Definitely one of the questions I’m asked the most frequently is how to get the best deals on flights: when to book and how to get the most savings. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer for every trip—if there were, I’d write a bestselling book!—but there ARE a few tips & tricks I’ve learned over the years.
Booking flights shouldn’t feel like you’re spinning a roulette wheel. There is a strategy behind scoring great airfare. Today I’m sharing the best tips and tricks (not just my own; these are also backed by experts) to help you save time, money, and frustration when shopping for flights.
And the bottom line is, as long as you have me in your corner, I’ll always present you with the best options for what you’re looking for!
Tip 1: Flexibility equals savings
Dates:
The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to catch a deal.
The cheapest days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Midweek flights are usually less in demand, meaning lower prices. Bonus: airports are quieter.
Avoid flying on: Fridays, Sundays, and around major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break). Prices soar when everyone else wants to fly. If school holidays are the only options you have, at least you can play around with the dates within that time frame.
Seasons:
High season (most expensive): Summer (June-August), major holidays, and school breaks.
Shoulder seasons (best value): April-May and September-early November. Weather's still great, but there are fewer crowds and lower fares.
Low season (cheapest, but weather-dependent): Winter months (except holidays) in many destinations.
Airports:
Check fares from surrounding airports, if available. For example, flying out of a smaller regional airport, flying into a major airport rather than a small one, or into an alternative city nearby, could shave a few hundred dollars off your ticket.
Tip 2: Don’t procrastinate (but don’t jump too early)
There’s no magic day of the week when airlines drop prices. A lot of people believe that, but IT’S A MYTH. However, there is a booking window sweet spot:
Domestic flights:
Book 1 to 3 months ahead of travel for best fares. If you're traveling around holidays, aim for 4-6 months in advance, minimum.
International flights:
Book 2 to 8 months out, depending on the region. Big international destinations (Europe, Asia) often offer best deals months ahead of time.
Last-minute flights:
Unless you’re willing to gamble and be wrong, waiting until the last minute usually means higher prices. Airlines know business travelers and desperate folks will pay up.
Tip 3: Be ready to book quickly
Flight deals are fleeting—sometimes lasting only hours.
Pro tip: Many U.S. airlines (including Delta, American, & United) offer 24-hour free cancellation, meaning you can book a flight and cancel within 24 hours for a full refund if you change your mind. So if you see a great price, don’t overthink it—tell me to lock it in, then double-check your plans later.
Tip 4: Use fare alerts & tools
Let technology do the heavy lifting.
Set fare alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner, or Going.com. You’ll get emails or app notifications when prices drop for your preferred route.
Track historical prices. Google Flights will show you whether today’s fare is typical, high, or a bargain based on past data.
Hopper’s “Price Freeze” feature lets you lock in a fare temporarily, giving you more time to decide.
Tip 5: Play around with one-way vs. round-trip
Don't automatically assume round-trip tickets are cheaper.
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets—even on different airlines—can unlock lower prices or better flight times.
This trick is especially useful if you’re open to flying different airlines there and back, or if you're combining a multi-city trip.
Note: it does NOT work to book a round-trip ticket and only plan to use the flight home. Once you don’t show up for the flight to the destination, the second half of your ticket will automatically cancel.
Tip 6: Forget the cookie myth—but beware dynamic pricing
No, your search history is NOT causing airlines to spike prices just for you. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, competition, and algorithms—not your browser cookies.
However, it IS true that:
Prices can fluctuate multiple times a day. If you see a solid deal, don’t assume it’ll be there tomorrow.
Incognito mode won’t hurt, but it's not a cure-all.
Tip 7: Budget airlines aren't always the best option
Budget carriers (think Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair) flash cheap base fares but love to nickel-and-dime you for:
Baggage fees (even carry-ons and personal items)
Seat selection fees
Food/drink charges
Strict rules about check-in times and bag sizes
Do the math before you book—sometimes a main airline, with a free carry-on and included snacks, ends up costing the same or even less.
Tip 8: Consider layovers or alternative routes
Nonstop flights are convenient, but if you’re up for a bit of extra travel time, you might be able to save money.
Opting for a layover can sometimes cut the fare significantly.
Check open-jaw tickets (flying into one city and out of another), which may help if you're planning to explore multiple destinations.
Last tip: let me do the heavy lifting
I get it—hunting for flights can feel like a part-time job. But that’s where I come in. I stay on top of price trends, alerts, and routing tricks, so you don’t have to. Want to make sure you’re getting the best value without spending hours down the rabbit hole? Let’s chat. I can help you find the right flights at the right price, stress-free. Or, we can tag-team it: you book the flights and then contact me for the rest of the trip!