Airfare continues to rise, but that does not mean you have to overspend. No matter if you are planning a summer vacation, a work trip, or an adventure, finding low-cost tickets is key. This article looks at how to save money on flights. It shares expert tips, tools, and booking strategies for savvy travelers in 2025.
1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Flexibility with your departure and return dates can open up opportunities to catch the lowest fares available.
Fly During Off-Peak Times
Airlines adjust their prices based on demand. Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is typically cheaper than weekends. Early morning or red-eye flights also tend to be less expensive.
Use Flexible Date Tools
Platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you see prices for a whole month. This makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly. Flexibility can lead to major savings.
2. Use Flight Comparison Websites
If you use a flight comparison website. It can be the best way to save money for flight tickets.
Compare Multiple Airlines at Once
Sites like Momondo, Kayak, and Hopper show a wide range of flight options in one place. These platforms often feature budget airlines. These airlines might not show up on standard booking sites.
Enable Price Alerts
Set alerts for your desired route to receive email or app notifications when prices drop. This helps you strike when the fare is at its lowest.
3. Best Time to Book Airline Tickets
Knowing when to book can make the difference between an overpriced seat and a travel steal.
Timing Is Everything
Booking too early or too late can cost you. Book domestic flights 1 to 3 months early. For international travel, secure tickets 2 to 6 months in advance.
Look for Fare Drops on Tuesdays
Airlines often release deals on Monday night or Tuesday morning. Checking fares midweek can uncover lower prices not visible during weekends.
4. Earn and Use Travel Rewards
Leveraging travel rewards is one of the smartest ways to save on flights over time without changing your travel habits.
Join Airline Loyalty Programs
Signing up for frequent flyer programs is free and can accumulate miles even on short trips. These miles add up and can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.
Use Credit Cards That Earn Points
Travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture help you earn points on everyday purchases. You can then use these points for flights or travel benefits.
5. Travel on a Budget
You don’t need luxury to explore the world, budget-friendly strategies can help you fly more for less.
Lower Base Prices with Optional Add-Ons
Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, and EasyJet offer some of the cheapest base fares available. Just be mindful of extra charges for bags, seat selection, and even boarding passes.
Pack Smart to Avoid Fees
If you are traveling light, budget airlines become a cost-effective choice. Limit yourself to one carry-on to dodge baggage fees altogether.
6. Book One-Way Tickets
Breaking your trip into one-way segments can unlock hidden deals and give you more booking freedom.
Split Your Round-Trip
Booking two one-way flights on different airlines can cost less than a round-trip ticket. This strategy gives you more control over price and flexibility.
Use Open-Jaw Routes
Open-jaw flights, where you fly into one city and out of another, often save time and money while expanding your itinerary.
7. Cheap Flight Booking Tricks
There are lesser-known booking hacks that frequent travelers use to beat the system and score ultra-cheap flights.
Monitor Flight Deal Websites
Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal focus on mistake fares. These are ultra-low prices that airlines accidentally publish.
Act Fast on Flash Sales
Airlines occasionally offer limited-time sales with deep discounts. Sign up for newsletters or deal alerts to grab them before they’re gone.
8. Browse in Incognito Mode
Some booking sites use cookies. They raise prices if you search for the same route too often. Incognito mode resets that digital trail.
Using a VPN to change your location can show cheaper fares. This is because different countries have different pricing structures.
9. Subscribe to Airline Newsletters
Airline emails aren’t just clutter, they often contain exclusive deals and early access to major sales.
Airlines reward subscribers with early access to promotions and limited-time offers. Signing up for their newsletters keeps you in the loop.
10. Fly Into Nearby Airports
Choosing an alternate airport just outside your destination can significantly reduce your airfare.
Explore Alternate Cities
Flying into or out of a secondary airport can dramatically cut costs. For example, Oakland often offers cheaper flights than San Francisco.
Weigh Ground Transport Costs
Before booking, compare total travel time and expense. Sometimes a slightly longer drive is worth the savings on airfare.
11. Use Cashback and Travel Portals
Why pay full price when cashback and booking portals let you earn while you spend?
Get Money Back When You Book
Websites like Rakuten and TopCashback offer cashback when you book through their links. It is essentially a rebate for something you are already buying.
Use Credit Card Travel Portals
Some credit cards have their own travel booking sites. They offer special discounts and bonus points. This helps your purchase stretch further.
12. Redeem Points for Flights
Your accumulated points and miles can cut down or even eliminate your out-of-pocket flight costs.
Pay with Points Instead of Cash
If you have earned credit card points or airline miles, redeem them to cover part or all of your ticket cost.
Transfer to Airline Partners
Some travel cards let you transfer points to airline loyalty programs. You can often get better value when you redeem them there.
13. Avoid Extra Airline Fees
Being strategic with what you book and pack helps you sidestep those sneaky added costs airlines love to charge.
Skip What You Don’t Need
Opt out of paid seat selection or travel insurance (if you are already covered). Avoid checking a bag if you can travel with just a carry-on.
Check Airline Fee Policies
Before booking, look at what’s included. Budget airlines seem cheap, but they add fees. Traditional carriers include these costs for free.
14. Pay in Local Currency
Sometimes paying in a different currency gives you the edge, especially when your card has no foreign transaction fees.
Compare Currency Conversions
Booking in the airline’s local currency on their website can sometimes give you a better rate than using your own. A no-foreign-transaction-fee card helps maximize savings.
Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion
Always choose to pay in the airline’s currency if given the option. Let your bank or card issuer handle the exchange rate.
15. Save Flight Tickets to Wallet on iPhone
Digitally storing your tickets in Apple Wallet keeps everything organized and simplifies your airport experience.
Use Apple Wallet for Convenience
After booking, add your ticket to Apple Wallet. This digital version allows for quick access at security and boarding, even without the internet.
Benefits of Mobile Boarding Passes
They cut down stress at the airport. They remove the need to print. Plus, they provide real-time updates on gate changes or delays.
Conclusion: Fly Smart and Save More
Knowing the best way to save on flights is not just about timing, it is about strategy. From flexible dates to loyalty points and tech hacks, the tools are out there. With these 15 methods, you’ll not only fly more often, but fly smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I save flight tickets to my iPhone Wallet?
After your flight is confirmed, you can often see an “Add to Apple Wallet” option. Check your airline’s app or the confirmation email. Tap it to save your boarding pass digitally. This way, you can access it easily at the airport, even without the internet.
Which app is best for saving money on flights?
Apps like Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner, and Skiplagged help you find low fares. They track price trends and reveal hidden city ticketing deals.
What’s the best way to save on international flights?
Be flexible with your destination and dates. Book 2–6 months ahead. Fly mid-week and choose international carriers with stopovers. This can greatly cut your costs. Also, consider flying into a major hub and taking a budget airline from there.
How do I travel light to avoid baggage fees?
Stick to a compact carry-on and a personal item. Pack with cubes, wear your heaviest clothes on the plane, and choose multi-use outfits. This way, you can lighten your load and avoid checking bags.
