I get this question a lot: “How do you 'always' manage to find cheap flights?”
The truth is, it’s not luck, it’s knowing how airlines and prices work. So here are my real, tried-and-tested tricks to help you save money on flights.
1. Be Flexible, But Smart About It
You’ve probably heard “be flexible with your dates,” but here’s what that really means.
Instead of just picking random dates, look at the price pattern for your route.
For example:
- Flights from Europe to Asia are often cheaper midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday).
- If you’re going to popular summer destinations like Greece or Italy, check flights before or after local holidays, prices can drop a lot just a few days apart.
Tip: Use flight search engines and their calendar views to quickly see which days are cheapest. I usually check this for every trip (see point 5 for more on alerts and searches).
2. Search From Different Starting Points
Sometimes, flying from a nearby airport can make a big difference, especially if you’re flexible with your days off and time isn’t a big issue. For us, this isn’t always an option since we usually have time constraints, but I’m sharing it anyway because it really can help!
Example: You could fly from Catania instead of Malta with a short Ryanair flight, it can still work out cheaper overall.
Tip: When searching on Skyscanner, use the “add nearby airports” option. It automatically compares prices from close airports and can save you hundreds, especially on long-haul trips.
3. Mix Airlines (It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)
You don’t have to fly with the same airline both ways. Sometimes, booking two one-way flights with different airlines is cheaper than a return ticket.
Example: Fly to Rome with Ryanair, come back with KM Malta. Same destination, same airports.
Always check the total cost including luggage, some low-cost airlines charge more for bags than the ticket itself!
4. Check the Country Version of the Airline Website
This one surprises people!
Flight prices sometimes change depending on which country’s website you use. For example, a flight from Paris to Bangkok might be cheaper on the Thai version of the airline’s website than on the French or English one.
Use a VPN or simply change the website language and currency, sometimes it gives you a better price instantly.
5. Sign Up for Flight Alerts
I don’t just rely on flight search engines I subscribe to specific alerts.
Some of the top ones are the following:
- Google Flights perfect for tracking specific routes or destinations. It shows price trends and notifies you when fares go up or down;
- Going.com for international deals;
- Secret Flying for crazy flash sales;
- Airfarewatchdog for specific routes.
Set alerts for your dream destinations and your nearest airports, you’ll catch limited-time deals before anyone else does.
6. Use Points and Miles Even Without a Credit Card
Even if you don’t have a travel credit card, you can still collect points through airline loyalty programs.
Example: I always give my frequent flyer number whenever it’s available. After just a few trips, we’ve managed to use those points for discounts on airfares, not bad for zero extra effort!
Sign up for free programs like Miles & Smiles (Turkish Airlines), Emirates Skywards Loyalty Programme and Qatar Airways Privilege Club. They don’t cost anything to join, and over time the points really add up.
Tip: And if you use Revolut, here’s a bonus. They now have their own points system that can be converted into airline miles, including Miles & Smiles with Turkish Airlines. It’s a super easy way to make your everyday spending work for your next flight!
7. Timing Is Everything, Here’s What Works
Forget the “book 6 weeks before” rule, it’s not that simple.
Instead:
- For Europe, 1–2 months before is usually best;
- For long-haul flights, we usually book about a year in advance (immediately when the tickets come out) to secure the best seats and prices;
- Avoid buying on weekends, airlines often raise prices then.
We usually check prices on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings and that’s when I’ve found most of my best deals.
8. Think Like a Backpacker, Even if You’re Not One
Pack light! I can’t stress this enough. So many “cheap” flights end up expensive because of luggage fees.
My trick: I use a small soft backpack that fits under the seat, roll my clothes tightly, and wear my bulkiest items on the plane. This is not just about saving money, it also makes travelling faster and easier.
Extra tip for people travelling with Ryanair: If you need luggage, don’t just take the airline’s add-on deal automatically. Check all options first, sometimes sharing one larger bag is cheaper than paying for two hand luggages. Always compare before deciding!
9. Compare Before You Book, But Always Book Direct
Even though I always book directly with the airline, I never rely on just one website. Comparing options first helps me find the best price and the best seat.
How I do it:
I search on various flight search engines (like the ones I mentioned in point 5) to quickly see all available prices for my route.
Once I find the best fare, I book directly on the airline’s website. This way, I get the lowest price without any third-party issues and can manage my booking easily.
10. My Final Rule: Be Ready to Book Fast
Cheap flights don’t last long, sometimes only a few hours. If you see a great deal, book it and think later. Most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours or make changes for a small fee.
Tip: Always have a budget in mind. Unless you really need to go to a specific destination, stick to that budget. If flights are expensive, look for another option, there’s always next year! The world is so big, and this approach often leads to discovering new destinations you didn’t even plan for. This is actually how we ended up in Brazil, it was the cheapest option at the time and it turned into one of our favorite trips!
Finding cheap flights isn’t about luck, it’s about knowing where and how to look. Once you learn the patterns, you’ll never pay extraordinary prices again.
Now go play around with dates, airports, and airlines your next bargain flight might be waiting just one click away!
If you enjoyed this blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below and let me know your best flight-finding tips too!
Comments ()