If you’ve always wanted to travel but were held back by the daunting price of air travel, worry no more!
This article will comprehensively guide you on the best methods of getting the cheapest international airfare deals.

Search for Deals Online

The main premise behind our new-found ability to find cheap flights is the fact that all flight information is now available online. Where you once had to either go to the airline in question or a travel agent to find your alternatives, now you can do so at home. There are multiple websites (e.g. Fare Compare, Google Flights) that allow you to enter your flight requirements upon entering which the website provides you with a list of options. These options are arranged in order of least to highest cost and so you can have your pick at the cheapest flights possible!

Book Early

Tickets can be bought for much cheaper prices the earlier you get them. It’s no secret that tickets get more expensive the later you plan to buy them so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Again, all you need to go to the same websites and find the listings for your eventual date of flying. Then check a couple of weeks later and you’ll be surprised to find the difference in prices a week can make.

Browse Privately

The two tips above both rely on using internet to get cheap international airfare deals. These websites however are very clever and if you show interest to a particular flight with your repeated visits these websites then increase their prices. Therefore, when you do browse online for the best deals then make sure you are using the private browsing function of your browser. This will make it so that the website cannot collect data on your preferences and therefore won’t hike the prices up when you aren’t looking.

Identify the Best Day to Fly

Ticket prices vary throughout the week. The best thing to do would be to get a snapshot of flight prices in any given week and then identify the cheapest day. If this pattern repeats for the next week as well then you can identify the cheapest day to fly out. Therefore, when you know the cheapest day to fly out you can tailor your travel plans accordingly.

Budget Airlines

Another very easy way to find the cheapest international airfare deals is to befriend budget airlines. These airlines focus on providing the most barebones experience at a low price. This plays directly into the hands of the consumers looking for cheap flights. You might have to compromise on some simple amenities but you’ll get cheaper fare.

The excess of information we have in our hands makes it so that we can find the cheapest air travel options at a moment’s notice. It’s worth pointing out that the quest of finding the cheapest airfares is a practice that is constantly evolving. The tips I’ve given you above are just the few that gained some traction but there are many diamonds in the rough still waiting to be found.

Traveling abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but high airfare can sometimes put a damper on those plans. Luckily, with a bit of strategy and flexibility, you can snag cheap international flights and save big on your next adventure. Here’s a complete guide to help you find the best deals.

Be Flexible with Your Dates

One of the easiest ways to save on international flights is by being flexible with your travel dates. Flights can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, season, and even time of day.

How to make the most of it:

• Midweek flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
• Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to explore flight prices across a month, helping you find the cheapest travel dates.
• Off-season travel can dramatically cut down airfare costs. For example, visiting Europe in winter instead of summer could save hundreds of dollars.

Set Fare Alerts

Prices fluctuate constantly, and setting fare alerts can help you grab a great deal when the price drops. F

How to make the most of it:

• Set alerts on apps like FlightJoe.com Hopper, Kayak, or Skyscanner. These platforms monitor fares and notify you of any significant price drops.
• Be patient. Flight prices often drop before rising again as the departure date approaches

Take Advantage of Error Fares

Error fares occur when airlines accidentally list flights at a much lower price than intended, sometimes offering flights for as little as 10-20% of the regular fare.

How to make the most of it:

• Websites like WorldTravelerClub are dedicated to finding and alerting users of error fares.
• Act fast! Error fares don’t last long, and airlines can correct them quickly. Be ready to book immediately if you spot a deal.

Consider Nearby Airports

Flying to a major airport isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes landing at a nearby smaller airport can save you money.

How to make the most of it:

• Use flight search engines like Kiwi.com that allow you to search for flights to and from multiple nearby airports at once.
• After landing at a smaller airport, you can often take a budget domestic flight or a train to your final destination.

Book Two One-Way Tickets

Contrary to popular belief, booking a round-trip ticket isn’t always the most economical option. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) can save money.

How to make the most of it:

• Use platforms like Momondo or Google Flights to mix and match one-way fares for a cheaper round trip.
• Also, check if your return destination offers cheaper flights. For example, if flying home from Paris is expensive, consider flying out of a nearby city like Brussels or Amsterdam.

Use Points, Miles, and Travel Rewards

If you’re a frequent traveler or have a travel credit card, leveraging your accumulated points and miles is one of the best ways to get free or significantly discounted international flights.

How to make the most of it:

• Sign up for airline loyalty programs and track your miles for free flights.
• Get a travel rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Platinum, which offer points or miles for every dollar spent.
• Use credit card bonuses. Many cards offer large sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed for flights, sometimes covering the entire cost of an international ticket.

Book at the Right Time

Timing is crucial when booking international flights. While there’s no magic formula, there are a few trends that can help you book at the right time.

How to make the most of it:

• According to studies, the best time to book international flights is 2-3 months in advance for off-peak travel and 5-6 months ahead for peak season.
• Avoid booking flights during weekends when demand is high, which can lead to price hikes. Instead, try booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon when fares tend to drop.
• Don’t book too early or too late. Prices are often highest more than six months before departure or in the last few days before the flight.

Consider Alternative Routes

Sometimes taking an indirect route, such as having a layover or two, can save you money.

How to make the most of it:

• Use the multi-city search function on platforms like Google Flights or Momondo to find cheaper indirect routes.
• If you’re comfortable with long layovers, websites like Skiplagged help you find “hidden city” ticketing, where you disembark at your layover city rather than your final ticketed destination. Be careful with this, as some airlines frown upon the practice.

Leverage Regional and Flash Sales

Many airlines offer flash sales or regional promotions that can lead to rock-bottom prices.

How to make the most of it:

• Subscribe to airline newsletters or follow them on social media to be alerted about flash sales.
• Use apps like Skyscanner and Hopper that can notify you of any limited-time sales.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest international airfare doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little planning, flexibility, and the use of the right tools, you can save big on your next trip. Whether it’s setting fare alerts, being open to alternative airports, or leveraging error fares, these strategies will help you land the best deals on flights and keep your travel budget intact. Now that you’re equipped with these tips, happy (and affordable) travels!