International travel doesn't have to break the bank - learn how to find the best deals.
Airplane Wing. Homethods. CC BY 2.0.
Are you tired of scrolling through endless airline websites, only to find overpriced flights and unreasonably long layovers? You might spend hours scouring the internet for the cheapest flights, only to end up with a ticket that costs more than your entire travel budget. How can you really be sure you're getting the best price? And what about all those rumors about using incognito windows or clearing your search history to save a few bucks? So, get ready to take some notes and let's explore some reputable tips and tricks of budget-friendly flights.
First step: Use Google Flights for searching
Let's face it, nobody has the time to sift through every single airline’s website to find the best deals on international flights. That is where Google Flights comes in handy. Think of Google Flights as your personal travel agent, minus the hefty commission fees, and available 24/7. Unlike other travel search engines that act as online travel agents, or OTAs, Google Flights is a global distribution platform, giving starters the access to the most reliable and up-to-date information on travel pricing. Furthermore, thanks to its advanced filters, you can easily find flights that fit your exact requirements, whether it is the cheapest option, the quickest journey time, or the most convenient route.
But what actually distinguishes Google Flights is its ability to show you alternate airports and routes. For example, if you are flying to a major city, Google Flights will display all nearby airports, allowing you to select the cheapest choice. If you are willing to change flights or go greater distances, Google Flights can show you alternate routes that may offer lower fares.The search engine giant automatically presents the top outgoing flights based on a range of characteristics such as price, routing convenience, number of stops, and journey time. Rather than having to navigate various airline websites and keep track of all the different costs, Google Flights brings together all of the information you require in one spot. It also allows you to book flights up to 11 months in advance, helping you take advantage of the best offers first.
Book directly from airline companies
Booking airline tickets through third-party sites like Kiwi.com, Booking.com, and Expedia may seem like a convenient option, but they can often lead to trouble. Potential issue with booking through third-party sites is that they may not always have access to the most up-to-date information about flight schedules and changes. This means that travelers who book through a third party may not receive timely notifications about changes to their itinerary, leaving them stranded or unsure about the status of their flight. Many travelers have experienced the disappointment of canceled or delayed flights, caught in a frustrating blame game with the online travel agency and airlines. That is why booking directly with the airline is often the best choice. Not only will you receive the most up-to-date information and pricing, but you will also enjoy added benefits such as loyalty rewards and upgrades. Certain credit cards like Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card offer exclusive advantages when you book directly with the airline, such as discounted fares or bonus miles. Qatar Airways rewards you with a 2,000 Avios bonus for first-time direct bookings, which can be redeemed for reward miles on Qatar Airways, oneworld airlines, or airline partners, helping you save money and earn perks on your next international flight.
Be flexible with travel dates and times
If you are looking to save money on international flights, flexibility is key. Being open to traveling during off-peak seasons can often result in significantly lower prices. For instance, visiting Europe during the summer months when demand is high will almost always come with a hefty price tag. Avoid mid-June to August if possible. Additionally, the day of the week you choose to fly can also make a difference. According to Google data from the past five years, flying on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday can be 12% cheaper than flying on a weekend. So, remember the “Flight first” principle - focus on finding the right flights before locking in specific travel dates. Rather than limiting yourself to a particular day, consider a week-long window of time that works for you. And don’t forget to pay attention to flight times as well. While “red-eye flights” that cross multiple time zones may not be the most comfortable option, they are often less expensive than shorter, direct flights. So, be flexible with your travel plans, weigh the costs and benefits, and choose the most cost-efficient and convenient option for your next adventure.
Book in advance
Proper planning and preparation are the keys to snagging the best deals on international flights. It is important to strike a balance between booking early and not booking too early. Booking early for the right amount of time can provide you with more options, better pricing, and minimize the risk of missing out on seats, but it can also mean missing out on last-minute deals. Different airlines have different time frames for when you can start booking, so it is essential to do some research and find out when the best time to book is.
According to research, the best time to book a flight in general is between 320 and 106 days before your trip. The best time to book an international flight also depends on the destination. For instance, the cheapest airfares for destinations such as Canada can be found if you book two months before departure. The best time to buy flights to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, Central America, Asia, Africa, and Europe is at least three months before the departure date. The cheapest flights usually start dropping at the 105-day mark. It is also important to keep in mind that pricing is affected by seasonality. For example, the best time to book a flight for summer vacations is 67 days before departure. For winter trips, it is 94 days before the departure date, and for fall trips, it is 89 days before departure.
