Plan when to book and when to fly. Book flights early or at the last minute. Most carriers sell the cheapest seats first, with prices rising toward the departure date. You may also secure a cheap flight by contacting the airline at the last minute and negotiating a deal on unsold seats. Midweek flights and midday travel are usually cheaper, and you will save money flying outside of busy holiday periods.
Check price comparison Web sites to find the cheapest flights available on your route. Make sure you use at least two of these to ensure all airlines and flight brokers are captured. Skyscanner and Kayak are two of the best available.
Look for sales and special offers. European budget airlines such as Easyjet often sell flights for just a few Euros in their regular sales. International airlines also offer substantial discounts on long-haul flights when they run sales promotions.
Be creative when planning your trip. Breaking a long-haul journey into stages can work out cheaper than flying direct. Book the cheapest fare you can find to Europe, and then try budget airlines to get you across the continent. Even on shorter flights, consider flying to an airport other than your destination at lower cost and traveling on by train or car.
Consider a flight-plus-hotel package to save money overall. Sites such as Expedia have discounted packages including accommodations. Even if you have a hotel already booked, the overall package price may work out cheaper than booking an individual flight.
Check with travel companies that specialize in a particular area. Communities with large immigrant populations might have local travel agencies that can secure cheap flights to overseas destinations. Campus travel companies can secure cheap flights for students.
