Last Updated on August 16, 2026

After years of traveling, comparing flight prices, and spending far too much time browsing flight search engines, I’ve learned one important thing: finding a cheap flight is part luck, part timing, and part knowing where to look. You don’t need to become a professional airfare hunter either. A few clever tricks can save you a surprising amount of money and sometimes even help you discover a cheaper route you hadn’t considered. So, before you hit that tempting “Book now” button, check these 15 tips. Your wallet will thank you!

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

1. Keep your searches top secret

You may have heard the classic advice: always search for flights in incognito mode because airlines use cookies to increase prices when you repeatedly search for the same flight. There’s a catch. This is largely a travel myth. Airlines and flight search engines don’t simply see that you searched for a flight three times and automatically increase the price. However, I still like using a private browser window when comparing flights. It keeps your search history separate and makes it easier to start with a clean slate.

My tip: don’t rely on incognito mode to magically unlock cheaper fares. Instead, focus on comparing dates, airports and airlines.

2. Start tracking prices early

If you already know where and when you want to travel, don’t leave your flight booking until the last minute. Airlines often increase fares as departure approaches, particularly when demand is high. Waiting until a few days before your trip hoping for a bargain can therefore be a very expensive gamble.

That said, “book as early as possible” doesn’t necessarily mean “book a year in advance.” The best booking window depends on the route, season and demand.

Tip: start tracking prices early, so you can recognize a genuinely good deal when you see one.

3. Compare flight prices and check different dates

This is one of my favorite ways to save money. Instead of searching for “Amsterdam to Bali, September 10” and immediately booking whatever appears, search more broadly first. Flight comparison websites can show you how prices change across different dates. My three favorite tools are Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi.com. For example, Skyscanner’s monthly view gives you a quick overview of which days are cheaper. The difference can be huge. Moving your departure by just one or two days can sometimes save you a surprising amount.

4. Compare nearby airports

Don’t automatically assume your nearest airport is the cheapest airport. When searching for flights, I recommend to check nearby airports too. A flight from a smaller airport or an airport in a neighboring country can sometimes be considerably cheaper. For example, if you live in the Netherlands, it can be worth comparing Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf and even Frankfurt, depending on your destination. Just remember to calculate the total cost. A €50 cheaper flight isn’t really a bargain if you need €80 in train tickets, parking and airport transfers to reach it.

Tip: on Skyscanner, select “Add nearby airports” when searching.

5. Don’t obsess over booking on a Monday or Tuesday

You may have heard that Tuesday is the secret day to book cheap flights and weekends the most expensive. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic booking day that guarantees a lower fare. Airline prices change constantly based on demand, availability, competition and many other factors. So rather than waiting until Tuesday at exactly 10:37 AM to book your flight (yes, people really believe these things!), focus on finding a good fare rather than a magical booking day. Your wallet will survive if you book on a Thursday.

6. Consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday

While the day you book your flight isn’t necessarily important, the day you fly can make a difference. Flights during popular travel periods, especially Friday evenings and Sundays, can be more expensive because more people want to travel. Midweek flights can sometimes be cheaper and less crowded.

Tip: when searching, compare several departure and return dates rather than automatically choosing the weekend.

7. Check connecting flights

A non-stop flight is convenient, but sometimes convenience comes with a higher price tag. A flight with one stop can be cheaper than a direct flight, especially on long-haul routes. Most flight search engines allow you to filter results by non-stop, 1 stop or 2+ stops. Just don’t choose a flight with a €100 saving and a 17-hour layover unless you genuinely enjoy airport furniture. Also check whether your connection gives you enough time to make the next flight without sprinting through the terminal.

8. Compare one-way and return tickets

Never assume that a return ticket is automatically cheaper. Some airlines offer one-way flights for roughly half the price of a return ticket, while others make one-way tickets surprisingly expensive. I always recommend checking both options before booking. You can even compare different airlines for your outbound and return flights. For example:

Amsterdam → Bangkok with Airline A
Bangkok → Amsterdam with Airline B

This can sometimes be cheaper than booking a traditional return ticket with one airline.

Tip: if you are traveling internationally on a one-way ticket, you may need proof of onward or return travel to satisfy immigration or airline requirements. If you need an onward ticket, arrange it before you travel rather than hoping nobody will ask questions at the airport.

