Cheapest Flights Guide: How to Find the Best Airfare in 2025

Did you know you can shave off half the price of a flight with a few smart moves? Most travelers think cheap tickets are a luck thing, but it’s really about timing, tools, and a little flexibility. Below you’ll find the exact steps that turn a pricey airline ticket into a budget win.

When to Book for the Lowest Price

First off, the calendar matters more than most people admit. Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays bring the deepest discounts because airlines release fare drops after the weekend rush. Aim to start your search on a Tuesday morning, then check again on a Wednesday afternoon.

Month‑to‑month trends are even clearer. January, February, and September usually host the cheapest fares for both short‑haul and long‑haul flights. If you can travel outside school holidays and major festivals, you’ll often find tickets 30‑50% cheaper than peak months.

Another hidden gem is the “cheapest day to fly” rule. For most routes, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the low‑cost days, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the priciest. When you have a flexible itinerary, pick a mid‑week departure and you’ll notice a noticeable price dip.

Smart Ways to Cut Flight Costs

Use fare‑comparison sites, but don’t stop there. After you spot a low price, open the airline’s own website and re‑enter the same dates. Direct booking often avoids extra fees that third‑party sites add.

Turn on price alerts. Set a watch on the route you want and get an email when the price drops. Most alert tools let you specify a maximum budget, so you’ll be notified only when a deal meets your target.

Consider nearby airports. Flying out of a secondary airport—like London Stansted instead of Heathrow—can shave off 15‑20% of the fare. The same works for arrival airports; check both major and regional options before you lock in your ticket.

Don’t overlook budget carriers. Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air often list rock‑bottom base fares. Just remember to factor in extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and boarding priority. If you travel light, the total can still beat a full‑service airline’s price.

Split‑ticketing, also called “hidden city” routing, can work for long‑haul trips. Book two separate legs—like London to Dublin, then Dublin to New York—and cancel the second leg if it fits your schedule. This trick saves money but requires you to travel with hand luggage only.

Lastly, use loyalty points wisely. Stack a few credit‑card points with a small cash payment to bring the fare down further. Even a modest reward balance can reduce a $300 ticket to under $150.

Putting these tips together, you’ll see that cheap flights aren’t a myth. By checking the right days, hunting nearby airports, and leveraging alerts, you can consistently book tickets well below average prices.

Ready to start saving? Grab your calendar, fire up a fare‑comparison site, and apply the timing tricks we’ve covered. The next time you book a flight, you’ll be surprised how much money stays in your pocket.