Airfare is often one of the biggest expenses in travel—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, timing, and strategy, you can fly around the world for a fraction of the price most travelers pay. Here are 10 proven hacks to help you score cheap flights anywhere—without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
One of the most effective ways to save money is to avoid locking in specific travel dates. Flying midweek, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekends. Early morning or overnight flights also tend to have lower fares. Use Google Flights’ calendar view to see the cheapest days to fly across the month.
2. Use the “Everywhere” Search Feature
If you’re open to multiple destinations, let price guide your next adventure. Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature lets you find the cheapest destinations from your departure city. Google Flights and Kayak Explore offer similar tools that help uncover deals you might otherwise miss.
3. Set Fare Alerts and Track Prices
Flight prices fluctuate constantly. Set alerts using apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. These platforms will notify you when prices drop on routes you’re tracking. Hopper even predicts whether you should book now or wait, based on historical price trends.
4. Use Points and Travel Rewards
Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can take you far—literally. Sign up for loyalty programs and consider travel rewards credit cards that offer big welcome bonuses. Use points for flights, upgrades, and even hotels. Track your rewards with apps like AwardWallet to avoid missing expiration dates or opportunities.
5. Search for One-Way or Multi-City Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round-trip fare. You can also create a custom itinerary using the multi-city search option. For example, fly from New York to Rome and return from Paris. This opens up more travel opportunities without a big increase in cost.