Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, but there’s no denying it can also be expensive. Between accommodation, food, and sightseeing, the costs add up quickly. Yet the biggest bite out of your budget almost always comes from the flights. 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 cut down the cost of airfare and free up money for the fun parts of travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or a long-haul adventure, these three tricks will help you find cheap flights every time.
1. Always use a credit card when booking flights
Booking flights with a credit card won’t magically make them cheaper, but 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, delayed, or the airline collapses, you’re far more likely to get your money back if you booked with a credit card. 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 don’t 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 also come with rewards programmes. 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 isn’t strong enough to access these deals, it’s 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 find 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. The same applies across Europe, the United States, and Asia.
It’s 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 own 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. And if you’re already taking a train or bus into a city, adding an extra hour to reach a bigger airport could save you hundreds.
3. Use secret browsing to avoid price hikes
Here’s 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 you’re interested. It’s 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 you’ll see the lowest available fares rather than inflated ones.
Here’s 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.
You’ll 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 secure cheap flights consistently.
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, mid-week 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 “anywhere” search features. Instead of locking yourself into one city, search for the cheapest flights from your departure airport and see where you can go. This approach not only saves money but also 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. By using a credit card for protection and rewards, choosing larger airports for better competition, and browsing in secret to avoid price manipulation, 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, don’t assume flights will be too expensive. Apply these tricks, and you’ll be booking your next trip before you know it—without draining your bank account.
