, out from Paris.

19. Follow Airlines on Social Media

Flash sales and discount codes often drop on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Turn on notifications: You’ll be the first to know.
Engage with posts: Some airlines reward loyal fans.

20. Always Read the Fine Print

Know what’s included: Checked bags, meals, seat selection.
Understand the refund and change policies, especially with budget carriers.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Flight Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Learning how to save money on flights is both an art and a science, but it’s doable. By staying flexible, planning, and using the right tools, you can cut your flight costs significantly. Remember:

Book at the right time
Use comparison sites and alerts
Be flexible with dates and airports
Take advantage of points, deals, and loyalty programs

The next time you hear someone brag about scoring a round-trip flight for under $200, you’ll know exactly how they did it—and you’ll be right behind them in the line at boarding.

Start applying these tips today and watch your travel budget stretch further than you ever thought possible.