Traveling the world is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but the cost of flights can sometimes be a roadblock to your travel dreams. Luckily, with a bit of strategy and insider knowledge, you can score the best flight deals and get to your destination without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, here are some tried-and-true tips to help you save money on your next flight.

1. Book in Advance, But Not Too Early

One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll hear when it comes to booking flights is to book in advance. But how far in advance should you book? The ideal time frame is typically between 3 and 6 weeks before your departure date. Booking too early (say, 6 months out) may not yield the best deals, as airlines often haven’t released their best discounts at that point. On the flip side, waiting until the last minute might cause prices to soar, especially during peak seasons.

For international flights, the window is a bit wider—2 to 6 months ahead of time tends to give you the best balance of price and availability.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

If you’re serious about getting the best deal, flexibility is key. Flight prices can vary dramatically depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. Here’s how to take advantage of that flexibility:

• Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, as most people prefer to travel on weekends or Mondays. Avoid flying on Fridays or Sundays, which are typically the most expensive days.
• Look for Shoulder Seasons: Traveling during off-peak seasons (the shoulder season between peak and off-peak times) can save you a lot of money. For example, flying to Europe in late spring or early fall can be much cheaper than traveling in the summer.
• Fly Early or Late: Flights that depart early in the morning or late at night tend to be less expensive. Although these times may not be the most convenient, they often come with significant savings.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Flight comparison websites are a goldmine for finding the best flight deals. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kayak aggregate flights from multiple airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices, routes, and times in one place.

One of the best features of these sites is their ability to show flexible dates, which can help you spot the best deals across a range of travel dates. You can also set up price alerts on these platforms, so you’ll be notified when flight prices drop for your chosen route.

4. Consider Nearby Airports

Another great way to save money on flights is by considering alternative airports near your destination. Major cities often have multiple airports, and flights to smaller airports can sometimes be much cheaper. For example, flying into Newark instead of New York City’s JFK can save you hundreds of dollars. Just keep in mind that getting from the alternative airport to your final destination might add a bit more time and cost, so weigh the savings against the convenience of your travel plans.

If you’re flying to a large city like London, Paris, or Tokyo, look for secondary airports in addition to the primary one. Also, keep in mind that some budget airlines exclusively fly into smaller airports, which can result in substantial savings.

5. Sign Up for Fare Alerts

To ensure you never miss a deal, consider signing up for fare alerts from airlines, travel agencies, and flight comparison websites. Many of these services will notify you when there’s a price drop for the flight you’re interested in. This can help you snag tickets at their lowest possible price.

A few popular services for fare alerts include:

• Airfarewatchdog: This site offers deals for both domestic and international flights. You can set up alerts for specific routes and get notified when prices drop.
• Hopper: An app that uses data to predict when flight prices will rise or fall, and sends you notifications when it’s the best time to book.
• Scott’s Cheap Flights: A subscription-based service that finds and sends you deals on flights, including hidden deals that might not show up on comparison websites.

6. Take Advantage of Airline Loyalty Programs

If you travel frequently, one of the best ways to get the best flight deals is to join an airline’s loyalty or frequent flyer program. Even if you’re not a regular traveler, many programs allow you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights.

Airlines often have partnerships with other carriers, which means you can earn and redeem points across a variety of airlines. For example, American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia are all part of the same alliance, meaning you can use points across their networks. Additionally, using credit cards that offer travel rewards can help you accumulate points faster.

7. Clear Your Cookies and Use Incognito Mode

It’s a well-known fact that airlines and travel agencies use cookies to track your browsing behavior. This means that if you’re repeatedly checking the same flights, the prices may increase the more you look at them. To avoid this, try clearing your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights. This prevents websites from tracking your searches and may help you see lower, more consistent prices.

8. Consider Connecting Flights or Multi-City Itineraries

Non-stop flights are often more convenient but can also come with a higher price tag. If you’re looking to save money, consider booking flights with layovers. While it might take a bit longer to reach your destination, you could save a substantial amount of money.

Another option is a multi-city itinerary. Sometimes, booking two separate flights (e.g., flying from New York to Paris and then Paris to Rome) can be cheaper than booking a direct round-trip flight. This can be especially useful if you’re planning to visit more than one destination.

9. Use Airline and Credit Card Promotions

Many airlines offer promotional sales or flash sales on flights, which can save you a significant amount. Sign up for email newsletters from airlines you fly frequently, as they’ll often send out announcements about sales or discounts. Additionally, keep an eye out for special promotions tied to holidays, seasonal discounts, or anniversary sales.

Additionally, many credit cards offer travel-related perks, including points or miles that can be redeemed for flights. Some cards even offer travel credits or discounts on purchases made with specific airlines, which can help lower the cost of your flight.

10. Check for Student, Military, and Other Special Discounts

If you’re a student, teacher, or a member of the military, you may be eligible for special flight discounts. Many airlines offer discounted rates for students through organizations like STA Travel, which specializes in affordable fares for younger travelers. Similarly, military personnel can often find discounted rates through military travel services or specific airline programs designed for them.

11. Book Flights on the Right Day and Time

There’s a myth that flights booked on certain days of the week are cheaper. While it’s not always set in stone, many experts suggest that booking flights on Tuesday or Wednesday can help you find lower prices. This is because airlines tend to release deals and discounts early in the week, and competitors adjust their prices accordingly.

Booking flights during off-peak hours (like early mornings or late at night) can also help you avoid price surges that often happen during prime booking hours.