How to Find Cheap Flights: Practical Tips for Saving Money on Airfare

Knowing how to find cheap flights can make a huge difference to the overall cost of a trip.

Whether you're planning a weekend away, an international holiday, a backpacking adventure or a long-term trip, airfare can be one of the biggest expenses in your travel budget.

The good news is that you don't need to rely on luck to find better flight prices. The key is to search strategically, compare more options and remain flexible wherever possible.

In this guide, we'll show you how to find cheap flights, including practical ways to compare travel dates, airports, airlines, routes and different types of fares.

What Is the Best Way to Find Cheap Flights?

The simplest way to improve your chances of finding a cheap flight is to avoid limiting your search too early.

Instead of searching for one specific flight and booking it immediately, compare:

• Different departure dates
• Different return dates
• Nearby airports
• Alternative destinations
• Different airlines
• Direct and connecting flights
• One-way and return fares
• Multi-city itineraries

The more combinations you compare, the more likely you are to find a fare that represents good value.

For a comprehensive overview of flight-search strategies, see our Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights.

1. Start With a Flight Comparison Search

Rather than visiting individual airline websites one at a time, start with a flight comparison search.

This allows you to see multiple airlines and itineraries together and gives you a better idea of what flights are actually available for your route.

Don't automatically book the cheapest result you see.

Use the initial search to understand the market and identify the combinations that offer the best balance of price, travel time and convenience.

2. Be Flexible With Your Dates

One of the most effective ways to find cheaper flights is to change your travel dates.

Airfares can vary considerably between different days, even when the departure and destination remain exactly the same.

If you're able to travel a few days earlier or later, search multiple combinations rather than committing to one date immediately.

For example, instead of searching only for:

10 October to 20 October

also compare:

• 8 October to 18 October
• 9 October to 19 October
• 11 October to 21 October
• 12 October to 22 October

Even small changes can sometimes reveal significantly different fares.

3. Search Flexible Dates

If your itinerary isn't fixed, flexible-date searching can be even more powerful.

Instead of asking which flight is cheapest on a particular day, ask which days are cheapest within your preferred travel period.

This allows you to identify lower-priced combinations before deciding exactly when to travel.

Flexible-date searches are particularly useful for:

• Backpackers
• Digital nomads
• Long-term travellers
• Retirees
• People planning extended holidays
• Travellers without fixed annual leave dates

We'll explore this strategy in more detail later in the flight cluster with our guide to Flexible-Date Flight Searches.

4. Compare Nearby Airports

Your nearest airport isn't necessarily the cheapest airport to fly from.

If you live within reasonable travelling distance of several airports, search all of them.

The same applies to your destination.

A nearby airport could have substantially lower fares or more competitive routes.

However, remember to calculate the complete cost of using an alternative airport.

Consider:

• Train or bus fares
• Taxi or rideshare costs
• Parking
• Additional accommodation
• Extra travel time

A £50 cheaper flight isn't necessarily a bargain if it costs £60 to reach the alternative airport.

5. Search Multiple Airlines

Don't assume your preferred airline will always offer the cheapest fare.

Different airlines can have completely different pricing for the same route.

Search across full-service airlines, low-cost carriers and regional airlines where appropriate.

Also remember that a low-cost airline's headline fare may not include everything you need.

Always compare the final price after adding baggage, seat selection and any other essential extras.

6. Compare Direct and Connecting Flights

Direct flights are usually more convenient, but they aren't always the cheapest option.

When searching for airfare, compare direct flights with itineraries that include one or more connections.

A connecting flight could save money if you're willing to spend additional time travelling.

Before choosing a connection, check:

• Total journey time
• Connection duration
• Airport changes
• Transit visa requirements
• Baggage arrangements
• Whether the flights are on one booking

A cheap itinerary with an extremely long connection may not provide good value for your particular trip.

7. Look at One-Way Flights

When searching for return flights, also check the price of two separate one-way tickets.

Sometimes the return fare is cheaper. In other situations, buying separate tickets can provide a better price or greater flexibility.

This is particularly useful if different airlines have competitive fares in each direction.

It can also be useful for travellers who aren't returning to their original departure city.

Our upcoming guide to One-Way vs Return Flights will explore when each option makes sense.

8. Consider Multi-City Searches

If you're visiting several destinations, don't automatically search for a standard return flight.

Try a multi-city search instead.

For example, a conventional trip might look like:

London → Bangkok → London

But a multi-city itinerary could be:

London → Bangkok
Singapore → London

You could then travel between Bangkok and Singapore separately.

