20 Tips to Find Affordable International Flights
Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but the cost of flights can often deter even the most enthusiastic travelers. However, with a bit of research, strategy, and patience, you can significantly reduce your airfare expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover actionable tips and tricks to help you find the cheapest flights for your next international trip.
Proven Tips to Find Cheap Flights for International Travel
Save Money On Flights:
1. Start Your Search Early
One of the golden rules of finding affordable international flights is to start your search early. Airlines typically release tickets 10-12 months in advance, and prices are often lower during this initial period.
Why it works: Booking early gives you access to the best deals before demand drives up prices.
Pro tip: Use tools like Google Flights or booking platforms to track flight prices and set alerts for specific routes.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day.
Off-peak seasons: Traveling during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (e.g., spring or fall) can save you a lot of money.
Midweek flights: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have cheaper fares compared to weekends.
Red-eye flights: Late-night or early-morning flights tend to be less expensive.
Tools to Use:
- Google Flights Calendar View: Compare prices across an entire month.
- Hopper App: Provides insights on the best times to book your flight.
3. Use Incognito Mode for Searching
Ever noticed that flight prices seem to increase the more you search? That’s due to cookies stored by airline websites. Using incognito or private browsing mode can prevent this from happening.
How to activate incognito mode: On most browsers, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).
Bonus tip: Clear your browser cookies regularly if not using incognito mode.
Tools and Strategies to Find the Cheapest Airfare
4. Leverage Fare Comparison Websites
Comparison websites and apps are essential tools for finding the best deals. These platforms aggregate prices from multiple airlines, saving you the hassle of checking each one individually.
Recommended Fare Comparison Tools:
- Google Flights: Provides a quick overview of routes and pricing.
- Momondo: Highlights cheaper alternative routes or nearby airports.
- Kayak Explore: Helps you discover destinations within your budget.
5. Consider Alternative Airports
Flying from or into secondary airports can often save you a significant amount of money. For example:
- Instead of JFK (New York), try Newark or Philadelphia.
- For London, consider Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton instead of Heathrow.
How to Search for Alternative Airports:
- Use the “Nearby Airports” filter on Google Flights or OTAs.
- Check for train or bus connections from these airports to your final destination.
6. Book Connecting Flights
Non-stop flights are convenient but can be pricier than connecting flights. Consider booking flights with layovers if you’re willing to trade some time for cost savings.
Example: A flight from Delhi to New York might be cheaper if you book a connection through Europe.
Caveat: Make sure the layover duration is reasonable and accounts for potential delays.
Pro Tip: Check out “self-transfer” deals where you book two separate tickets for different legs of your journey. Just ensure you have enough time between flights.
Budget Tips for Finding Cheap International Flights
7. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines often send exclusive deals and flash sales to their email subscribers. While it might feel like clutter, these newsletters can provide significant savings.
Examples: Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines frequently offer limited-time deals.
Bonus tip: Create a dedicated email account just for travel deals to keep your primary inbox clean.
8. Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards and Points
Many credit cards offer travel rewards, which can be redeemed for flights or upgrades.
Popular Travel Cards in India:
- HDFC Regalia
- SBI Elite
- American Express Platinum Travel Card
Global Options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Gold Card
Tips for Maximizing Rewards:
- Use your card for everyday purchases to accumulate points.
- Pair your card with frequent flyer programs for added benefits.
- Look for sign-up bonuses when getting a new card.
9. Explore Budget Airlines
While budget airlines may not offer the luxuries of full-service carriers, they often provide significantly cheaper fares.
Popular Budget Airlines for International Travel:
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Indigo (for nearby destinations).
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air.
- Middle East and Africa: Flydubai, Air Arabia.
Things to Note:
- Check baggage policies as they may charge extra for checked luggage.
- Be prepared for basic services; meals and seat selection often come at an additional cost.
10. Look for Error Fares
Error fares occur when airlines or booking sites mistakenly list flights at very low prices. These are rare but can result in huge savings.
How to Find Error Fares:
- Follow Deal Websites: Sites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Airfare Watchdog often post error fares.
- Set Alerts: Use apps like OTA’s to notify you of sudden price drops.
Important Note:
- Book quickly as these fares are corrected swiftly.
- Avoid making non-refundable plans until your ticket is confirmed.
Additional Strategies to Score Cheap International Flights
11. Split Your Journey
Booking multi-city trips or splitting your journey into separate segments can sometimes result in lower costs.
Example:
Instead of booking a single ticket from Mumbai to Paris, try:
- Mumbai to Dubai (separate ticket)
- Dubai to Paris (another ticket)
This strategy works well when different carriers operate at lower costs on specific routes.
12. Travel Light and Avoid Extra Fees
Many budget airlines and even some full-service carriers charge for additional baggage. Traveling with carry-on luggage only can save you both money and hassle.
Tips for Packing Light:
- Use packing cubes to maximize space.
- Stick to versatile clothing items.
- Avoid packing prohibited items that could lead to delays or fees.
Booking Strategies for the Cheapest International Airfare
13. Book at the Right Time
Timing is critical when booking flights. Studies show:
- Best time to book: 2-3 months before international travel.
- Avoid booking: Too far in advance or at the last minute unless you’re targeting a flash sale.
Tools:
- Use apps like OTA’s or Kayak’s “Price Predictor” to determine the best booking windows.
14. Consider One-Way Tickets
Round-trip tickets are not always cheaper. Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets can save you money, especially when flying with different airlines.
Example: Fly Emirates one way and Qatar Airways for the return.
Pro tip: Mix and match budget and full-service airlines for the best deals.
15. Join Frequent Flyer Programs
Even if you don’t fly often, signing up for frequent flyer programs can help you earn miles and enjoy perks like priority boarding or free upgrades.
Popular Programs:
- Star Alliance: Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines.
- OneWorld Alliance: British Airways, Cathay Pacific.
- SkyTeam: Air France, Delta Airlines.
16. Book Through Foreign Websites
In some cases, booking flights through an airline’s website in another country can yield lower prices. Currency conversion rates may work in your favor.
Tip: Use a VPN to access regional pricing.
Warning: Ensure your credit card doesn’t charge hefty foreign transaction fees.
17. Keep an Eye on Social Media
Follow airlines, travel deal pages, and booking platforms on social media. Flash sales and last-minute deals are often announced on these channels.
Examples: Follow @SecretFlying, @TheFlightDeal, or @Skyscanner on Twitter.
18. Book Tickets in Local Currency
Sometimes, booking tickets in the airline’s local currency can reduce costs, thanks to favorable exchange rates.
Example: Booking in Indonesian Rupiah for flights departing Indonesia might be cheaper than paying in USD.
19. Use Cashback and Promo Codes
Leverage cashback offers and promo codes available on platforms like BookNewTrip.
Where to find codes: Check cashback websites like CashKaro or Honey for international deals.
20. Stay Patient and Persistent
Finding the cheapest flights requires time and effort. Stay persistent with your search, compare prices across multiple platforms, and remain flexible with your plans.
By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your chances of scoring affordable international flights and make your travel dreams a reality.
Know more on the budget-friendly travel destinations from India.
Happy flying!
