Here we are again, talking about flights! I know I’ve covered this topic before, but let’s face it - flights are often one of the most expensive and important parts of any trip, and getting it right can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Whether you're planning a quick getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure of a lifetime, finding the best flight deal is crucial. And no, despite the persistent myths out there, using incognito mode isn’t the magic trick to finding cheap flights!
The idea that airlines raise prices based on how often you search for flights is a common misconception. While it’s true that flight prices fluctuate, this is more due to demand, availability, and timing rather than your browser's history. Airlines don’t have the time to change prices based on millions of people searching, but when and how you search can make a big difference. Let’s get into some tried-and-true strategies for getting the best flight deals without falling for the myths.
1. Set price alerts
One of the most effective ways to save on flights is by setting up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. These sites track prices for your chosen destination and notify you when they drop. Instead of manually checking every few hours (which can drive you mad), let technology do the heavy lifting. With price alerts, you’ll receive a notification when a flight hits your target price, allowing you to book when the fare is most affordable.
For instance, I’ve used Google Flights countless times when tracking prices for long-haul destinations. The platform lets you view trends and estimate the best time to book based on historical data. Similarly, Skyscanner allows you to search for flights over a wide range of dates and will notify you when fares drop. It’s like having a personal travel assistant that keeps an eye on things while you go about your day!
2. Book in advance (but not too early)
We’ve all heard that booking early is the way to get the best deals, but booking too early can be just as detrimental as booking too late. Airlines release flights about 11 months in advance, but those early prices are often higher because airlines haven’t had time to adjust for demand yet. For international trips, I recommend booking 2 to 3 months before departure. For domestic flights, 1 to 2 months in advance is usually the sweet spot. Booking within these windows tends to give you the best mix of availability and price.
However, keep in mind that these timelines might change during peak travel periods like the holidays. During these times, booking earlier is often better since flights fill up faster. As availability decreases, prices climb. The earlier you can book during holiday seasons, the better chance you have of locking in a reasonable fare.
3. Be flexible with dates and airports
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheaper flights. If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you'll have a better chance of scoring a lower fare. Many booking platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to search within a range of dates, such as plus or minus three days from your ideal departure. This feature helps you see if shifting your trip by a day or two could save you hundreds of dollars. For instance, if you’re looking at a Wednesday flight, check the surrounding Tuesday or Thursday to compare prices. Sometimes moving your flight by even one day can make a massive difference.
The same goes for airports. If you live in or near a city with multiple airports, you might find significant savings by departing from or arriving at a different one. For example, when flying internationally from Ireland, I sometimes book a low-cost Ryanair flight to London first and then catch my long-haul flight from there. Similarly, if you're flying out of a smaller city, consider flying from a larger airport nearby. For example, our kids live in Petawawa, Ontario, and the closest airport is Ottawa. But we’ve found that it’s often much cheaper for them to fly from Montreal instead, and they’ll save even more by flying home on New Year’s Eve, a day when demand is low.
4. Consider unpopular travel days
Speaking of New Year’s Eve, flying on unpopular travel days can help you land a great deal. These are days when most people are either not interested in flying or already settled at their destination, and airlines will drop prices to fill up the planes. Days like mid-week Tuesday or Wednesday, or holidays like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, can offer significantly lower fares compared to more popular travel days like Fridays or Sundays.
Our kids are flying into Ireland for Christmas, but their return flight on New Year’s Eve turned out to be a huge money-saver. While most people prefer to avoid travelling on big holidays, it’s exactly that avoidance that creates an opportunity for those willing to be flexible. Sometimes the savings are so substantial that they’re worth the minor inconvenience of flying on less popular days.
5. Timing and location matter
When and where you book also play a significant role in determining the price you pay. Booking flights at peak times—like right after work in your local time zone—can sometimes lead to higher prices. Try searching for flights early in the morning or late at night to see if prices are lower. Flight prices are constantly in flux, often adjusting based on algorithms that account for demand and availability, so playing around with the timing of your search can help you uncover better deals.
Additionally, where you are physically located when searching can make a difference in the price you see. Some travellers have reported that changing their search location (using a VPN to make it appear as though they’re in a different country) has resulted in cheaper fares. While this isn’t always a guaranteed tactic, it’s worth experimenting with, especially if you’re booking from a country where flight prices are traditionally higher.
Keep in mind: The rules change during peak travel times
While all of these tips can help you snag better fares, it’s important to remember that the rules are different during peak travel times, like the holidays. During these periods, flights are in high demand, and airlines adjust their prices accordingly. The earlier you book for peak periods, the better off you’ll be. Setting price alerts and being flexible with your dates and airports can help, but the reality is that supply and demand reign supreme during high-traffic times.
During the holidays, you’ll also want to pay extra attention to cancellation policies and travel insurance. With flights more packed than usual, delays, cancellations, and overbooking are more common. Protect your investment by knowing your options in case things don’t go as planned.
Final thoughts
Finding the right flight for the right price doesn’t have to be a stressful, last-minute scramble. By setting up price alerts, being flexible with your travel dates and airports, and booking at the optimal time, you can significantly reduce the cost of your airfare. And remember, while incognito mode might not give you the savings you’ve heard about, these practical tips will help you find better deals.
So, the next time you’re booking a flight, skip the myths and use these tried-and-true strategies to save yourself time, stress, and money. Safe travels!
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