This approach can sometimes produce a more efficient itinerary and eliminate the need to return to your original arrival airport.

9. Search Alternative Destinations

If your destination is flexible, let airfare influence where you travel.

Instead of deciding that you must fly to one specific city, search nearby destinations and compare prices.

For example, if you're planning a European trip, compare several cities within the region rather than searching for only one airport.

You can then use trains, buses or short regional flights to continue your journey.

This strategy can be particularly effective in regions with extensive transport networks.

10. Look at Different Times of Day

Flight prices can vary depending on departure time.

Flights at highly convenient times may be more attractive to travellers, while very early morning or late-night departures can sometimes offer better fares.

If saving money is your priority, don't automatically filter out inconvenient departure times.

Instead, compare the available options and decide how much the time difference is worth to you.

11. Consider Flying During Shoulder Season

Peak travel periods can make finding cheap flights considerably more difficult.

School holidays, major festivals, Christmas, New Year and popular summer travel periods can all create increased demand.

If your schedule allows, consider travelling during the shoulder season.

Shoulder season can offer a useful compromise between peak-season weather and off-season pricing.

You may also benefit from cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds.

12. Avoid Restricting Your Search Too Much

Search filters are useful, but applying too many restrictions can prevent you from seeing good-value options.

If you immediately filter out:

• All connecting flights
• All budget airlines
• All early flights
• All late flights
• All alternative airports

you may be eliminating the very flights that could save you money.

Start with a broad search and narrow the results after you've seen what's available.

13. Check Baggage Before Booking

A flight that looks cheap in the search results can become considerably more expensive once baggage is added.

Before booking, check exactly what is included in the fare.

Look for:

• Personal item allowance
• Cabin baggage allowance
• Checked baggage allowance
• Weight restrictions
• Additional baggage charges

If you travel with only a small bag, a basic fare could represent excellent value.

If you need checked baggage, compare the final price against other airlines before deciding.

14. Check the Total Price Before Paying

Don't stop comparing when you find a cheap headline fare.

Continue through the booking process far enough to understand the actual cost.

Depending on the airline and fare type, you may encounter additional charges for:

• Checked baggage
• Seat selection
• Priority boarding
• Food
• Flight changes
• Payment or booking services

The important number is the final price for the journey you actually need.

15. Use Flight Price Alerts

If you're not ready to book, set up a price alert where available.

This allows you to monitor a route rather than repeatedly searching for it manually.

Price alerts can be particularly useful when you know your approximate dates but have some time before travelling.

They can also help you understand how prices are moving before you make a booking decision.

16. Don't Rely on the "Tuesday Myth"

You've probably heard that flights are always cheapest when booked on a Tuesday.

There isn't a universal rule that makes Tuesday the cheapest day to book every flight.

Airfares are influenced by demand, availability, route competition, seasonality and many other factors.

Rather than waiting for a particular day of the week, focus on finding a good fare for your specific route.

17. Don't Assume Last Minute Means Cheap

Another common misconception is that airlines dramatically reduce prices immediately before departure.

Occasionally, last-minute deals do appear, but you shouldn't rely on them if you have fixed travel dates.

Waiting can also mean fewer available seats and fewer itinerary choices.

If you need to travel on a specific date, flexibility earlier in the search process is generally more useful than simply waiting until the last minute.

18. Compare the Flight With the Rest of Your Trip

The cheapest airfare isn't always the cheapest overall travel option.

Imagine you find a flight that is £80 cheaper but arrives at 2am.

You may then need to pay for:

• A more expensive airport transfer
• Late-night transport
• An additional hotel night

The £80 saving could disappear quickly.

Always consider how the flight fits into the wider cost of your trip.

19. Check the Booking Conditions

Before paying, check what happens if your plans change.

Look at:

• Cancellation rules
• Change fees
• Refund eligibility
• Credit or voucher conditions
• Baggage rules
• Missed-connection policies

A slightly more expensive fare with greater flexibility may be better value if your plans aren't completely fixed.

20. Know When to Stop Searching

This is an underrated part of finding cheap flights.

You can spend hours searching for a fare that is £10 cheaper and still not know whether the price will fall tomorrow.

There is no guaranteed way to identify the absolute lowest possible airfare.

Instead, research your route, understand the normal price range and establish what you consider a good deal.

When you find a flight that meets your requirements at a price you're comfortable with, booking it can be more sensible than endlessly waiting for a hypothetical lower fare.

