10 cheap flight hacks That Will Save You Money!

Are you looking to find the best deals on airline tickets and save money on your travel expenses? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will share with you 10 cheap flight hacks that will help you score amazing travel deals and save big on your next adventure. From utilizing flight search engines to being flexible with your travel dates, these hacks will make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

1. Use Google Flights to Find the Cheapest Destinations

When it comes to finding the cheapest flights, Google Flights is your best friend. This powerful search engine not only allows you to search for flights based on your departure city and dates but also provides a handy Explore map feature. By leaving your destination open and clicking search, Google Flights will show you the cheapest places you can fly to from your airport. You can even change the dates to find the best prices for specific time frames. Being flexible with your travel dates can result in significant savings, so don’t be afraid to explore different options.

2. Take Advantage of Less Busy Travel Days

If you have the flexibility to choose which days you fly, consider booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. These days tend to be less busy, which can sometimes result in lower prices. Business travelers often fly on Mondays and Fridays, while leisure travelers prefer weekends. By avoiding peak travel days, you can save a few bucks on your flight tickets. However, keep in mind that this isn’t always the case, so it’s essential to compare prices for different days to find the best deal.

3. Consider Open-Jaw, Multi-City, or One-Way Trips

Gone are the days when roundtrip cheap flights were the most economical option. Nowadays, budget carriers offer more flexibility without a premium cost. If you’re traveling long-term or unsure of your plans, consider booking an open-jaw, multi-city, or one-way trip. One-way tickets are often half the cost of a roundtrip, allowing you to save money and have more freedom in creating your travel itinerary. Additionally, some airlines offer open-jaw flights or flights with multi-day layovers, giving you the opportunity to explore multiple destinations without a significant increase in cost.

4. Compare Prices on Momondo

When it comes to finding the best flight deals, it’s always a good idea to compare prices on multiple platforms. While there are numerous flight search engines and online travel agencies (OTAs) available, one platform stands out: Momondo. This site searches hundreds of smaller OTAs, unearthing lower prices that you may not find on other websites. By checking the price on Momondo, you can ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

5. Utilize the 24-Hour Rule

Flight prices can fluctuate rapidly, so if you come across a great deal, don’t let it slip away. Take advantage of the 24-hour rule, a USDOT regulation that allows you to lock in a price for a certain amount of time or make changes or cancellations for free within 24 hours of booking. Most airlines offer free cancellations within this time frame, giving you the flexibility to secure a fantastic deal without committing fully. Additionally, if you book a flight and the price drops within the first 24 hours, you can rebook at the lower price and cancel the more expensive ticket.

6. Explore Currency and Location Tricks

Sometimes, changing your currency or fudging your location can result in significant savings on flight tickets. If you’re looking to book a flight with a specific foreign-operated airline, try opening one browser window with your actual location and currency and another with the location and currency of the airline’s home country. Compare the prices on both windows to see if booking in the carrier’s home currency or location offers better deals. However, keep in mind that this trick doesn’t always work, so it’s essential to do your research and compare prices thoroughly.

7. Consider Booking Two Separate Round-Trip Tickets

If you’re looking to save significant amounts on your flight tickets, consider booking two separate round-trip tickets instead of a single booking. This strategy works particularly well for destinations that are far-flung or served by a limited number of carriers. For example, if you want to visit the Greek Islands, you can book a flight to Athens and then book a separate flight on a local carrier to your desired island. By doing so, you can often save hundreds of dollars compared to booking a single ticket all the way through to the island. This approach can also be applied to major destinations like Paris, where checking flights to nearby cities like Amsterdam, London, or Barcelona may yield considerable savings.

8. Compare the Cost of Extras and Upgrades

When booking flights, it’s essential to consider the cost of extras and upgrades. Sometimes, a full-service carrier may offer a flight that includes a meal, seat selection, and a checked bag at a higher price than a budget carrier that offers none of these amenities. In such cases, it’s crucial to assess your needs and determine whether paying extra for the full-service carrier is worth it. If you’re traveling carry-on only and prefer to bring your own food, booking with a budget carrier and paying a smaller fee for seat selection might be the more cost-effective option. Similarly, if you’re considering a basic economy flight, compare the cost of adding extras to the cost of upgrading to a main economy ticket. In some instances, upgrading to main economy may be cheaper than adding individual fees.

9. Make the Most of Layovers

Layovers don’t have to be boring and inconvenient. In fact, they can be an opportunity to explore new cities and enjoy additional experiences on your trip. Many airlines and airports offer free or low-cost tours for transiting passengers, allowing you to make the most of your layover. Some even provide free or discounted hotel rooms if you have an overnight layover. These programs typically require a layover of at least six hours and may have certain restrictions, but they offer a chance to turn a travel inconvenience into another adventure. Take advantage of these opportunities to explore your layover city and make your travel experience even more memorable.

10. Pack Light, Especially on Budget Carriers

With the rise of budget carriers and basic economy class, luggage allowances have become more restrictive. Free checked bags or even free carry-ons are no longer guaranteed on international flights. To avoid extra fees, it’s crucial to pack light. There are numerous tips and tricks to reduce the amount of luggage you need to bring. Consider wearing your heaviest and bulkiest items on the plane, packing lightweight layers, doing laundry during your trip, limiting the number of shoes you bring, and utilizing packing cubes to save space and stay organized. By packing efficiently, you can avoid unnecessary fees and make your travel experience smoother.