Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dream destinations. With the right strategies, How to find the cheapest flights in 2024 you can secure affordable flights and stretch your travel budget further. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended vacation, here are the best hacks to find cheap flights in 2024.

1. Use Flight Comparison Websites

The first step in finding cheap flights is utilizing flight comparison tools. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are your go-to resources for comparing prices across various airlines. These platforms aggregate flight information, allowing you to see a wide range of fares and select the most affordable options.

• Tip: Use the “flexible dates” feature to see if flying a day earlier or later could save you money.

2. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to booking cheap flights. While there’s no universal “best day” to book, many studies suggest that booking 1-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 3-6 months for international flights yields the lowest fares. Avoid booking too early or too late, as prices tend to spike closer to the departure date.

• Pro Tip: Set up price alerts on comparison websites to get notified when prices drop for your desired route.

3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the most effective budget travel hacks is being flexible with your travel dates. If you’re not tied to specific vacation days, try flying during off-peak times. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays, Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend flights, and traveling outside peak holiday seasons can lead to significant savings.

• Tip: Use Google Flights’ “Explore” feature to see the best dates to fly to various destinations.

4. Consider Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit Airlines, and AirAsia offer competitive fares, especially for shorter routes. While these airlines may not offer the same amenities as full-service carriers, the savings can be substantial. However, be mindful of additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and meals, which can add up if you’re not careful.

• Pro Tip: Travel light by sticking to a carry-on to avoid extra baggage fees.

5. Mix and Match Airlines

When booking a flight, you don’t always have to stick to one airline for a round trip. Sometimes booking your outbound and return flights on different airlines can save you money. Platforms like Kiwi.com allow you to book “hack” fares that combine flights from different airlines to create the cheapest itinerary possible.

• Tip: If you’re using different airlines for connecting flights, make sure there’s enough time between flights in case of delays.

6. Search in Incognito Mode

Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your searches. If you search for the same flight repeatedly, you may notice that the price increases. To avoid this, use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies when searching for flights. This ensures you’re seeing the most accurate and current prices.

• Pro Tip: Start your search with a clean slate to avoid artificially inflated prices.

7. Fly to Alternative Airports

Major airports often have higher taxes and fees, which can drive up flight prices. Flying into alternative airports near your destination can save you money. For example, instead of flying into London Heathrow, check flights into Gatwick or Stansted. Similarly, Paris has Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, but you might find cheaper fares to Beauvais.

• Tip: Factor in the cost of transportation from the alternative airport to your final destination to ensure it’s still a better deal.

8. Take Advantage of Error Fares

Error fares happen when airlines accidentally list tickets at significantly reduced prices due to technical glitches. These can be a goldmine for budget travelers, but they disappear quickly. Websites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights specialize in finding and sharing these mistake fares, allowing you to grab the deal before it’s corrected.

• Tip: Book quickly, and don’t contact the airline until you’ve received confirmation, as the error might be fixed if they’re alerted too soon.

9. Use Points and Miles

If you’re a frequent traveler, consider signing up for airline loyalty programs and credit cards that offer travel rewards. By accumulating points or miles, you can significantly reduce the cost of flights or even score free tickets. Popular programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and specific airline miles programs can offer incredible savings if used strategically.

• Pro Tip: Monitor special promotions and use your points for off-peak flights to get the most value.

10. Consider Layovers

Non-stop flights are convenient, but they often come at a premium. If you’re willing to add a stopover, you could save a lot of money. Platforms like Skiplagged even specialize in finding cheaper hidden city tickets, where you book a flight with a layover but don’t take the final leg of the journey.

• Tip: Make sure to check airline policies on layovers and ensure you don’t have checked luggage that could be sent to the final destination.

11. Book in the Local Currency

When flying internationally, check if booking in the local currency of the departure country offers a cheaper fare. Some airlines list lower prices for local travelers, and by switching the currency on the airline’s website, you may be able to secure a better deal.

• Pro Tip: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to maximize savings.

12. Be Spontaneous with Last-Minute Deals

While planning in advance is typically the best way to save on flights, there are occasions when last-minute deals pop up, especially during low seasons. Websites like Lastminute.com or airline-specific apps may offer flash sales that can be perfect for spontaneous travelers.

• Pro Tip: Follow airlines and travel websites on social media for flash deals and promotions.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights in 2024 doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look and how to book. By staying flexible, using flight comparison tools, and taking advantage of hacks like error fares and alternative airports, you can cut flight costs significantly. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the world without breaking the bank.