Common Mistakes That Make Flights More Expensive

Finding cheap flights isn't only about what you do. It's also about avoiding common mistakes.

Booking the First Flight You See

The first result isn't necessarily the best value.

Compare several options before committing.

Only Searching One Airport

Restricting your search to one airport can eliminate potentially cheaper alternatives.

Ignoring Baggage Fees

A low headline fare can become expensive once baggage is added.

Only Searching Exact Dates

If your dates are flexible, failing to compare alternatives can mean missing cheaper fares.

Focusing Only on Ticket Price

Consider the entire journey, including transfers, baggage and inconvenient flight times.

Assuming the Cheapest Option Is Automatically Best

Price matters, but travel time, reliability, baggage and flexibility matter too.

How to Find Cheap International Flights

International flights can involve more variables than domestic travel, making flexibility particularly valuable.

When searching for international airfare, consider:

• Multiple departure airports
• Nearby destination airports
• Regional hubs
• One-stop routes
• Multi-city itineraries
• Different airlines
• Shoulder-season travel
• Flexible departure dates

Also check visa and transit requirements before choosing an unconventional route.

How to Find Cheap Flights for Long-Term Travel

Long-term travellers often have an advantage because they may be able to remain flexible.

If you don't have to return on a specific date, compare several one-way options rather than automatically searching for a traditional return ticket.

You can also investigate multi-city itineraries and alternative arrival airports.

This can be particularly useful for backpacking and digital-nomad travel.

How to Find Cheap Flights for a Holiday

Holidaymakers with fixed annual leave dates have less flexibility, but there are still ways to improve the search.

Start by checking nearby departure airports and comparing different flight times.

If your dates have even a little flexibility, compare a few days either side of your preferred departure and return dates.

Also consider travelling slightly outside the busiest period if your destination allows it.

Use VagaPay to Search for Flights

Once you've decided where and when you want to travel, use the VagaPay flight search widget below to compare available flight options.

Try different dates, airports and itineraries to see how much the price changes.

If you're flexible, don't stop after your first search. Testing several combinations can reveal considerably different fares.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find cheap flights?

Compare multiple airlines, dates and airports. Be flexible where possible and consider connecting, one-way and multi-city flights rather than searching for only one fixed itinerary.

What is the cheapest way to book a flight?

There is no single booking method that is always cheapest. The best approach is to compare available fares, check the total cost and consider different dates, airports and routes.

Are flights cheaper if you are flexible?

They can be. Flexibility allows you to compare a larger number of fares and choose dates when demand may be lower.

Should I book flights on a Tuesday?

There is no universal rule that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book flights. Flight prices vary according to the specific route, dates, demand and availability.

Is it cheaper to fly at night?

It can be, although there is no guarantee. Compare different departure times rather than assuming a particular time of day will always be cheaper.

Are connecting flights cheaper?

They can be. If you're willing to spend longer travelling, a connecting itinerary may offer a lower fare than a direct flight.

Are one-way flights cheaper than return flights?

Sometimes. Always compare both options because the best choice depends on the route and airlines involved.

Should I use a nearby airport?

It's worth checking. A nearby airport can sometimes offer substantially cheaper flights, but include the cost of getting there when comparing prices.

Does booking early guarantee a cheap flight?

No. Booking early can give you more choice, but there is no universal booking window that guarantees the lowest fare.

Can I find cheap flights at the last minute?

Sometimes, but last-minute deals aren't guaranteed. If your dates are fixed, waiting can reduce your available options.

Do budget airlines always have the cheapest flights?

No. Budget airlines can have low base fares, but baggage and other extras can increase the final price. Compare the complete cost.

Should I search for flights in incognito mode?

There is no reliable reason to believe that simply using incognito mode guarantees cheaper flights. You're generally better off focusing on flexible dates, airports and routes.

How much can I save by changing my flight date?

There is no fixed amount. The difference depends on the route, season, demand and available fares. Even changing your travel date by one or two days can sometimes make a noticeable difference.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to find cheap flights isn't about discovering one secret trick.

It's about searching intelligently and giving yourself as many reasonable options as possible.

Compare dates. Check nearby airports. Look at different airlines. Consider connections, one-way fares and multi-city itineraries. Always check baggage and other additional costs before deciding.

Most importantly, remember that the cheapest headline fare isn't necessarily the cheapest or best flight for your trip.

The best flight is the one that gives you the right balance of price, convenience, travel time and flexibility.

Ready to search?

Use the VagaPay flight widget below to compare flights and start looking for the best option for your journey.