With holidays and new years right around the corner, many of you are most likely heading home to meet your families. Traveling can be quite expensive though, and this counts double if you’re planning to take a flight back to your home country or state.
And while flights can rack up some serious expenses, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re looking for a way to save money while traveling, here is our CashYeah guide on how to save money on flights!
Also, if you ever want to score rewards for tasks, make sure you visit CashYeah, where you can earn awesome rewards such as free money, Netflix, Spotify, and more!
Understanding Airfare Prices
Airfare prices can be a mystery to many travelers. However, understanding the factors that influence airfare prices can help you make informed decisions when booking your next flight, and ultimately save money on traveling.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
Just like any other product, supply and demand dynamics play a significant role in determining airfare prices. When demand for flights is high, airlines increase their prices to maximize their revenue. Conversely, when demand is low, airlines lower their prices to fill their planes.
This is why you may notice that prices for flights to popular destinations during peak travel seasons are higher than prices for flights to the same destinations during off-peak seasons. If you want to find the best deals online, make sure you try to book your flights well in advance of the holidays.
Fuel Prices and Operating Costs
Fuel prices and operating costs are significant expenses for airlines. When fuel prices rise, airlines often pass on the increased costs to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices. Additionally, airlines must also consider other operating costs such as maintenance, staffing, and airport fees when setting their ticket prices. This means that the overall fluctuations in the price of fuel will affect the price of your tickers.
Competition and Market Forces
Competition and market forces also influence airfare prices. Airlines constantly monitor their competitors’ prices and adjust their own prices accordingly. This is why you may notice that prices for flights on certain routes are similar across different airlines. Additionally, airlines may offer discounts or promotions to attract more customers and gain a competitive advantage, though bear in mind that this is highly location-dependent.
1. Book Early, but Not Too Early
Airlines typically release cheaper tickets well in advance, but buying too early can sometimes lead to higher costs. A good rule of thumb is to book domestic flights 1-3 months before your departure and international flights 4-6 months ahead. To ensure you’re getting the best price, use tools like Google Flights to monitor price changes over time. Pay attention to the time and don’t waste money because you were a bit too early or a bit too late.
Being flexible with travel dates and opting for offseason travel can significantly reduce the costs associated with purchasing flight tickets as well. It can be a great way to experience popular spots for a much lower price, as well as to see the famout tourist places, without the usual hustle and bustle of a holiday season.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Your travel dates can significantly affect ticket prices. Flying on off-peak days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often cheaper, as airlines reduce costs to fill seats. Conversely, flights on weekends or around major holidays tend to be more expensive. If you’re flexible, even adjusting your trip by just a few days could save you hundreds of dollars and search across a range of dates to see how much money you can save by shifting your schedule. This flexibility is one of the best money saving tips for finding cheap flights, as it allows you to take advantage of the best deals available.
3. Compare Prices Across Different Airlines
Don’t limit your search to one or two airlines. Even if you have a favorite carrier, checking prices across different airlines can uncover deals you might have missed. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner are great for comparing ticket prices side-by-side, helping you decide how to budget your travel expanses. Budget airlines sometimes offer surprisingly low fares, but remember to factor in additional costs like seat selection or luggage fees.
4. Opt for Budget Airlines
Flying with budget airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, or Frontier can be one of the easiest ways to save money, especially for shorter trips. While they may not offer the luxury of traditional airlines, their lower base fares make them a great option for travelers who prioritize cost over extras. Just be sure to double-check the fine print—fees for extras like checked luggage or even carry-ons can add up quickly.
If you pack light and don’t mind a no-frills experience, these airlines can help you find incredibly cheap flights. It might be worth to cut down on unnecessary luxuy to save money on flights.
5. Consider Connecting Flights Instead of Direct Flights
Direct flights are certainly convenient, but they’re almost always more expensive. If you’re willing to spend a bit more time traveling, booking a connecting flight can cut your costs significantly. Some itineraries even allow for extended layovers, giving you the chance to explore a new city without adding much to your ticket price. It’s a trade-off, but for budget-conscious travelers, the savings can be worth it.
6. Use Credit Card Points and Rewards
If you travel often, using your credit card can save you a lot of money over time. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Travel cards let you earn points on everyday purchases, which you can redeem for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses. Some travel cards even offer perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, helping you save on additional fees while enjoying a more comfortable flight experience.
7. Sign Up for Fare Alerts and Newsletters
Flight prices fluctuate constantly, and the best deals often don’t last long. Signing up for fare alerts from services like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Google Flights can give you a heads-up when ticket prices drop.
Some alerts also highlight mistake fares—those rare but incredible deals caused by pricing errors that can save you hundreds. These notifications ensure you never miss out on cheap flights when they become available.
8. Look for Alternative Airports
Sometimes flying out of or into a different airport than the one closest to your destination can result in much cheaper tickets. For example, if you’re heading to Los Angeles, consider flying into nearby airports like Burbank or Long Beach.
The same goes for international flights—choosing a larger hub airport nearby may save you money. Just make sure to factor in the cost of transportation from the alternative airport to your final destination to see if the savings are still worthwhile.
9. Avoid Round Trip Tickets When Possible
Booking two one-way flights with different airlines can sometimes cost less than booking a single round trip ticket. This strategy works particularly well when using budget airlines for one leg of the trip and a full-service airline for the other.
Comparing both options allows you to see if piecing together your itinerary can result in a cheaper overall price. Don’t forget to check luggage policies, as they can differ between airlines. Extra fees can add up, and even in some cases build up credit card debt.
10. Travel Light to Avoid Bag Fees
Bag fees are one of the most common ways airlines increase the cost of your flight, particularly on budget carriers. Traveling with just a carry-on can save you a significant amount of money. If you’re using a travel rewards card, check whether it includes a free checked bag perk—this can be especially helpful for longer trips. By packing strategically and avoiding unnecessary extras, you’ll keep your travel costs as low as possible.
