The Best Tips on How I Book Cheap Flights

Flights can easily become the biggest expense of any trip, but the truth is, you don’t always have to pay the full price. Over the years, I’ve mastered ways to book cheap flights without spending too much, which has saved me hundreds of dollars that I’d much rather spend once I arrive at my destination.

And the best part is, these best tips are not even complicated. They’re practical tips that anyone can use with a little planning. From flexible date searches to smart tools and a few travel hacks I’ve learned from years of travelling. I’ll walk you through the exact methods that I rely on every time I book a trip.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to consistently book cheap flights, this guide is here to show you how I make it happen.

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1. Use Skyscanner

When people ask me how I book cheap flights, the first thing I always share is Skyscanner. It’s hands-down my favourite tool for finding the best airfare deals, and I use it every single time I travel. What makes Skyscanner so powerful is its flexibility.

If you don’t have a fixed schedule, you can search by an entire month to see which days are cheapest to fly. Even better, if you’re open to new destinations, you can use the “Everywhere” search to discover the most affordable spots to fly to from your departure city.

On top of that, Skyscanner lets you set price alerts so you’ll get notified when fares drop. These features alone have saved me hundreds of dollars, and it’s why I recommend it to everyone.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

One of the biggest secrets to cheap flights is staying flexible. Flying midweek is often much cheaper than booking on a Friday or Sunday, and travelling during shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) can save you even more compared to peak holidays.

This is where Skyscanner really shines. You can use its month view to instantly see which days have the lowest fares. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind swapping destinations, the “Everywhere” search option will show you the cheapest places to fly to from your city. I’ve often discovered new destinations this way simply because they were budget-friendly and too good to pass up.

3. Use a VPN When Booking Flights

Here’s a tip that not everyone thinks of. Try using a VPN when searching for flights. While it doesn’t always guarantee a cheaper rate, I’ve found that it sometimes unlocks deals I wouldn’t normally see or shows me flight routes that weren’t visible without it. Even small differences in currency or region-based pricing can make a big difference.

For example, I once found a flight option through a VPN search that wasn’t listed for me otherwise, and it ended up saving me close to $100. It’s a small step, but it can give you access to more options and sometimes even better prices.

4. Book at the Right Time

Another key part of how I book cheap flights is timing. While you’ll hear people say book on a Tuesday for the lowest fares, the truth is it’s not about the day of the week. It’s about how far in advance you book.

As a general rule, I look at flights about 2–3 months ahead for domestic travel and 4–6 months ahead for international trips. Booking too early or too last-minute usually means higher prices. Keeping track of fare trends with alerts (again, Skyscanner is great for this) makes sure you know when to lock in the best deals.

5. Try Nearby Airports

Sometimes the secret to cheaper flights is as simple as being open to alternate airports. For example, when I was looking at flights to Japan, flying into Osaka instead of Tokyo saved me a big chunk of money.

The same goes for domestic flights. I’ve often seen better prices flying out of Cebu compared to Manila, Philippines. If you’re willing to travel a little extra by bus or train, these savings can really add up. Checking nearby airports is a quick step that can easily shave off costs you’d otherwise miss.

6. Mix and Match Airlines

Another trick in how I book cheap flights is mixing and matching airlines. Sometimes, booking a one-way ticket with one carrier and returning on a different airline can be far cheaper than sticking to a round-trip with the same company. This also gives you flexibility if you want to fly into one city and leave from another.

Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights make this really easy by showing multi-airline combinations automatically. I’ve used this method on international trips and saved more than I expected simply by splitting my journey across two airlines.

7. Take Advantage of Flight Alerts and Deals

If you’re serious about saving, flight alerts are a game-changer. I always sign up for alerts on Skyscanner so I get notified as soon as prices drop for a route I’m tracking. On top of that, I also keep an eye on sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying, which share incredible deals and error fares.

You only need to be open to a little spontaneity. Some of my favourite trips have happened because I spotted a deal that was just too good to pass up, and I booked it on the spot.

8. Don’t Overlook Budget Airlines

Budget airlines can be a lifesaver when it comes to finding cheap flights, especially across Asia and Europe, where they’re everywhere. I’ve flown with carriers like AirAsia, Ryanair, and EasyJet for just a fraction of what bigger airlines were charging.

Know how to avoid hidden fees
Pack light so you don’t get caught by baggage charges
Bring your own snacks instead of paying for overpriced meals on board
Always double-check carry-on size restrictions.

As long as you go in prepared, budget airlines can make travel way more affordable.

9. Use Airline Points and Miles

One of the most rewarding parts of frequent travel is building up airline miles or credit card points. I use them whenever I can, and they’ve saved me from paying full price on long-haul flights more than once.

A great example is when I booked a return flight using mostly points and only paid the taxes out of pocket. It felt like I was flying for free! If you haven’t already, sign up for any airline loyalty programs or consider a travel rewards credit card. The points add up faster than you think, and they’re one of the best ways to offset flight costs.

10. Book Direct When It’s Cheaper or Safer

While comparison sites are amazing for finding deals, there are times when it’s smarter to book directly with the airline. I always double-check the airline’s own site before booking because sometimes they offer the same price, or even cheaper than third-party platforms.

Plus, booking direct usually makes it easier if you need to change or cancel your flight. I’ve had situations where having that direct connection with the airline saved me a lot of stress when plans shifted. It’s a simple extra step, but it can make your travel experience much smoother.

Extra Tips That Can Help You Save Even More

Beyond the main strategies I use, there are a few smaller habits that can still make a noticeable difference when booking flights. They might not always shave off hundreds, but together they add up to real savings.

Clear Cookies or Use Incognito Mode When Browsing: There’s a long-standing debate about whether airlines really track your searches, but I find it’s better to be safe. Searching in incognito mode or clearing your cookies helps ensure you’re seeing fresh prices instead of ones that might have crept up after repeated searches.
Compare Fares In Local Currencies: Sometimes booking in the airline’s local currency instead of your own can unlock cheaper rates. Make sure your bank card doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees, otherwise, you might lose the savings.
Avoid Unnecessary Add-ons: When you’re checking out, airlines love to tempt you with extras like seat selection, meals, or priority boarding. Unless you really need them, skip the add-ons and keep your ticket as basic as possible. Those little fees quickly add up, and the money is better spent once you’re at your destination.

At the end of the day, finding cheap flights isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing the right strategies and being smart with how you book. By using tools like Skyscanner, staying flexible with your dates and destinations, and even trying tricks like a VPN, you can cut down on airfare and put that money back into the experiences that make travel memorable.

These are the exact steps I follow every time I plan a trip, and they’ve helped me travel more often without breaking the bank. With a little awareness and preparation, you’ll see how much easier it is to find affordable tickets.

If you found these tips on how I book cheap flights helpful, don’t forget to bookmark this guide, share it with a fellow traveller, and check out my other travel resources for more budget-friendly advice. Here’s to spending less on flights and more on adventures!