Booking flights doesn’t have to be outside your budget. At CheapAir.com, we specialize in helping you find affordable airfare with actionable strategies. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, these money-saving tips for booking flights will help you find deals.

1. Check Fares Early and Often

Timing is everything when booking flights. The price difference between a great day to book and a more expensive day to book can be over $236, and fares can fluctuate multiple times daily.

How to Save:

• Start Early: Begin checking fares once you know your travel dates.
• Monitor Trends: Use tools like our FareTracker to stay updated on price changes.

2. Book Flights at the Right Time

Knowing when to book is critical. Our research shows that a great time to book domestic flights is approximately 49 days (7 weeks) before departure.

Key Insights:

• Avoid booking too late (within 14 days) or too early (more than 5 months in advance).
• The sweet spot for U.S. flights is typically 3 weeks to 4 months before departure.
• For holidays or peak seasons like Christmas or summer, book even earlier to secure deals.

3. Choose the Right Days to Fly

Flying on certain days can save you money.

Great Days to Fly:

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper for domestic flights.
• Fridays and Sundays are typically more expensive.

Pro Tip:

If traveling for a weekend, opt for a Saturday-to-Monday or Tuesday trip instead of a Friday-to-Sunday itinerary.

4. Be Mindful of Seasonality and Holidays

Travel demand spikes during holidays and peak seasons, which directly impacts ticket prices.

How to Plan:

• Avoid traveling during Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas if possible.
• Opt for low seasons, such as February and March for Europe, when fares are significantly lower.
• For high-demand periods, book as early as possible to secure cheap seats.

5. Mix and Match Airlines

Combining flights from different airlines can save you money.

How It Works:

• CheapAir.com’s finds round-trip options by pairing two one-way fares, even from different airlines.
• This is especially useful if one airline offers a better outbound flight and another offers a more convenient return option.

6. Sign Up for Fare Alerts

Let technology do the work for you. Fare alerts notify you when prices drop.

Benefits of FareTracker:

• Be the first to know about deals.
• Stay ahead of the competition for cheap seats.

7. Factor in Baggage Fees

Don’t overlook baggage fees when comparing ticket prices—they can add up quickly.

How to Save:

• Check baggage fees in advance using the information provided on Cheapair.
• Pay for bags online before heading to the airport to avoid premium fees.

8. Check Alternate Airports

Flying from or into nearby airports can save money and sometimes offer more convenient options.

Example Pairings:

• New York (JFK) vs. Newark (EWR).
• San Francisco (SFO) vs. Oakland (OAK).
• Miami (MIA) vs. Fort Lauderdale (FLL).

Pro Tip: Do separate searches for alternate airports to find our best deals.

9. Break Up Group Bookings

Booking for large groups can inflate ticket prices since airlines sell seats in fare classes.

How to Save:

• Search for flights as a group first to confirm seat availability.
• Then, book smaller groups (e.g., 2-3 passengers) to get low fares for some seats.

Bonus Tips for Budget Travel

• Be Flexible with Dates: Use a flexible date search to find cheaper options.
• Travel Off-Peak Hours: Flights during early mornings or late nights are often cheaper.
• Use Credit Card Rewards: Leverage travel credit cards to redeem points for airfare.

FAQs About Saving Money on Flights

Q. When is it a cheap time to book a flight?
Ans. The sweet spot for domestic flights is typically around 49 days in advance. For international flights, aim for 2-6 months ahead.

Q. How can I find last-minute deals?
Ans. Sign up for fare alerts or consider budget airlines, but note that flexibility is key for last-minute savings.

Q. Are one-way flights cheaper than round trips?
Ans. Not always, but combining one-way fares from different airlines (Mix & Match) can sometimes help you save money.

Q. Do baggage fees differ by airline?
Ans. Yes, each airline has its own baggage policies. Make sure you check ahead of time so that you’ll be prepared.

Plan Your Next Trip with Confidence

At CheapAir.com, we’re committed to helping you book flights that fit your budget. Use these tips to score our best deals and start planning your next adventure today.