How to Find Cheap Flights for Your Next Trip

Finding cheap flights is less about “tricks” and more about using the right tools, timing, and flexibility. Airlines are smarter, but so are the apps and data we have. Below are proven tactics and a list of the best tools you should use.

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Quick, evidence-backed rules to start with

• Best day to book: Recent industry studies found that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book. Booking on Tuesday often shows lower fares than on other days.
  
  

• Best months & windows: August often shows lower fares, and studies suggest booking 1–3 months ahead for domestic trips and 3–6 months for international flights. Flexibility in travel month and day matters most.
  
  

• Fly midweek when possible: Flying on Thursdays or Tuesdays/Wednesdays often gives better fares than weekend departures.
  
  

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The 8-step guide (use this every time)

1. Start with Google Flights (map + calendar view)
   Use Google Flights to spot cheap regions and the cheapest days in a month. It’s the fastest way to discover routes you hadn’t considered. Set price tracking for your route.
   
   

2. Run a second search on Skyscanner / Momondo / Kayak
   These comparison engines sometimes show different OTAs or combinations (mix-and-match routing) that Google Flights misses. Use “whole month” or “cheapest month” on Skyscanner to spot big savings.
   
   

3. Use ITA Matrix to dissect fares
   ITA Matrix (Google’s underlying engine) helps advanced users find complex routings or hidden one-way combinations. Great if you’re comfortable reading fare rules.
   
   

4. Set price alerts in Hopper + Kayak + Google Flights
   Hopper offers price-prediction nudges and can tell you whether to “buy” or “wait.” Kayak and Google Flights also provide reliable alerts. Use at least two tracking tools for redundancy.
   
   

5. Check deal hunters & alert lists (Secret Flying, Going/Scott’s, Thrifty Traveler)
   For mistake fares and flash sales, follow Secret Flying, Going, and Thrifty Traveler. These services find error fares and huge discounts, but you’ll need to act fast.
   
   

6. Be flexible with airports and routing
   Search nearby airports (±200 miles). Sometimes flying to a major hub and catching a cheap regional flight or train is far cheaper. Use multi-city or open-jaw tickets for cheaper combinations.
   
   

7. Use the map trick & month view to spark ideas
   Leave the destination blank and scan the map. Cheap cities on the map often reveal routes with surprisingly low fares. Skyscanner and Google Flights both have this feature.
   
   

8. Double-check on the airline site before booking
   Once you find a great price on an OTA, check the airline’s website. Sometimes the carrier sells the same seat cheaper (and booking direct can make changes/refunds easier).
   
   

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Top tools & what each one does (short list you can trust)

1. Google Flights = best for fast exploration, calendar view, and tracking.
   
   

2. Skyscanner = excellent “whole month” search & ‘Everywhere’ map.
   
   

3. Kayak = price forecasts, flexible searches, and multi-city tools.
   
   

4. ITA Matrix = advanced fare research and complex routing (power users).
   
   

5. Hopper = price prediction app + alerts (useful, but treat predictions as guidance).
   
   

6. Momondo = strong at uncovering mixed-carrier itineraries.
   
   

7. Secret Flying = mistake fares and flash deals; follow on Twitter/Telegram.
   
   

8. Going (ex-Scott’s Cheap Flights) = curated deal email alerts (great ROI for frequent travelers)
   
   

9. Thrifty Traveler = deal alerts and premium finds, great for targeted route deals.
   
   

10. Airline websites + local OTAs = always check the carrier and local agencies (sometimes cheaper or offers fee waivers).
    
    

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