9. Consider discount airlines

Budget airlines can be fantastic for saving money, especially for short-haul trips. But don’t compare only the headline ticket price. A €30 flight can quickly become a €120 flight once you add:

• Cabin baggage
• Checked luggage
• Seat selection
• Priority boarding
• Airport transfers
• Food and drinks

So always compare the final price, not just the advertised fare.

Airlines change routes and operate in different markets over time, so check which carriers currently serve your particular route. Some budget airlines worth checking include:

• Discount airlines operating in Canada: Flair Airlines, Swoop, Jetlines, Air Canada Rouge, WOW Air, Spirit Airlines, Porter, Air Transat
• Discount airlines operating in the United States: Southwest, Allegiant Air, Frontier, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, WOW Air, Jetblue, Porter
• Discount airlines operating in Australia: Jetstar, Tiger Air, Scoot
• Discount airlines operating in New Zealand: Jetstar, Air New Zealand
• Discount airlines operating in Asia: Air Asia, Tiger Air, Jeju Air, Jetstar, Hong Kong Express, Scoot, Peach Air, Dragon Air, Spice Jet, Spring Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Nok Air, T’Way Airlines, Vanilla Air
• Discount airlines operating in Europe: Vueling, TUI, Ryanair, Easyjet, Aer Lingus, Aigle Azur, Wow Air, Eurowings, Flybe, Norwegian Air, Wizz Air

10. Set price alerts

If you’re planning a trip months in advance, don’t spend every morning refreshing the same flight search. Set up a price alert instead. Flight comparison websites can notify you when prices change, allowing you to keep an eye on the fare without doing the detective work yourself. This is useful if your dates are flexible and you’re waiting for a good price.

Tip: set an alert early and watch the price trend. That way, you’ll have a much better idea of whether today’s price is actually a good deal.

11. Be flexible

If there’s one tip I’d recommend above all others, it’s this: be flexible whenever you can. Flexibility can mean:

• Flying one day earlier or later
• Traveling outside peak season
• Flying midweek
• Using another airport
• Taking a connecting flight
• Flying into one city and home from another
• Traveling during a public holiday when fewer people are flying

Instead of asking “What’s the cheapest flight to Bali on September 15?” try asking “What’s the cheapest way to get to Bali around September 15?”. That small change in mindset can open up many more options.

13. Look for airline error fares and flash sales

Every now and then, an airline or booking system publishes a fare that is much cheaper than expected. These are often called error fares or mistake fares. For example, you might occasionally find a long-haul flight for a fraction of its usual price. They’re rare, can disappear quickly and aren’t always guaranteed to remain valid. But if you’re flexible and willing to jump on a great deal, they can be worth watching. Websites such as Airfarewatchdog can be useful for spotting airfare deals and sales.

Important: if you find an unusually cheap fare, avoid booking non-refundable hotels or tours until you’re reasonably sure the airline has confirmed the ticket.

14. Check airline specials

Flight comparison websites aren’t the only place to find good deals. Check the official websites and newsletters of airlines that fly your preferred routes. Airlines sometimes run seasonal promotions, flash sales or special offers that are easy to miss if you only search through one comparison website. If you have a favorite airline, sign up for its newsletter and let the deals come to you. You might receive a few emails you don’t care about, but occasionally one will contain exactly the fare you’ve been waiting for.

15. Don’t wait until the last minute

While last-minute bargains can happen, I wouldn’t build your travel plans around them. Airlines know that people who have to travel soon often have fewer alternatives, which can mean higher fares. If you find a price you’re happy with and your travel dates are fixed, don’t keep waiting forever for a €10 discount that may never come.

Conclusion

Finding a cheap flight isn’t about one secret trick. I believe it’s about giving yourself more options. Compare different airlines, dates and airports. Set price alerts. Consider connecting flights. Check one-way fares. And, most importantly, be flexible whenever possible.

My biggest takeaway after years of traveling? Don’t search for the cheapest flight. Search for the cheapest combination of route, date, airline and airport that actually works for you. And don’t forget to look at the total travel cost. Saving €50 on your flight isn’t useful if it means spending €100 extra getting to a distant airport.

Do you have another sneaky trick for finding cheap flights? Share it in the comments! I’m always looking for new ways to make my travel budget stretch a little further. Safe travels!

Save for later!

Planning your next adventure? Pin this guide so you can come back to these cheap-flight tips when you’re ready to book. Your future travel budget will thank you!