How to Save On Flights like an Industry Pro

You could marry a flight attendant, become a pilot, or just try some of our favorite tips. While travel can get very expensive, there’s no reason to burn a hole in your budget your next vacation on airfare.

The good news is the cost of flights have trended down since 2024 on both domestic travel and international flights. This is because fuel costs have fallen close to 2019 levels (~$87/barrel), enabling airlines to ease base fares. That said, with tariffs in full swing - you can anticipate a lot of volatility.

Try these helpful tips to save money on flights to maximize your experiences during a holiday instead.

Be flexible with dates and times. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper and early morning or red-eye flights tend to cost less. This price difference can be attributed to lower demand during the middle of the week, allowing airlines to offer more competitive rates.

Additionally, if you are willing to travel during less desirable hours, you may find even greater savings. Early morning flights, which typically depart around dawn, and red-eye flights, which take off late at night and arrive early the next morning, often come at a reduced price. Many travelers prefer to avoid these inconvenient times, leading airlines to lower fares in order to fill seats on these flights. Use flexible date search tools on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper.

Avoid Peak-season & school holidays which drive sharp fare increases—especially summer travel windows. The summer months, characterized by warm weather and school vacations, attract a larger number of tourists, causing a spike in both domestic and international travel. In addition to summer, other peak travel seasons include major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, when families and individuals are eager to reunite with loved ones or take advantage of time off work. As a result, travelers who are flexible with their travel dates or willing to avoid these peak periods can save a significant amount on airfare.

Book at the right time. The best booking window is 1–3 months in advance for domestic travel and 2–8 months for international flights. This extended window is crucial because international flight prices can fluctuate dramatically due to various factors, including demand, seasonal trends, and airline pricing strategies. By planning ahead, travelers not only save money but also have a wider selection of flight options, which can lead to more convenient itineraries and better seat choices.

Watch for sales by signing up for airline newsletters or fare alert services like Hopper, Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), or Airfarewatchdog. Airline newsletters often contain exclusive offers, flash sales, and promotional codes that are not widely advertised. By subscribing, you can receive timely updates directly in your inbox, ensuring that you are among the first to know about any discounts that may arise.

Leverage Points and Miles. Use credit card travel rewards or frequent flyer programs strategically then combine “points + cash” deals on airline websites. Credit card travel rewards and frequent flyer programs offer a wealth of opportunities for savvy travelers looking to stretch their budgets further. These programs can significantly enhance your travel plans, providing access to free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks.

To begin with, credit card travel rewards can be an invaluable asset. Many credit cards come with sign-up bonuses that can yield a substantial number of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement. For example, a card may offer 50,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. These points can often be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or even car rentals, effectively reducing your overall travel expenses.

Set Price Alerts to get notified when fares drop for your route using Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. Hopper utilizes advanced algorithms and machine learning to predict future flight prices with impressive accuracy. By setting price alerts through Hopper, you can take advantage of its unique feature that not only notifies you of fare drops but also provides recommendations on the optimal times to book your flights. This predictive capability can help you make informed decisions and potentially save a substantial amount on your travel expenses.

Another creative way to save cash on your flight? Hidden-City Ticketing (a.k.a. Skiplagging) Here’s how it works: you book a flight where your real destination is the layover, not the final stop.

For example, if you want to go to Chicago, and a flight from New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago is cheaper, you just get off in Chicago. Check out Skiplagged.com which specializes in these kinds of fares for your next trip.

However, there are a few points of caution. For starters - make sure your luggage wasn’t checked or it will arrive at your final destination instead of the layover. Also, be advised airlines like United and American have banned the practice and may cancel frequent flyer accounts, void return flights, or even sue repeat offenders

Only try Skiplagging on one way tickets - never on a round-trip as skipping a leg usually cancels the rest of your itinerary.

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