1. What is the ideal time to book a cheap flight?

Answer: For domestic flights, ideal booking time will be 6-8 weeks earlier before departure and international between 2-5 months. The airlines offer reduced prices at specific times of the year, for instance, when there are sales or low seasons. It tends to be cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as airlines tend to change their fares around that time. Avoid weekends; that is when prices tend to climb much higher.

2. Which are the cheapest days to fly?

Cheapest days are generally Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Peak days to avoid flying on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays. Cheap flights: morning or evening time. Comparison of fares tools can be Googled or checked with Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper, for the best and cheapest dates.

3. Should I book directly with the airline or through a third-party website?

Answer: While third-party websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Skyscanner can offer competitive prices, it’s sometimes better to book directly with the airline. Booking directly can provide better customer service in case of cancellations or changes. Additionally, airlines occasionally offer exclusive deals or lower prices on their own websites.

4. How can I use fare comparison websites effectively?

Answer: Use fare comparison websites to compare multiple airlines and travel agencies in one place. Start by entering your destination and flexible dates on websites like Google Flights, Kayak, Momondo, or Skyscanner. Sort results by cheapest or best value and look for hidden fees. Be flexible with your departure times and dates to see the lowest fares.

5. Is it worth booking a flight during flash sales or special promotions?

Answer: Yes, flash sales and special promotions offer huge discounts- sometimes 50% or better. These types of sales, though, tend to be short-lived and often need you to act quickly. Join airline newsletters or look for alerts on deal sites such as Airfarewatchdog or Secret Flying so you can identify these offers early.

6. How do I save on fees for baggage?

Answer: Baggage fees can be quite costly, especially if one is traveling on a low-cost airline. Tips to save money:

Pack light to avoid checking in.

Use personal items such as a backpack or small suitcase as your primary carry-on.

Join frequent flyer programs for free checked baggage.

Look for airlines that have free checked luggage or bundled packages with bags included.

Use vacuum bags to get more space in the carry-on and avoid extra baggage fees.

7. Which is cheaper, round-trip or one-way flight?

Answer: Generally, a round-trip is less expensive than two one-way tickets. Still, there are some exceptions especially if you use low-cost carriers or book very last minute. You should also compare the one-way prices from various airlines and check for multiple destinations flights as they can offer further savings.

8. How to find cheapest international flights?

Answer: How to find cheapest international flights:

Be flexible with your travel dates and departure cities. For example, flying out of a major international hub might offer cheaper flights.

Use search engines like Skyscanner to compare prices across various airlines and travel agencies.

Look for flights with longer layovers or multiple stops, as they are often cheaper than direct flights.

Consider booking flights with budget airlines for international routes, such as Norwegian Air or Ryanair (in Europe).

Establish price alerts and follow the fall in fares so you can book in advance.

9. Can one get cheaper prices for flights when they book on a very short notice?

Answer: While last-minute bookings can sometimes yield lower prices, this is not always the case. In many instances, prices rise closer to the departure date, especially for popular destinations or peak travel times. However, if you are flexible, you can find last-minute deals through flash sales, airline error fares, or by using last-minute travel apps like Hopper or Last Minute Travel.

10. How do I use points and miles to book cheap flights?

Answer: If you have a frequent flyer program or a travel credit card, you can use points or miles to reduce or eliminate the cost of your flight. Here’s how:

Sign up for airline loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles or American Airlines AAdvantage to earn miles.

Use a travel credit card that gives you points for every purchase. Cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum help you earn points fast.

Look for partner airlines within an airline alliance, such as SkyTeam, Star Alliance, to use points for flights across multiple carriers.

Book in advance to maximize your points, as last-minute redemptions might cost more miles or be unavailable.

Look for mileage sales or special promotions that enable you to redeem using fewer points.