How to save on flights. Travel. If you are planning a trip – for holidays or for work – you’ve probably noticed that flying is more expensive now than it was a few years ago. But it’s still possible (and important) to save money on plane tickets. With prices going up everywhere, including in air travel, and international flights costing 12% more than in 2023 (source: IATA), finding cheaper options matters more than ever – especially if you don’t want to spend all your savings.
Getting a cheap flight is something many travelers want – not just to save money, but to have more to spend during the trip. In 2024, a study from Hopper showed that 68% of travelers chose their destination based on ticket price.
Knowing when and how to book tickets, using comparison websites, and being flexible with dates are all good ways to save. Since transport can take up around 40% of your total travel budget, it’s smart to reduce this cost. Here are 11 useful ways to save money on flights and get good deals.
1. Book well in advance
Buying tickets early is one of the best ways to spend less. The sooner you book, the more options you have – and usually better prices. Studies show that early booking helps avoid sudden price increases close to departure.
For domestic flights, book 28–45 days in advance. For international flights, 3–4 months ahead is best. This can help save up to 9% on local flights and 4–11% on international ones. Also, try traveling off-season – like in January or August – to save an extra 20%.
2. Choose the right days and times for your flights
When you fly matters. The cheapest days to book are Tuesday and Wednesday. Saturday and Sunday are usually the most expensive.
Flying at unusual hours – like 2:00 a.m. on a Tuesday – can also be cheaper. If you can shift your travel dates by 2–3 days, you might save a lot.
Read also: Travel and stay in the UK 2025 – New rules for EU citizens
3. Use flight search engines
Websites like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights help you compare prices from many airlines. They make it easy to find cheaper tickets fast.
Be flexible with travel dates and airports. Use filters to choose number of stops or total travel time. Look for tools like “cheapest time to buy” and calendar views.
4. Search for tickets in incognito mode
When checking flights online, use incognito/private mode. This prevents websites from tracking your searches and raising prices.
To turn on incognito mode:
- Chrome (Windows): Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: ⌘ + Shift + N
- Firefox, Safari, Edge: similar shortcuts or through the menu.
Note: This hides your search history, but not your location. To hide that, use a VPN.
5. Use a VPN when booking
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your location and lets you appear to be in another country. Sometimes, ticket prices are cheaper if you search from countries with weaker currencies.
A VPN also keeps your data safe and stops websites from using your search history to increase prices.
6. Take advantage of last minute deals
If you can travel suddenly, last-minute offers can save you up to 50%.
Follow websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak and set up price alerts. But remember – these offers are limited and need flexibility.
7. Sign up for airline newsletters
Airline newsletters often share promotions and lower prices before they appear elsewhere.
It’s smart to use a separate email or folder for these newsletters so your main inbox doesn’t get full. Don’t worry – you can unsubscribe easily.
8. Use loyalty programs
Airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club or SkyMiles. You can collect miles and use them for discounts, free tickets, flight upgrades, or lounge access.
You can earn points not only from flights but also from hotel stays or partner stores. Sometimes, you can also donate them to charities.
9. Choose flights with a transfer
Flights with stopovers are usually cheaper than direct ones – especially if you mix different airlines.
Make sure you leave enough time between flights – at least 45 minutes for domestic flights and 3–4 hours for international ones.
If you book connecting flights on your own (not on one ticket), airlines won’t help if there are delays, so plan carefully.
10. Check alternative airports
Smaller airports sometimes offer cheaper flights and shorter lines.
But check how much it costs and how long it takes to get to your final destination – a cheaper ticket might not save you money in the end.
11. Travel with hand luggage only
Checked baggage can raise the ticket price a lot. In 2023, low-cost airlines charged €32–45 per bag per trip.
- Ryanair: up to €70 if not paid online
- Wizz Air: up to €90 in high season
Using only hand luggage (55x40x20 cm) can save you up to 70–80%.
Tips: - Roll your clothes and use vacuum bags
- Wear heavier items during the flight
- Buy cosmetics at your destination or pack travel-sized ones