How to Find Cheap Flights

Here are the most effective strategies (and real-life hacks) travelers use to save money:

• Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
  Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheaper than weekends.
  Use Google Flights Explore or Skyscanner Everywhere to see where it’s cheapest to fly from your city.
• Check Nearby Airports
  Example: Flying into Milan instead of Venice can save up to 40%, and you can take a quick train.
  In the US, try Newark instead of JFK, or Oakland instead of San Francisco.
• Use Price Alerts
  Apps like Hopper or Skyscanner notify you the moment prices drop.
  Real hack: Set alerts for multiple cities — sometimes flying to a nearby hub city + a budget flight is cheaper.
• Book Separate Legs
  Instead of one direct ticket, split the journey.
  Example: New York → London → Athens can be much cheaper than a direct NYC → Athens ticket.
• Try Budget Airlines (But Be Smart)
  Ryanair, Wizz Air, AirAsia often sell tickets for under $20.
  Hack: Travel light. A single carry-on is free, but adding a bag can double the price.
• Go Incognito (or Use a VPN)
  Airlines may raise prices after repeated searches.
  Use private browsing or even a VPN to “pretend” you’re searching from another country.
• Timing Matters
  Short flights: 6–8 weeks in advance is best.
  International flights: 2–6 months ahead usually works.
  Hack: Book long-haul flights on weekdays — fares often drop Monday–Wednesday.
• Use Points and Cashback
  Many credit cards offer travel rewards.
  Real example: Booking with Chase Sapphire or Amex cards can earn you free flights after just a few trips.
• Hidden City Ticketing (Advanced Hack)
  Sites like Skiplagged show “hidden city” fares (where your destination is a layover).
  Example: Book NYC → Paris → Madrid if you only need Paris.
  ⚠️ Warning: Don’t check luggage (it’ll go to the final city).
• Travel Overnight or Red-Eye Flights
  Less popular flight times are often cheaper.
  Bonus: You save a night of hotel costs.