How to find great flight deals

by Mauji Trip Book Flight, Hotels and Holidays

Finding great flight deals can save you a substantial amount of money when planning your travels. By utilizing a combination of strategies and resources, you can increase your chances of scoring affordable flights

Here's a concise guide to help you find those sought-after flight ticket booking deals:

1. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations:

Travel during off-peak seasons or mid-week to find lower prices. Use flexible date search options on travel websites to compare prices across a range of dates. Similarly, consider alternative airports or nearby destinations to broaden your options and potentially find better deals.

2. Set Fare Alerts:

Utilize fare alert services or apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. These tools notify you when prices drop for your chosen routes, enabling you to book when fares are at their lowest.

3. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies:

Websites might track your search history and raise prices if they notice increased interest in a particular flight. Use incognito or private browsing mode to avoid this, and periodically clear your cookies to prevent dynamic pricing.

4. Book in Advance:

While last-minute deals do exist, it's generally advisable to book flights 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic travel and 2-4 months ahead for international flights. Airlines tend to increase prices as the departure date approaches.

5. Follow Airlines and Deal Websites:

Follow airlines and travel deal websites on social media platforms or subscribe to their newsletters. They often announce flash sales, promotional codes, and limited-time offers that can lead to significant savings.

6. Use Reward Points and Miles:

Join frequent flyer programs and accrue miles through credit card spending or travel. These points can be redeemed for discounted or even free flights, making it a cost-effective way to travel.

7. Consider Budget Airlines:

Budget airlines may not offer all the frills of larger carriers, but they can provide substantially lower fares. Be mindful of additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services.

8. Compare Prices:

Use flight comparison websites to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms. This helps you identify the best deal without spending excessive time on individual websites.

9. Mix and Match Airlines:

Sometimes booking separate one-way flights with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket with a single carrier. This strategy is known as "hacker fares."

10. Use Points for Positioning Flights:

If you're flying to a major hub to catch an international flight, consider using points or booking a separate flight to reach that hub. This can sometimes be cheaper than booking a direct flight from your location.

11. Check Nearby Airports:

Compare prices for nearby airports, even if they're a bit farther from your destination. Sometimes the cost savings on flights can offset the inconvenience of additional travel.

12. Monitor Price Trends:

Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track historical price trends for your desired routes. This can help you identify the best time to book.

13. Be Ready to Book:

When you find a great deal, be prepared to book quickly. Flight prices can change rapidly, and deals may not last long.

14. Use Credit Card Benefit:

Certain credit cards offer travel-related benefits such as travel credits, lounge access, and even travel insurance. These perks can enhance your overall travel experience and save you money.

15. Consider Multi-City Trips:

If your travel plans include multiple destinations, explore multi-city flight options. These can sometimes be more cost-effective than booking individual round-trip flights.

In conclusion, finding great flight deals requires a combination of flexibility, research, and proactive monitoring. By utilizing fare alerts, comparing prices, and staying open to alternative options, you can increase your chances of finding affordable flights and making the most of your travel budget.