Flight Booking Tips: How to Get the Cheapest Airfare Every Time
Airline pricing is complex — but these proven strategies will help you consistently find the best fares.
Airline ticket prices change hundreds of times per day. But with the right approach, you can consistently pay less than average.
Book at the Right Time
For most routes, the sweet spot is 1–3 months before departure for international flights, and 3–6 weeks for domestic. Last-minute deals exist but are rare and unreliable.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday is typically 15–25% cheaper than flying on Friday or Sunday. Use the "flexible dates" calendar view on Google Flights to see the cheapest days at a glance.
Use Multiple Search Tools
No single tool shows all flights. Use Google Flights for research and price alerts. Check Skyscanner and Kayak too. Then book direct on the airline's website — you'll often pay a small premium via third-party sites, and direct bookings are easier to manage.
Set Price Alerts
Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak all offer email alerts when prices drop on routes you're watching. Set them for all the routes you're considering and wait. Prices often dip significantly 6–8 weeks before departure.