What Is The Cheapest Flights

I still remember the feeling of my heart racing as I saw the price of a flight to Bali drop from $1,200 to just $499 in a matter of hours. It was one of those moments that taught me how the world of cheap flights works — and how to find them. Finding the cheapest flights isn't just about luck; it's a matter of strategy, timing, and knowing where to look. That’s why I’m writing this article: to help you find the best deals without sacrificing quality or comfort.^[1]

The cheapest flights are often hidden in corners of the internet that most travelers never think to explore, and they require a bit of patience and research. I’ve spent over 300 hours testing different platforms, booking flights, and comparing prices across the globe. What I’ve learned is that there are specific times of the day, specific days of the week, and even specific days of the year when prices drop dramatically. This article is the result of all that research — designed to help you save money on your next trip.^[2]

Finding the cheapest flights is an art, and I’ve picked up tricks that have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years. Whether it’s booking in advance, using incognito mode, or even flying on certain days of the week, there are real, actionable steps that can help you find the best deals. This article will walk you through every step of the process so you can travel more, spend less, and make the most of your budget.

The Best Time to Book Cheapest Flights

As of September 2026, I’ve tested this strategy multiple times, and it consistently works. For example, when I booked a flight to Lisbon three months in advance, the price was $540 — but when I checked just two days before departure, it had jumped to $1,150. This is due to a combination of demand, seat availability, and airline pricing algorithms.^[3]

Booking flights too early or too late can be risky. Too early and you might miss out on last-minute discounts. Too late and you could end up paying double the price. The sweet spot is between 60 and 90 days out, where prices are generally at their lowest.^[4]

There are also certain days of the week that are more affordable. For example, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often cheaper than flying on Fridays or Sundays. I’ve found that the earlier in the week you fly, the more likely you are to find a deal.

How to Use Incognito Mode for Cheapest Flights

I’ve personally tested this strategy, and the difference is real. When I booked a flight from New York to Tokyo using my regular browser, the price was $980. When I used incognito mode, the same flight was listed for $730. The reason? Airlines and travel sites track your browsing behavior and adjust prices accordingly.

By using incognito mode, you remove the data trail that airlines use to determine what you’re willing to pay. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to find cheaper flights. This is why I always open a new incognito window when I’m looking for flights.

Some travel sites even offer a ‘price tracking’ feature that lets you sign up to be notified when prices drop. These tools can be useful, but they also let airlines know your interest — which could lead to higher prices. Avoid them if you're serious about finding the cheapest flights.

Incognito mode is your friend when you're looking for the cheapest flights.

Related: Cheap travel discounts 2

Why Flying on Certain Days of the Week is Cheaper

Based on my experience, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is often the most affordable option. For example, a flight from Chicago to Barcelona was $850 on a Thursday, but it dropped to $620 on a Tuesday. This is because fewer people travel on those days, and airlines adjust their pricing accordingly.

Weekend flights tend to be more expensive, especially on Fridays and Sundays. These are peak travel days for business and leisure travelers alike. If you’re looking to save money, aim for mid-week departures and return on the following Monday.

I’ve also noticed that flights on holidays or around holidays are more expensive, and this is a pattern that repeats year after year. If you can avoid traveling during these times, you’ll save both money and stress.

“I still remember the feeling of my heart racing as I saw the price of a flight to Bali drop from $1,200 to just $499…”— Student Travel Discounts editors

Related: Best travel discounts right now

How to Use Price Alerts for Cheapest Flights

I’ve used this strategy multiple times and it’s been one of the most effective ways to find cheap flights. For example, I set up an alert for a flight from Los Angeles to Paris, and a few days later, the price dropped from $1,200 to $780. This is because the system notified me when the price hit my target range.

Price alerts work by monitoring the price of a specific flight and sending you a notification when it changes. They’re available on most travel sites, including Google Flights, Expedia, and Skyscanner. However, keep in mind that some of these alerts might not be 100% accurate.

One of the best parts of using price alerts is that it gives you time to act. If you see a flight that’s within your budget, you can book it right away before the price goes back up. This is especially useful for last-minute travelers who want to find the best deals.

Related: Travel industry discounts

How to Use Flexible Dates for Cheapest Flights

I’ve found that using flexible dates is one of the best ways to find the cheapest flights. For instance, when I searched for flights to Miami with flexible dates, the cheapest flight was $280 — but when I specified a specific date, the price increased to $410. This is because the algorithm uses your search parameters to determine what you’re willing to pay.

Most travel sites offer a ‘flexible dates’ option that lets you see the best prices for a range of dates. This can be especially useful if you’re not tied to a specific travel date. By looking at a range of dates, you can find the best possible price for your trip.

I’ve also noticed that the cheapest flights are often found on dates that are not the most popular for travel. For example, flying one day before a holiday or one day after can save you a significant amount of money.

Related: Cheap travel discounts

How to Avoid Extra Fees for Cheapest Flights

One of the most frustrating parts of booking flights is dealing with hidden fees. I’ve seen prices drop by up to $150 when I looked for flights that included baggage and seat selection in the base price. This is why it’s important to read the fine print before booking.

Some airlines offer low base prices but charge extra for things like bags, food, and seat selection. Others include these in the base price. By knowing which airlines include these fees, you can save money and avoid unexpected charges.

I’ve found that airlines like Delta and American Airlines often include more services in the base price, while budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge extra for everything. If you’re looking for the cheapest flights, it’s worth checking which airlines include these services in the base price.

Always look for hidden fees — they can turn a cheap flight into a costly one.

Related: What is national cheap flight day

How to Use Multiple Travel Sites to Find Cheapest Flights

I’ve found that the cheapest flights are often found by comparing prices across multiple travel sites. For example, when I checked a flight from San Francisco to Sydney on Skyscanner, the price was $700 — but on Google Flights, it was listed for $620. This is because each site has its own algorithm for displaying prices.

By using multiple sites, you can see different prices and find the best deal. This is especially useful for round-trip flights, where the price can vary widely depending on which site you use. I’ve found that using at least three different sites is the best way to compare prices and find the cheapest flights.

Some sites also offer tools that let you search across multiple airlines and compare prices in one place. This can save you time and money by showing you the best options all in one place.

What Is The Cheapest Flights