How to Snag Cheap Flights Without Losing Your Mind

Airfare is EXPENSIVE.

Sometimes it feels like booking a flight is a game designed to test your patience, your credit card limit, and your sanity all at once.

But don’t worry! You can find affordable flights if you know the right hacks, tools, and strategies.

Here’s your ultimate guide to flying cheap without sacrificing sanity.

1. Be Flexible AF

  • Dates matter more than destinations sometimes. Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can save hundreds.

  • Midweek flights are usually cheaper than weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your best friends.

  • Consider red-eye flights—they’re less popular, but you might score a steal and still wake up somewhere amazing.

2. Use Flight Search Engines Like a Pro

  • Google Flights – Great for comparing prices across dates and tracking trends.

  • Skyscanner – Excellent for flexible destinations (“Everywhere” search is fun!).

  • Kayak Explore – Shows cheapest flights from your city to tons of destinations.

  • Momondo – Fantastic for mixing and matching airlines to create cheaper routes.

Pro Tip: Set up price alerts. Flights fluctuate constantly, and you don’t want to miss a deal.

3. Consider Alternative Airports

  • Flying into a smaller airport nearby can save a ton.

  • Example: Instead of NYC, check Newark, LaGuardia, or even Philadelphia if you don’t mind a train ride.

  • Canada & US travelers can do the same—Montreal vs. Ottawa, San Francisco vs. Oakland.

4. Mix & Match Airlines

  • Don’t be loyal (for now). Sometimes two separate one-way tickets on different airlines are cheaper than a round-trip.

  • Check budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant in the US; Flair, Swoop in Canada) but beware of fees.

5. Clear Cookies or Use Incognito

  • Flight prices can creep up based on your browsing history.

  • Open an incognito/private browser or clear cookies before searching to see the “real” price.

6. Book at the Right Time

  • Domestic flights: Typically 6–8 weeks in advance is ideal.

  • International flights: 2–5 months ahead for the sweet spot.

  • Avoid last-minute unless you’re super flexible or hunting for “last-minute deals.”

7. Use Points, Miles & Cashback

  • Sign up for airline reward programs even if you fly once a year.

  • Use travel credit cards with miles, points, or cash back.

  • Check for portal deals: Booking through Chase, Amex, or Citi portals can save hundreds.

8. Be Open to Layovers

  • Nonstop flights are convenient, but layovers often save money.

  • Long layovers can even turn into mini-adventures if you have time!

9. Track Deals & Error Fares

  • Websites & apps like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, The Flight Deal post insane discounts and mistake fares.

  • Sign up for newsletters or push notifications—they can save hundreds if you act fast.

10. Check Currency & Location Tricks

  • Sometimes booking in another country’s currency is cheaper.

  • Just make sure your card doesn’t charge insane conversion fees.

Bonus Tips

  • Fly light. Avoid extra baggage fees by packing carry-on only.

  • Consider traveling in shoulder season—fewer crowds + lower prices.

  • Use VPNs carefully; sometimes prices differ depending on location.


Cheap flights aren’t magic—they’re a combination of planning, flexibility, smart tools, and patience. The difference between paying $700 and $350 for the same flight can be huge. Use the resources above, set your alerts, and keep your eyes peeled. Your wallet (and your future adventure photos) will thank you.