In today’s globalized world, international travel is more accessible than ever, but the cost of flights can still be a significant barrier.
Fortunately, with a bit of strategy and know-how, you can secure the best deals on international flights, saving money that could be better spent on experiences at your destination.
So, if you want to fly internationally but save a ton of money, we got you covered with exclusive insider tips on how to get the best deals on international flights.
Read on to find out!
1. Understand the Factors That Affect Flight Prices
Before diving into strategies, it’s crucial to understand what factors influence flight prices. Airlines use complex algorithms that consider a multitude of variables, including:
- Seasonality: Prices are higher during peak travel seasons like summer, holidays, and major events.
- Booking Time: Generally, booking too early or too late can result in higher prices. There’s a sweet spot for the best deals.
- Day of the Week: Flights booked and flown on certain days of the week can be cheaper.
- Destination Demand: High-demand destinations typically have higher flight prices.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel costs can affect airline ticket prices.
- Competition: Routes with more airlines flying them tend to have lower prices due to competition.
2. Start Searching Early
Begin searching for flights at least 2-3 months in advance. Airlines often release tickets around 11 months before the departure date, and prices typically increase as the departure date approaches.
Pro Tip: Use fare alert tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to track price changes for your desired routes.
3. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools in securing the best deals on international flights. Here’s how:
Use Flexible Date Search Tools: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to view a calendar of fares to see when it’s cheapest to fly. By shifting your travel dates by just a few days, you could save a significant amount.
Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a nearby airport can be much cheaper. This is particularly useful in regions with multiple airports, like New York or London.
Explore Multiple Destinations: If you’re open to different travel destinations, you can leverage deals available to less popular or emerging destinations. Sometimes airlines offer promotions to destinations they want to promote.
4. Search in Incognito Mode
Use an incognito or private browsing window when searching for flights. Websites use cookies to track your searches, and prices may increase if they detect repeated searches on specific routes.
Also, compare prices across various flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo, Hopper, etc. Each platform might have different deals due to varying partnerships with airlines.
5. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines can offer significant savings on international flights, especially within Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Research carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia, but be mindful of extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and meals.
Subscribe to deal newsletters like Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and The Flight Deal to stay informed about the best offers, including error fares. When you spot a great deal, be ready to book immediately, as these offers are often time-sensitive.
Pro Tip: Sign up for newsletters from budget airlines to receive alerts on sales and special promotions.
6. Use Airline Miles or Points
If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, consider using them to reduce the cost of your international flight. Maximizing airline loyalty programs and credit card points can also greatly reduce international flight costs.
Use co-branded credit cards with sign-up bonuses to earn significant points, redeemable for international travel. Credit cards with transferable points, like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, offer flexible booking with multiple airlines, leading to better deals.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, transferring points between programs (e.g., from a credit card to an airline loyalty program) can yield better deals.
7. Sign Up for Fare Alerts and Newsletters
Subscribe to fare alerts from websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, or Airfarewatchdog. These services notify you when there are significant price drops or error fares for your preferred routes.
Join airline newsletters for notifications about flash sales and promotions.
8. Consider Booking Multi-City or Open-Jaw Flights
Booking a flight with multi-city stops or different arrival and departure cities can reduce costs. For example, flying into Paris and out of Amsterdam might be cheaper than a round-trip to and from Paris.
Open-jaw flights involve flying into one city and out of another. This can be particularly cost-effective if you plan to travel through multiple countries.
9. Check for Discounts and Special Deals
Look for student discounts, military discounts, or group travel discounts if applicable.
Use discount codes from travel websites or credit card offers to reduce the cost further. Low-cost airlines often offer special discounts too, so keep your eyes open for these.
10. Book Directly with the Airline
After finding the best fare through search engines, check the airline’s website to see if they offer the same or better price.
Booking directly with the airline can provide better customer service and easier changes or cancellations. And your airport procedures will be seamless too.
11. Pay Attention to Currency and Payment Options
Sometimes booking from a different country’s version of an airline’s website or paying in a different currency can result in savings due to exchange rates or regional pricing differences.
12. Avoid Peak Travel Times
Avoid traveling during peak seasons like summer, Christmas, or New Year when prices are at their highest.
If you must travel during these times, booking as early as possible is crucial.
13. Use VPNs for Region-Based Pricing
Consider using a VPN to access flight booking websites from different countries.
This can sometimes reveal cheaper prices depending on where the booking is made from.
14. Avoid Common Mistakes That Could Cost You
When searching for and booking flights, avoid these common pitfalls:
Clearing Your Cookies: Airline websites track your searches through cookies, and repeated searches can result in higher fares. Clear your cookies or use incognito mode to avoid this.
Not Checking All Fees: Some budget airlines appear cheaper at first glance but have high fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Always calculate the total cost before booking.
Booking on a Whim: Sometimes, waiting a day or two after finding a price can lead to a better deal, especially if you set up fare alerts.
Before finalizing your booking, ensure all details are correct, including dates, passenger names, and baggage policies. Mistakes can be costly to correct later. And if you’re a patient with diabetes, check with the TSA agents, and they’ll let you know all about carrying insulin on the airplane.
So, enjoy a comfortable flight with these tips and relax, even if you have a puppy with you, you won’t have a problem getting past the gate with it.
Fly Smart, Save Big!
Securing the best deals on international flights requires flexibility, vigilance, and sometimes a bit of creativity. By understanding the factors that affect flight prices, using the tools and strategies mentioned above, and avoiding common booking mistakes, you can make your dream trip more affordable.
Remember, the money saved on flights can be better spent on experiences, accommodations, or even extending your trip.
Happy flying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When to book international flights to get the cheapest price?
Book international flights 3 to 6 months in advance for the best deals.
Do international flights become cheaper 2 months before?
Prices can be competitive, but the best deals are often found 3-6 months before departure.
How far out is best to buy international flights?
The ideal time is typically 3 to 6 months before your planned departure date.
Do flight prices go down at night?
Flight prices can change at any time, but there is no consistent evidence that they drop specifically at night.
What is the least expensive day of the week to fly internationally?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly internationally.
What are the best airlines for international flights?
Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are consistently ranked among the best for international flights.
