How to Find Cheap Flights

If you’ve ever wondered how to find cheap flights that don’t destroy your travel budget, you’re not alone. In today’s world of dynamic pricing, fuel surcharges, and endless airfare websites, finding an affordable ticket can feel like a full-time job.

The good news? It’s absolutely possible — with the right tools, timing, and strategies. Whether you use Skyscanner cheap flights, Google Flights, Kayak flight search, or Expedia flights, there are proven methods to help you score great deals and travel smarter.

This guide reveals everything you need to know: from the best days to book flights and seasonal flight trends to real-world examples, secret hacks, and practical advice based on personal experience.

1. Why Flight Prices Fluctuate

Before learning how to get cheap flights, it’s essential to understand why airfare changes so much. Airlines use dynamic pricing — a model that constantly adjusts ticket prices based on:

• Demand: Prices rise when fewer seats remain.
• Booking time: Tickets are usually cheaper 6–8 weeks before departure.
• Competition: Routes with multiple airlines tend to have lower fares.
• Seasonality: Summer and Christmas = higher demand = higher prices.
• Cookies and search behavior: Some flight sites track your searches (yes, really).

Pro Tip: Always search in incognito mode or clear cookies before checking airfare websites.

2. Best Websites to Find Cheap Flights

There are dozens of flight-comparison websites — but not all are equal. Here are the most reliable and powerful ones to use in 2026:

When comparing airfare websites, use at least two sources before booking. For instance, check Skyscanner flights and confirm the same deal on Google Flights to ensure you’re seeing real prices.

3. How to Find Cheap Flights on Google Flights & Skyscanner

Let’s talk about the two biggest tools every smart traveler should know.

Google Flights

Google Flights is the fastest and most transparent airfare search engine.
Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Use the calendar view to compare prices day by day.
2. Toggle “Flexible dates” to see the cheapest months.
3. Filter by stops, bags, airlines, or times of day to find the best value.
4. Track prices — you’ll get email alerts when fares drop.

Try: Google Flights

Skyscanner

Skyscanner remains unbeatable for exploring destinations when your travel plans are flexible.

Steps to maximize results:

1. In the “To” box, type Everywhere.
2. Choose Whole Month view → then Cheapest Month.
3. Sort results by lowest price and shortest duration.
4. Combine one-way tickets from different airlines for big savings.

Search deals here: Skyscanner Cheap Flights

4. The Best Days and Times to Book Flights

Wondering what days of the week are cheapest to fly?
According to Expedia and Hopper research:

💡 Pro Tip:
Book your tickets on Tuesday or Wednesday and fly midweek. Avoid Fridays and Sundays if you want to save the most.

Also, booking early morning flights (5–8 AM) can reduce costs and delays.

5. How to Get Cheap Flights Last Minute

Yes, you can find affordable tickets even at the last minute — but it requires flexibility and strategy.

Here’s how:

1. Use apps like Hopper or Kayak for last-minute deals.
2. Check low-cost airlines’ websites directly (e.g., Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit).
3. Fly on weekdays or very early/late flights.
4. Use flight alerts — many airfare websites notify you when deals drop.
5. Use credit card points or miles for partial payments.

If you’re flexible about the destination, use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature or Google Flights Explore Map to spot spontaneous bargains.

6. Seasonal Calendar: When to Fly for Less

Here’s a quick look at seasonal trends for flight prices across different months.

✈️ Best Time to Book Flights:

• Domestic: 1–2 months before departure
• International: 2–5 months in advance

7. How to Set Price Alerts and Track Deals

If you truly want to master how to get cheap flight deals, you need automation.
Price-alert tools track hundreds of airlines and notify you when prices drop.

Top tools to use:

• Google Flights Price Tracking — automatic email notifications.
• Skyscanner Alerts — mobile push updates.
• Hopper — predicts future prices with 95% accuracy.
• Kayak Explore — visualize deals on a world map.
• WayAway Plus — includes cashback on flight bookings.

8. Mistake Fares and Flash Sales Explained

Ever seen a $500 flight suddenly drop to $120?
That’s a mistake fare — an accidental low price caused by system errors or currency glitches.

Where to find them:

• Secret Flying
• The Flight Deal
• Airfarewatchdog
• Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights)

Book quickly! Airlines often cancel these fares within hours. Always wait a few days before booking non-refundable hotels.

9. My Personal Story: The €29 Flight to Lisbon

A few years ago, I scored a €29 flight from Prague to Lisbon using Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature.
It was off-season — early February — and the city was glowing with winter sun.

Here’s what I learned from that experience:

• Flying mid-week saved 40% compared to weekends.
• Flexible dates revealed hidden low-cost options.
• I used carry-on only and avoided extra luggage fees.
• I stayed in a local guesthouse instead of a chain hotel.

That trip made me realize that finding cheap flights is not about luck — it’s about strategy and flexibility.

10. Hidden Gems: Local Airports and Alternative Routes

Many travelers overlook smaller airports — and that’s where big savings hide.

Examples:

• Fly into Girona instead of Barcelona.
• Land at Brussels Charleroi instead of Zaventem.
• Choose London Stansted instead of Heathrow.
• For Paris, try Beauvais Airport — often half the price.

You can also save money by booking two one-way tickets instead of a round trip — especially with low-cost carriers.

12. Final Tips

Finding cheap flights isn’t magic — it’s a mix of timing, flexibility, and technology.
Here’s a quick recap:

Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices.
Fly mid-week and avoid holidays.
Set price alerts and track deals early.
Explore alternative airports.
Stay flexible and open-minded — your dream destination might surprise you.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
Once you learn how to find cheap flights, the world opens up — whether it’s a spontaneous weekend in Lisbon, a romantic getaway in Paris, or a cross-continent adventure.

Pack light, stay curious, and always compare before you click “book.”
Your next affordable adventure is just one smart search away. 🌍