Flying is often seen as expensive, and while that can be true, it doesn’t always have to be. Finding affordable flights is easier than most people realize if you know how to search and plan.
This guide breaks down ten simple but effective tricks to help you book cheap international flights from anywhere in the world. These include smarter searching, flexible travel planning, low-cost carriers, hidden city ticketing, and more.
1. Book at the Right Time
Timing is one of the biggest factors that affect airfare. If you want to travel on a budget, plan your flights around seasons and days when fares are lower.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly since most people travel on weekends. Likewise, avoid major holidays and festive seasons when airlines raise prices to meet demand.
Off-peak months like January, February, March, September, October, and November are usually much cheaper. If you must travel during the holidays, try booking your ticket four to seven months in advance. Even though prices will still be higher than usual, you’ll avoid the steepest spikes.
For off-peak months, one to three months of advance booking is usually enough to secure a good deal.
2. Stay Flexible with Dates
Flexibility can save you hundreds of dollars. Airfare fluctuates constantly, so shifting your travel dates by a day or two can make a big difference.
If your plans allow, compare prices across multiple dates before confirming. Even shortening or extending your stay slightly can help you catch a better return fare.
3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Last-minute bookings almost always cost more. Airlines assume late buyers are traveling for urgent reasons and are willing to pay higher prices.
Avoid this trap by booking your ticket at least 20 days before departure. The earlier you plan, the more you’ll save and the better your seat options will be.
4. Do Your Research
Finding cheap international flights requires a little research, but it’s easier than you think. Start by comparing prices on trusted sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, CheapOAir, Momondo, and Hopper.
Google Flights is especially powerful because it shows multiple flight options at once, helping you quickly spot trends and price differences.
You can also set up price alerts on Skyscanner or Hopper to be notified when fares drop.
For other travel needs, consider:
-
TripAdvisor for affordable hotels.
-
WithLocals for local guides.
-
SafetyWing or Squaremouth for travel insurance.
-
Viator for airport transfers and tours.
Pro tip: Instead of searching for “cheap flights to Paris,” search for “cheap flights from [your airport].” This helps you find low-cost routes you might not have considered.
5. Use Incognito Mode and VPNs
Many airlines and booking sites track your browsing activity. When they notice you repeatedly searching for a specific route, they may raise prices.
To avoid this, use your browser’s incognito mode or, better yet, install a VPN. A VPN hides your location and allows you to browse from other countries where fares might be cheaper.
Paid VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark are reliable and affordable. They also protect your data, which is a bonus.
6. Fly with Low-Cost Carriers
Luxury isn’t always necessary. If your goal is simply to get to your destination, budget airlines are a great choice.
Carriers like Jetstar, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air offer extremely affordable fares, especially for short-haul flights. You can sometimes find tickets as low as $25 between European cities.
Keep in mind that these airlines charge for extras like checked baggage or in-flight meals, so read the fine print. For long-haul flights or passengers who need extra comfort, a traditional carrier might still be the better option.
7. Take Advantage of the 24-Hour Rule
Most U.S. airlines allow you to cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking if your departure is at least seven days away.
Use this to your advantage by booking a cheap flight when you spot one, then continue searching. If you find a better deal within 24 hours, cancel the first ticket at no cost.
Always double-check the airline’s specific cancellation policy before booking.
8. Travel Light with Carry-On Only
Checked baggage fees add up quickly. If possible, stick to carry-on luggage only.
This not only saves you money but also time at the airport. Packing light is easier than it sounds especially if you’re visiting friends or family who already have the basics you’ll need.
9. Try Hidden City Ticketing (with Caution)
Hidden city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination and simply not taking the connecting leg.
For example, if a flight from New York to Madrid with a layover in Paris is cheaper than a direct flight to Paris, you book the Madrid flight and get off in Paris.
While not illegal, this practice can violate some airlines’ terms of service, so proceed carefully. Always book one-way tickets and avoid checking in luggage if you use this trick.
10. Look Out for Pricing Errors
Sometimes airlines accidentally list fares that are far lower than intended due to technical glitches or typos.
When this happens, quick travelers can grab incredible deals but they disappear fast once discovered. Follow deal websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, or Airfare Watchdog to stay informed.
If you manage to book one of these mistake fares, the airline usually honors it, even if it was an error.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap international flights takes a bit of patience, flexibility, and awareness of how airlines price their seats.
By combining the strategies above from flexible dates and incognito searches to low-cost carriers and early booking you can significantly cut your travel costs without sacrificing comfort or experience.
Before you book your next trip, remember that the smartest travelers aren’t just lucky. They know the system and use it to their advantage.