10 Ways to Find Cheap Flights
Flight prices are set by complex algorithms and dynamic pricing — but for those who learn how the system works, significant advantages emerge. The price of the same seat can vary by 50–200% within a single day. Here are 10 proven ways to optimise your flight budget, for both early and last-minute bookings.
1–3: Timing and Flexibility
1. Early booking: For domestic flights, tickets bought 3–6 weeks ahead and for international flights 2–4 months ahead are on average 20–35% cheaper. Because prices rise dynamically with occupancy, booking early is usually a win.
2. Use flexible dates: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are generally 15–25% cheaper than weekends. Flying 3–5 days before or after major holiday periods can make a difference not of percentages but sometimes of multiples.
3. Flexible destination: If you don't have a fixed destination, the 'cheapest' filter in Google Flights' map view lets you compare the lowest-priced spots across all of Europe or Asia for your chosen dates.
4–6: Platform and Search Tactics
4. Set up price alerts: You can set price alerts for specific routes on Google Flights, Kayak and Skyscanner. When the price drops, you get an email or notification. This feature is especially powerful for those planning 2–3 months ahead.
5. Incognito mode / a different browser: Flight search engines can track repeated searches via browser cookies and raise prices. Searching in incognito mode or another browser sometimes shows a lower price.
6. Check the airline's site directly: Search engines don't always find the lowest price. The airline's own site sometimes shows promotional fares earlier; what's more, extra fees are more transparent.
7–10: Advanced Tactics
7. Combined tickets / different airlines: Buying outbound and return tickets separately from different airlines can come in below a package ticket, especially for low-cost carriers. When buying separate tickets, pay attention to connection times.
8. Try nearby airports: Like the difference between Istanbul SAW (Sabiha Gökçen) and Istanbul IST, alternative airports near your destination sometimes offer serious savings. Don't forget to factor in extra transport costs.
9. Low-cost airlines for value: Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet or Pegasus frequently offer fares of €20–60 within Europe and on the Turkey route. Calculate baggage fees in advance; a cheap ticket is more of a bargain with hand luggage.
10. Use miles and points: For frequent flyers, airline mileage programmes or bank points systems build up serious balances. Getting an international award ticket with Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles can mean hundreds of dollars of savings on the right route.
Want to fly to this destination?
Compare flight, hotel and car packages in seconds.