Travel is one of lifeās greatest joys, but thereās no denying it can also be expensive. Between accommodation, food, and sightseeing, the costs add up quickly. However, the flights typically consume the largest portion of your budget. A single ticket can cost more than the rest of your trip combined.
The good news? Finding cheap flights is not as impossible as it may seem. With a few smart strategies, you can reduce airfare costs. This allows you to free up money for the fun parts of travel. Whether youāre planning a weekend city break, these three tricks will help. They will also assist you in finding cheap flights for a long-haul adventure.
1. Always use a credit card when booking flights
Booking flights with a credit card wonāt make them cheaper instantly. However, it can save you money in the long run. There are two key reasons why this trick works.
Firstly, credit cards often provide additional protection for purchases. If your flight gets cancelled, youāre far more likely to get your money back if you booked with a credit card. The same applies if your flight is delayed or the airline collapses. This protection can save you from losing hundreds of pounds.
Secondly, using a credit card gives you the freedom to act fast. Airlines frequently release limited-time offers, sometimes lasting only a few hours. If you donāt have the cash sitting in your bank account, you could miss out. A credit card allows you to snap up those deals before they disappear.
Many credit cards come with reward programs. You can earn cashback, travel points, or airline miles every time you book. Over time, these add up to significant savings or even free flights.
Of course, not all cards are equal. Look for one with an interest-free introductory period or travel-specific perks. And always pay off your balance in full to avoid high-interest charges. If your credit score isnāt strong enough to access these deals, itās worth taking steps to improve it. A little effort now can lead to cheaper flights later.
2. Choose larger airports for better deals
Smaller airports can feel less overwhelming, with shorter queues and less stress. However, when it comes to saving money, bigger airports usually win. Major hubs tend to have more airlines competing for passengers. This competition drives prices down, making it easier to locate cheap flights.
For example, flying out of London Heathrow is often cheaper than flying from a regional airport. Even if it means a longer drive or train ride, it can save money. The same applies across Europe, the United States, and Asia.
Itās not just about lower base fares, either. Larger airports often run seasonal promotions, offer more flight times, and provide better connections for multi-leg journeys. This flexibility can make a huge difference to your budget.
Of course, big airports come with their challenges. They’re crowded, busy, and not always traveller-friendly. To make the experience easier:
- Check in online before you arrive.
- Travel with hand luggage only.
- Use apps that show you real-time updates on security wait times.
The savings you make by flying from a larger airport often outweigh the inconvenience. If youāre already taking a train or bus into a city, consider adding an extra hour to reach a bigger airport. It could save you hundreds.
3. Use secret browsing to avoid price hikes
Hereās a little-known fact: airlines and booking sites use cookies to track your searches. If you keep checking the same route, prices often rise because the site knows youāre interested. Itās a clever marketing tactic designed to make you panic and book before the price climbs even higher.
Luckily, you can outsmart the system. The trick is to use private or incognito browsing when searching for flights. This stops websites from storing your search history, meaning youāll see the lowest available fares rather than inflated ones.
Hereās what to do:
- Clear your browser cookies before starting a new search.
- Use incognito mode for all flight searches.
- Try searching on different devices or from different IP addresses for comparison.
Youāll often be surprised by how much prices can drop once you remove your browsing history from the equation. For frequent travellers, this hack is one of the easiest ways to consistently secure cheap flights.
Bonus hack: flexibility is your friend
The more flexible you are, the easier it is to find cheap flights. Prices vary dramatically depending on the day of the week, the time of year, and even the time of day. For example, midweek flights are usually cheaper than weekend ones. Similarly, red-eye or early morning flights often cost less than midday departures.
If you can, avoid peak holiday seasons. Travelling just a week earlier or later can make a noticeable difference to the cost. Use flight comparison tools that let you view prices across an entire month to identify the cheapest days to fly.
You can also save money by being flexible about your destination. Many booking sites now offer āanywhereā search features. Donāt lock yourself into one city. Search for the cheapest flights from your departure airport. See where you can go. This approach saves money and adds an element of adventure to your travels.
Final thoughts
Cheap flights are not just for the lucky few who stumble across incredible deals. With the right approach, anyone can save money on air travel. Use a credit card for protection and rewards. Choose larger airports for better competition. Browse in secret to avoid price manipulation. By following these steps, you can consistently reduce your flight costs. Add a dose of flexibility, and suddenly, travel becomes far more affordable.
The next time you feel wanderlust creeping in, donāt assume flights will be too expensive. Apply these tricks, and youāll be booking your next trip before you know itāwithout draining your bank account.
