If you have ever dreamed of exploring far-off lands but thought it was too expensive, think again! In this article, we will share some valuable tips for getting the best deals on international flights. We understand that everyone wants to make their travel budget stretch as far as possible, and with these expert insights, you’ll be able to do just that. Whether you’re planning a tropical escape, a European adventure, or any other international trip, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on your dream vacation without breaking the bank!
Plan in advance
Book early
One of the best ways to ensure you get the best deals on international flights is to book early. By planning and booking your trip well in advance, you have a higher chance of finding cheaper tickets. Airlines often offer discounted fares for early bookings, so it’s always a good idea to start searching for flights as soon as you know your travel dates.
Consider shoulder seasons
If you have some flexibility with your travel dates, consider flying during the shoulder seasons. These are the periods just before and after the peak travel seasons. Prices tend to be lower during these times as demand is lower. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid large crowds at popular tourist destinations.
Be flexible with your travel dates
Being flexible with your travel dates can also help you find better deals on international flights. Fare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Try adjusting your departure and return dates to see if there are any significant differences in prices. Sometimes flying a day or two earlier or later can save you a significant amount of money.
Compare prices
Use flight search engines
When searching for the best deals on international flights, using flight search engines is a must. These platforms gather flight information from various airlines and travel websites, allowing you to compare prices all in one place. Some popular flight search engines include Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights. Be sure to use multiple search engines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for fare alerts
If you have a specific destination in mind but don’t have the time to monitor flight prices regularly, signing up for fare alerts can be a great option. Many travel websites and airline companies offer this service, where they send you notifications when prices for your desired route drop. This way, you won’t miss out on any discounted tickets and can snag the best deals.
Check multiple airlines and travel websites
To maximize your chances of finding the best deals on international flights, it’s essential to check multiple airlines and travel websites. Prices can vary significantly between different carriers, so be sure to compare the rates offered by different airlines. Additionally, check different travel websites as they may have exclusive deals and discounts that you won’t find elsewhere.
Be flexible with airports
Consider nearby airports
When looking for the best deals on international flights, considering nearby airports can save you some money. Check if there are any alternative airports close to your destination and compare prices between them. Sometimes flying into a nearby airport and taking ground transportation to your final destination can be more cost-effective than flying directly to your desired airport.
Opt for connecting flights
Another way to save money on international flights is to opt for connecting flights instead of direct ones. Connecting flights often have lower fares compared to non-stop flights. While they may require a longer travel time and a layover, the savings can be significant. Just be sure to plan your layover duration carefully to allow ample time for transfers.
Travel during off-peak times
Avoid peak travel seasons
If you want to score the best deals on international flights, it’s crucial to avoid peak travel seasons. Peak seasons are typically during holidays, school breaks, and popular vacation periods. Prices during these times are inflated due to high demand. Instead, plan your trip during less busy periods to take advantage of lower fares.
Fly on weekdays
Flying on weekdays can also help you find better deals on international flights. Most people prefer to travel on weekends, leading to higher demand and higher prices for Friday and Sunday flights. Opting for flights on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can often result in significant savings. Airlines tend to offer lower fares during these days to attract more passengers.
Take red-eye flights
If you don’t mind sacrificing some sleep, considering taking red-eye flights can be a great way to save money on international flights. Red-eye flights are overnight flights that depart late at night or early in the morning. These flights are typically less popular, resulting in lower fares. While it may not be the most comfortable option, it can be a fantastic opportunity to snag a great deal.
Use airline loyalty programs
Join frequent flyer programs
If you frequently fly with a specific airline or its partners, join their frequent flyer program. These loyalty programs allow you to earn miles or points for every flight you take, which can later be redeemed for discounted or free flights. Additionally, being a member of a frequent flyer program often comes with perks such as priority boarding or access to airport lounges.
Utilize mileage rewards
Once you accumulate enough miles or points through a frequent flyer program, you can utilize them to get discounted or even free flights. Check the redemption options offered by the airline or partner airlines to see how you can make the most of your accumulated mileage rewards. This can significantly reduce the cost of your international flights and make your travel more affordable.
Upgrade your seats
Another advantage of airline loyalty programs is the opportunity to upgrade your seats. Depending on your membership level or the number of miles you have, you may be eligible for seat upgrades, such as moving from economy to premium economy or from business class to first class. Upgrades can enhance your travel experience and make long-haul flights much more comfortable.
Consider alternative routes
Look for multi-city flights
When planning your international trip, consider looking for multi-city flights instead of round-trip tickets. Multi-city flights allow you to fly into one destination and depart from another, while also making stops at different cities in between. Sometimes, booking a multi-city flight can be more cost-effective than booking separate round-trip tickets to each destination.
