How to Find the Cheapest Flights Every Time
Finding cheap flights doesn’t have to feel like hunting for treasure. With the right strategy, you can consistently score low fares and travel more often without stretching your budget.
Start with flexible dates.
Airfare changes dramatically depending on the day, season, and even time of year. Use flexible date tools on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare a full month of prices. You’ll instantly see the cheapest days to fly.
Use multiple search engines.
No single site shows all airlines. Compare prices across Google Flights, Momondo, and Hopper to make sure you’re seeing everything.
Book 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips, 2–6 months for international.
This window tends to offer the best deals without last-minute spikes.
Set fare alerts.
Let technology do the work. When prices drop, you get notified instantly.
Fly during off-peak times.
Red-eyes, midweek departures, and shoulder-season trips often cost far less.
With these habits, you’ll stop paying full price—and start traveling smarter.
Best Days of the Week to Fly for Big Savings
Not all travel days are created equal. Some can save you serious money.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.
These midweek flights see less demand, and airlines reduce prices to fill seats.
Saturdays can be surprisingly cheap, especially for returns.
Many leisure travelers return Sunday—avoid that rush.
Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive.
High business and weekend travel demand push prices up.
Bonus tip: Search for a “week view” or “price graph” to spot trends fast.
If you can shift your trip by just one day, you could save $50 to $200 per ticket.
Carry-On Packing Hacks Frequent Flyers Swear By
Want to fly without checked bags? Here’s how frequent travelers squeeze everything into one carry-on.
Roll—don’t fold—your clothes.
Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.
Use packing cubes.
They compress your clothes and keep everything organized.
Wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
Think jackets, hoodies, boots.
Choose multi-use items.
One pair of neutral shoes, mix-and-match outfits, and a lightweight jacket go a long way.
Limit liquids.
Swap travel-size products for solid shampoo, conditioner bars, and bar soap.
With smart packing, you’ll breeze through airports, skip baggage fees, and avoid lost luggage altogether.
How to Avoid Airline Hidden Fees
Airlines love fees—but you don’t have to pay them.
Check the baggage policy before booking.
A low fare sometimes includes nothing. Compare the full cost, not just the ticket price.
Bring your own snacks and water bottle.
Food and drink charges add up quickly.
Skip seat selection if you don’t care where you sit.
Most airlines seat you automatically for free.
Check in online.
Some budget airlines charge extra for airport check-in.
Travel with a carry-on only.
The biggest savings come from avoiding checked bag fees altogether.
Know the rules, plan ahead, and keep your travel budget where it belongs: fun, not fees.
Tips for Surviving Long-Haul Flights Comfortably
Long flights can be tough—but with the right preparation, they can be surprisingly comfortable.
Stay hydrated.
Cabin air is extremely dry. Bring a refillable water bottle and drink regularly.
Move every 1–2 hours.
Stretch your legs, walk the aisle, and prevent stiffness.
Dress in comfortable layers.
Planes fluctuate in temperature—be ready for hot or cold.
Pack an in-flight comfort kit.
Include a sleep mask, neck pillow, lip balm, moisturizer, earplugs, and a small blanket or scarf.
Bring your own entertainment.
Download movies, books, or playlists ahead of time.
Arrive refreshed—not wrecked.
