← Back to ‘How to Travel the World For Free’
Go Incognito
When looking for flights, always browse in incognito mode. This is because websites use cookies and airlines increase their prices based on interest. If you search for a particular route repeatedly, airline sites want to scare you into booking the flight by showing you that prices are rising.
Airline Error Fare
You need to have a lot of flexibility for this one, but you can find very, very cheap flights through airline error. Due to a glitch in the system, often unbelievably cheap fares can be found. The routes and dates vary, round trip from LA to Bangkok for $199, it’s possible! Some of the top sites include the best way to use these is to refresh the pages regularly and be ready to book at a moments notice. Check out this detailed guide for spotting airline error fares.
Travel in the Early Hours
If you’re hoping to travel on the cheap, you’ll need to be flexible with the time and dates you travel. While a very early morning start, such as 3 am, is not ideal, the price of the flight might be significantly cheaper than at a more reasonable hour.
Flexibility
The best way to find cheap flights is to be flexible with dates. Want to go on a two week holiday abroad? Play around with different months of the year and avoid special holidays or holiday season, as the price of flights increases dramatically.
Flight-Finding Tools
Use top flight finding tools such as Google Fights, Kayak or Skyscanner to play around with dates and find cheap options.
Fare Alerts
Sign up to fare alerts on Google Flights or Kayak and you can find out when prices drop or start rising on flights.
Book Ahead of Time
Research suggests that the peak time to book travel is 150 days before the date you’ll be traveling. This is when airlines are most likely to offer discounts and better prices. Airlines often list flights between 11-12 months before the travel date, and these are normally released at a normal price. 150 days before the date of travel, the prices tend to go down, with airlines keen to fill seats.
Which Airport?
When booking flights, it’s worth being open-minded to using different airports. For example, other airports that are nearby might have cheaper flights than the airport closest to you.
Use Air Miles
Many credit cards and rewards schemes give you the opportunity to accumulate air miles. Look into it and see what points you already have and use them towards travel.
Low-Cost Airlines Aren’t Everything
While it’s tempting to go straight to a low-cost airline site, it’s worth remembering that they really aren’t all that they are cracked up to be. If you want to choose a seat next to your loved ones, bring a checked bag, or get some much needed extra legroom, you’ll be paying a large additional cost.
Book on Tuesday at 3 pm
According to research, Tuesdays at 3 pm are the best time to find travel deals.
If you’re looking to find budget accommodation, find out why hotel prices drop and how you can make the most of it!