One of the biggest expenses when planning any trip is the cost of flights. But with the right strategies, tools, and timing, you can fly for a fraction of the price and use those savings to book unforgettable tours, experiences, or excursions with Viator. Here are some tried-and-true travel hacks for cheap flights to help you score and still get the most out of your adventure:
🕓 1. Book at the Right Time
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The sweet spot for cheap flight booking is typically 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips, and 2–6 months for international travel.
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Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekends.
🌍 2. Use Smart Flight Search Tools
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Use platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor trends and price drops.
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Enable price alerts for your destination.
🔄 3. Be Flexible with Dates & Airports
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Try flying out of secondary airports or adjusting your departure and return by a few days.
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Use “Everywhere” or “Explore” features on Skyscanner to find cheaper destinations if you’re open-minded.
💼 4. Avoid Baggage Fees
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Book budget airlines but travel light to avoid paying more for carry-ons or checked luggage.
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Refer to our complete travel gear guide for beginners to learn how to pack efficiently without overpacking.
👩💼 5. Use Incognito Mode When Searching
Airline websites can use cookies to increase prices based on your search history. Avoid this by searching in incognito/private mode or using a VPN.
🎯 6. Combine Flights and Activities Smartly
Why not save on flights and reinvest that money into authentic, local experiences? Once your flight is secured, explore Viator’s incredible tours, skip-the-line tickets, cultural experiences, and day trips.
🧳 Bonus: Pack Like a Pro and Travel Stress-Free
Flights booked? Don’t forget to pack efficiently. Use our helpful travel essentials for women guide to make sure you have everything covered—from personal safety to fashion to tech.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, smart flight strategies paired with the right gear and Viator experiences can turn your budget trip into a luxury-feeling journey.
✨ Advanced Flight Hacks Most Travelers Don’t Know
These lesser-known strategies can help you consistently land cheap airfare—especially when used together.
🔁 Use “Hidden City” Ticketing with Caution
Platforms like Skiplagged offer flights where your final destination is actually a stopover. For example, booking a ticket from New York to San Diego with a layover in Las Vegas might be cheaper than a direct NYC–Vegas flight.
🧮 Take Advantage of Price Drops with 24-Hour Cancellation Rules
Many major airlines allow free cancellations within 24 hours of booking. Use this to:
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Lock in a low fare immediately
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Continue searching for a better deal
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Cancel if you find something cheaper the next day
🔃 Try “Mix and Match” Booking
Instead of booking a round-trip ticket on one airline:
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Use one airline for departure, and another for return
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Try multi-city search features (e.g., fly into Paris, fly out from Rome)
This is especially handy for European or Southeast Asian trips where budget carriers are plentiful.
📆 The “Shoulder Season” Trick
Avoid peak travel seasons like mid-summer and Christmas. Instead, aim for:
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Mid-April to early June
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September to early November
These months offer:
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Lower airfares
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Cheaper accommodations
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Fewer crowds
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Still good weather in most places
💳 Use Points and Miles for Maximum Savings
Even beginners can:
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Get a travel credit card with a sign-up bonus
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Use airline shopping portals to earn miles for things you’re already buying
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Transfer points from credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex to airline partners
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to save big with points.
🔐 Use Local Currencies & VPN
Sometimes flight pricing varies based on your location. Use a VPN to simulate searches from different countries, especially where the currency is weaker. You may see lower prices when booking from:
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India
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Thailand
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Eastern Europe
Always clear cookies or use incognito mode to avoid price tracking.
🌐 Save on Tours with Flight + Experience Bundles
Now that you’re saving big on flights, why not book activities in advance too? Use your extra budget to explore more through Viator.
For women, smart savings mean more chances to splurge on wellness retreats, fashion boutiques, and cultural experiences. Browse the full list of must-pack items in our Travel Essentials for Women and learn how to fly light with our Best Travel Gear for Beginners guide.