How to Find the Cheapest Flights Every Time You Travel

Airfare is often the biggest expense when planning a trip, but the good news is—you don’t have to pay full price if you know a few tricks. Over the years of traveling around Southeast Asia (and beyond), I’ve learned how to consistently score cheaper tickets without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re planning your next getaway, here are my best tips for finding the cheapest flights every time you travel.

10 Hacks to Find Cheap Flights

1. Be Flexible with Dates ✈️

Flight prices vary depending on the day of the week, season, and even the time of day.

• Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are usually cheaper.

• Early morning or late-night flights (red-eyes) can save you a lot.

• Traveling in shoulder seasons (just before or after peak tourist months) often means lower fares.

  
  

💡 Tip: Use Google Flights’ calendar view to see which days are cheapest to fly.

2. Use Flight Comparison Tools 🌍

Never rely on just one airline’s website. Flight comparison tools make it easier to spot hidden deals:

• Skyscanner – great for flexible date searches and “Everywhere” destination option.

• Google Flights – simple and reliable for finding trends and setting alerts.

• Kayak / Momondo – useful for discovering mix-and-match deals.

  
  

3. Set Price Alerts 📲

Airfares change constantly, but you don’t have to refresh websites every day. Apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights let you set alerts so you’ll get notified when fares drop.

4. Check Nearby Airports 🛫

Flying into or out of a smaller airport can save you a lot. For example:

• Instead of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), check Don Mueang (DMK).

• Instead of Manila (MNL), try Clark (CRK).

It might mean a short bus or train ride, but the savings are often worth it.

5. Book at the Right Time ⏳

Timing matters when booking flights:

• Domestic flights – cheapest 1–3 months in advance.

• International flights – cheapest 3–6 months ahead.

• Avoid booking last-minute unless you’re chasing a budget airline promo.

  
  

6. Mix & Match Airlines 🧳

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip. Flight comparison sites often highlight these combinations for you.

7. Use Incognito Mode 👀

Airline websites sometimes track your searches and raise prices when you check repeatedly. Open a private or incognito browser to see the best fares without artificial price hikes.

8. Join Loyalty & Rewards Programs ✨

Even if you don’t fly often, it’s free to join airline loyalty programs. Over time, you’ll collect points, enjoy discounts, and maybe even score a free flight or upgrade.

9. Consider Budget Airlines (But Read the Fine Print) 💸

Budget airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or Ryanair offer incredibly low fares. Just remember:

• Add-on costs (luggage, meals, seat selection) can add up.

• Pack light and follow their baggage rules to really save.

  
  

10. Jump on Flash Sales 🚀

Some of the best deals only last a few hours. Sign up for airline newsletters and follow them on social media so you’ll hear about promotions first. Error fares and limited-time sales can save you hundreds if you’re quick.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap flights is all about flexibility, timing, and using the right tools. By setting alerts, being open to alternative airports, and keeping an eye on flash sales, you’ll always have an edge when booking your next adventure.

✈️ The next time you plan a trip, try these hacks and watch your flight costs drop.

👉 What’s the cheapest flight deal you’ve ever scored? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!