Consider positioning flights to major hubs
This strategy involves taking a domestic or short international flight from your home airport to a bigger gateway city with more award availability on foreign airlines. Some of the biggest U.S. airports with regular international flights include New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston-Intercontinental (IAH), and Boston (BOS), and other major cities. The price difference can be huge when flying from major hubs. For example, a flight from Chicago to Prague costs only $437, while the same flight from New Orleans costs $1,580. Similarly, as you can see from the screenshots below, for the flight in June, a nonstop flight from LAX to Dubai costs $880, while a 2-stop flight from Long Beach International Airport costs at least $1332.. However, it is important to keep in mind that using positioning flights can also come with additional expenses and risks. For example, you may need to book a hotel if you are arriving the night before your flight. If you book your flights separately, you'll need to collect your baggage and check in again for the second segment of your flight. This can be a time-consuming process, so be sure to leave plenty of time between flights. Be flexible, do your research, and position yourself for the best deal on your next international flight.
Screenshots from Google, flying from Long Beach to Dubai
Screenshots from Google, flying from LAX to Dubai
Look for flexible booking options
Flexible flights offer travelers the option to change or cancel their flights without any extra charges, making it convenient for them to reschedule or cancel their flights. Major airlines like Delta, Southwest, United Airline, Jetstar, and Qantas all offer flexible flight options, and you can check their website to see if they offer free flexible, changeable, or refundable fares. Usually, you can change your travel dates within the validity of your ticket, which can range from one month to one year, but changes must be made at least 24 hours before your outbound or inbound travel for domestic flights and before the departure date for international flights. Name and destination changes are not allowed, and changes can only be made during business hours. However, it’s worth noting that some airlines charge slightly higher fees for Flexi fares. But it is still a great deal because with ordinary tickets, you typically have to pay both a change fee and a rebooking fee. Flexible flights are perfect for travelers who want to extend their trip or travel earlier.
Consider flights with layovers instead of direct flights
According to new data, adding a layover to your flight itinerary can save you around 20% on airfare. And while some may grumble about the inconvenience, there are actually some unexpected benefits to taking a break in your journey. For one, layovers give you the chance to stretch your legs and release some energy, which can be a godsend for families with restless children. Many airports even have kid-friendly play areas, and some, like Singapore's Changi Airport, boast amenities like gardens, a swimming pool, and even a movie theater. Layovers can be a healthy choice, too. At high altitudes, the air pressure is lower and the air is thinner and less humid, which can be hard on your body. Taking a break between flights can help your body acclimate and reduce your risk of developing health issues. And if you need a quick refresh before your next flight, some airports have short-stay hotels with showers and other amenities. Some layovers offer unexpected scenery, like the beaches of Hawaii or the mountains of Switzerland. While layovers can offer many benefits, note that not all airlines or airports offer them. Be sure to check the airline's website for any restrictions or fees associated with layovers before booking your ticket. Additionally, some layovers may be longer than others, so make sure to plan accordingly and pack any necessary items in your carry-on luggage.
Take advantage of airline discounts and deals
While it's impossible to monitor every single discount out there, signing up for notifications from airlines you frequently travel with can help you stay up-to-date on potential deals. For instance, Southwest recently extended its 2023 Travel Sale, offering one-way fares starting at $59. These sale fares must be booked by the end of the day on Thursday and are available for midweek travel to most destinations through May 17. Air Tahiti Nui is also offering a great deal with their Explore New Zealand rate. This offer is perfect for travelers departing from Los Angeles or Seattle, as it offers a round-trip fare to Auckland starting at $975 per person for flights booked by April 24, 2023, and scheduled between now and the end of June. To stay on top of these deals, sign up for notifications and newsletters from airlines and travel websites. Frequently checking your inbox can lead to finding great discounts and deals on your next flight. It's also important to note that some deals may have restrictions or specific booking dates, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before booking.
Consider booking one-way tickets instead of round-trip tickets
Round-trip tickets include both a flight to the destination and a return flight to the starting point, while one-way tickets offer more booking flexibility and allow travelers to earn rewards points with two different airlines that service the destination, and they may avoid expensive penalty fees for changing flights. If a traveler needs to change their plans, they can simply not use one leg of the trip and purchase another one-way ticket, which can be cheaper than changing a round-trip ticket. Additionally, one-way tickets may be beneficial for travelers who are uncertain about their return date or who plan to travel to multiple destinations. However, before booking, it's important to compare the prices of both options. Round-trip tickets may be cheaper in certain situations, particularly for domestic flights or for travelers who are certain of their travel dates. It's also important to consider the potential inconvenience of booking two separate tickets, such as the need to recheck bags or to switch terminals between flights.
In the end, the key to booking the best deal on international flights is to consider your priorities. Are you a traveler on a budget, or do you have some extra cash to splash? Are you flying solo, or do you have a whole squad to accommodate? And most importantly, how much value do you place on your time and comfort? These factors will help determine whether you opt for a budget airline with no frills or a full-service carrier with all the bells and whistles.
But regardless of your preferences, there are some tricks of the trade that can help you save both time and money. Do your research and stay informed. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best way to book your flights. But by keeping these tips in mind, you can feel confident that you're getting the best deal possible on your international travel.
Hope Zhu
Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.