Consider layovers in popular destinations
If you’re open to exploring new places, consider booking flights with layovers in popular destinations. Some airlines offer layovers that last several hours or even a few days, allowing you to explore the layover city before continuing your journey. This can be an excellent opportunity to experience a new city at no extra cost, as the layover flights tend to have similar or lower fares than direct flights.
Choose less popular routes
When searching for the best deals on international flights, consider choosing less popular routes. Flying to lesser-known airports or cities can often result in cheaper fares. These routes may not be as convenient as flying to major international airports, but they can help you save money and potentially give you the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Be open to different airlines
Compare service quality and reviews
While finding the best deals on international flights is essential, it’s also important to consider the service quality and reputation of different airlines. Take the time to read reviews and compare the experiences of other travelers. Pay attention to factors such as customer service, onboard amenities, and overall reliability. Finding a balance between cost and service can ensure a pleasant travel experience.
Look for budget airlines
Budget airlines can often offer significantly lower fares compared to legacy carriers. While budget airlines may not have the same level of amenities or services, they can be a great option if you’re primarily looking for an affordable way to reach your destination. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with their baggage policies, additional fees, and any restrictions they may have.
Consider codeshare agreements
Codeshare agreements between airlines can sometimes result in better deals on international flights. Codeshare allows multiple airlines to sell tickets for the same flight, offering passengers a wider range of options. By considering airlines that have codeshare agreements with each other, you can explore more flight possibilities and potentially find more affordable fares.
Utilize flight booking hacks
Clear your browser cookies
When searching for international flights, it’s common for ticket prices to increase after multiple searches. This happens because airlines use cookies to track your search history and display higher prices to create a sense of urgency. To avoid this, clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to ensure you’re getting the most accurate and unbiased prices.
Use incognito mode
Using incognito mode can also help you find better deals on international flights. When browsing in incognito mode, your search history and cookies are not saved, preventing airlines from tracking your activity. This can result in more consistent pricing throughout your search, allowing you to compare fares without any price manipulation based on your previous searches.
Search for one-way tickets
Sometimes, booking one-way tickets for your international travel can be more cost-effective than a round-trip ticket. By searching for one-way fares, you have the flexibility to mix and match airlines and find the best deals for each leg of your journey. Additionally, booking one-way tickets can give you more options if your travel plans change or if you decide to return from a different destination.
Book flights on the right day
Track fare trends
To increase your chances of getting the best deals on international flights, track fare trends for your desired route. Fare prices can fluctuate regularly, so monitoring their patterns can help you identify when prices are likely to drop. There are several websites and apps that offer fare tracking services, allowing you to set alerts and receive notifications when prices decrease.
Book on Tuesday or Wednesday
While it may not always hold true, booking international flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can often result in lower fares. Many airlines launch their sales on Tuesdays, and by the middle of the week, they have a better idea of their seat availability. As a result, prices may be slightly lower during these days, giving you the opportunity to secure better deals.
Avoid booking on weekends
On the other hand, weekends tend to be more expensive for booking international flights. Many people have more free time over the weekend, leading to higher demand and higher prices. Try to avoid booking on Saturdays and Sundays if possible, and instead, focus on weekdays for a better chance at finding cheaper fares.
Be aware of additional fees
Check baggage allowance
When booking international flights, it’s crucial to check the baggage allowance of the airline you’re flying with. Many airlines have specific weight and size restrictions for both checked and carry-on baggage. Exceeding these limits can result in additional fees, which can quickly add up. By being aware of the baggage policies in advance, you can pack accordingly and avoid any unexpected charges.
Consider seat selection fees
Some airlines charge additional fees for seat selection, especially for seats with extra legroom or preferred locations. While seat selection fees are optional, they can significantly improve your travel experience, especially on long-haul flights. If you prefer a specific seat or require more space, consider paying the seat selection fee when booking your international flight.
Evaluate cancellation policies
Before finalizing your international flight booking, take the time to evaluate the cancellation policies of the airline. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may arise that require you to change or cancel your travel plans. Understanding the cancellation policy in advance can help you avoid hefty fees or, if possible, choose airlines with more flexible and lenient cancellation policies.
By following these tips and being strategic in your approach to booking international flights, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals and making your travel dreams a reality. Remember to plan in advance, compare prices, be flexible with airports and travel dates, utilize airline loyalty programs, consider alternative routes, be open to different airlines, utilize flight booking hacks, book flights on the right day, and be aware of additional fees. Happy travels!
