How to Find Cheap Flights Without Falling for Myths

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How to Find Cheap Flights Without Falling for Myths

Published

Nov 11, 2025

Finding affordable flights can feel like a full-time job — endless tabs open, prices changing by the hour, and mysterious “best times to book” advice that never quite works. The good news: getting cheaper flights is more about strategy than luck. Here’s how to do it without wasting hours on travel forums or dodgy “hacks.”

1. Be Flexible With Dates and Airports

The biggest price factor is timing. Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are often cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures. Use flexible date search tools (like Google Flights or Skyscanner) to compare entire months at a glance.

If you live near more than one airport, check them all — smaller hubs sometimes have budget carriers or off-peak departures that cost far less.

2. Use Flight Alerts — Don’t Obsessively Refresh

Instead of checking prices every hour, set up price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. You’ll get notified when fares drop, so you can book at the right time instead of guessing.

Pro tip: Enable notifications for your preferred route, not just general “cheap deals.” It keeps your inbox relevant.

3. Avoid the Myth of “Clearing Cookies”

Contrary to popular belief, airlines don’t actually raise prices based on your search history. What changes is seat availability and demand — not your browser data. You can browse in incognito mode if you prefer, but it’s not what makes or breaks the price.

4. Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Low-cost carriers look cheap upfront but can charge extra for everything — checked bags, seat selection, even printing boarding passes. Always check the final price with baggage and extras before comparing.

Tip: If you’re traveling light, stick to a carry-on and use the airline’s size policy to your advantage — it’s the simplest way to keep a low-cost ticket actually low-cost.

5. Book at the Right Time — But Don’t Overthink It

There’s no magical hour to book flights, but data shows:

Domestic trips: 1–3 months in advance.
International trips: 3–6 months in advance.
Prices tend to spike in the last few weeks before departure, especially for long-haul routes.

6. Use Stopovers and “Open-Jaw” Tickets

Booking two one-way flights (into one city and out of another) can be cheaper than a simple return. Tools like Kiwi.com or Google Flights’ “multi-city” feature help you find creative routes with long layovers that save money — and sometimes let you explore an extra destination.