Flights: How I ALWAYS end up finding cheap ones.

For the vast majority of trips the hardest part of the planning process stem from: housing, and flights. And while I am nobodies FA, or plug, I just have the art of perfect timing and convenience. Sticking to my budget of $750 for domestic trips, $1500 for international, is difficult at times. But outside of the few times procrastination has bit me in the butt, I have been able to manage. So today, I am going to help you master the art of finding a cheap flights. I personally use these methods, and if you follow them too, you’ll never be the person on a flight who paid a ridiculous amount for a plane ticket. No matter the airline.

Flexibility

- When

I do not officially know when I am going somewhere until the plane ticket is purchased, this allows me to play around with dates first instead of destinations. Airline ticket prices vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and upcoming holidays. The summer is a big travel period, and everyone wants to go somewhere warm in the winter or travel when the kids are out of school expect ticket prices to reflect the demand.

Due to trends, its usually almost always cheaper to fly during the middle of the week than on a weekend because most airlines hike their prices then. Flying before or after the holiday will save a few extra dollars, or fly early in the morning or late at night when people are not willing. Please note that Fridays and Mondays are expensive as those are the day when most business travelers fly.

When you find a place you think you want- set up a Google alert and/or Hopper if you are not purchasing the ticket immediately.

Step 1: Select your departure airport, destination, dates, and other travel information (i.e. number of passengers).

Step 2: Click the “Track Prices” or "Watch this flight"

Unfortunately you can not avoid the surge, go where people aren't going or plan your trips around slow period for your destination (off season). *because I went to Dubai in February, and not the summer, I was able to get a RT flight for $470.

- Where

I do not have a bucket list. I want to visit every country in the world, so for me it's a matter of when and rarely where.

However, if you operate opposite of how I do and you operate knowing the time you have off but do not know where you want to go; this is your section.

Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to put in your home airport and see a map of the world with all the flights on it. This allows you to easily compare multiple destinations to see which fits your budget. And you may luck up and find a deal to a place that never crossed your mind.

here’s what to do:

Step 1: Go to Google Flights and click on the map

Step 2: Next, put in your departure city and the date. Now you can look at a wide variety of options on the map. If you don’t have a specific destination or dates, you can search via the “Flexible dates” option. From here you can select weekend, 1-week, or 2-week time frames or specific dates.

Honestly there's always a deal to somewhere — it might just not be your first or fifth choice. But being flexible about where you want to go, allow you to browse with no commitment to a destination. When you are locked into one place at one time, you are stuck with whatever price shows up. Nothing can change that. What you see if what you get.

Fly Budget Carriers-

They are self explanatory- but if you would want to know more check out my previous blog: Budget airlines: Low Cost Airlines that will get you around the country.

Don’t Always Fly Direct (if it doesn't fit the budget)

Mix and Match airlines ! When I went to Grenada, it was cheaper for me to fly from DFW to FLL then catch a quick train from FLL to MIA to make my flight. So although I love a non stop flight, some times they do not love me back. And you have to make it work.

For example, I am going out of town in a few weeks and giving myself almost an extra day of travel time saved me $600 and I get a free hotel so I can explore the city before my final destination. It means more flying time, but the money I saved was worth it. And I get to add 1 more passport stamp.

Deals

Newsletters are my new friend. They do the work I do not want to do, and that is scour the web for deals that may pop up. Of course joining the mailing list for airlines and last-minute deal websites will always give you the best outcome. Granted they never go to places you want to go, but they may have deals to places that you did not know you were interested in.

Cheap flights are only available for a limited window, so if you blink too long you might miss them.

Aside from joining airline newsletters, the best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Scott’s Cheap Flights – for upcoming US flight deals. (I love them)

• Airfarewatchdog – for searching current US flight deals.

• The Flight Deal – for global flight deals.

Student Discounts

If you are a student (or have access to your .edu email), you can usually find prices 10-20% off the standard fare. Travel agencies like Flight Centre and Student Universe can help find you a cheap ticket. Also the vast majority of student discounts transfer over to airline partners. For example, Lufthansa offers a student discount, which means you can use that discount on partner airlines, if available.

Mix and Match Airlines

Simple book two separate one ways on separate airlines, as long as it fits your schedule. Some cities have more than one major airport. London, has five airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, London Luton, and Stansted. New York City has three major airports : JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. The DMV has three major airport: Baltimore-Washington International, Reagan National Airport and Dulles. Whenever you’re traveling to or from a place with multiple airports, it’s important to carefully weigh all your options. This could take a little extra time, but it will definitely save you money.

Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Airline fares keep rising the closer you get to departure, but there is a sweet spot when the airlines begin to either lower or increase fares based on demand. Don’t wait until the last second but don’t book far, far in advance either. The best time to book your flight is around 2-3 months (I like 1-2) before your departure, or around five months before if you are going to your destination during their peak season.

This isn’t a hard, though, so do not be upset with me if the result's aren't ideal.

Finding a cheap flight is all about being flexible and not being stringent. It may take some effort, but the deals are out there if you’re willing to look (or ask)