How to Buy Cheap Flight Tickets in 2025
For most travelers, airfare is the most expensive part of the trip. Even though international flight prices have dropped in recent years, they can still take a significant chunk out of any travel budget. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for budget-friendly options or a family planning an international vacation, finding cheap flights can make a huge difference.
Fortunately, airlines frequently release amazing deals—from mistakenly published fares to limited-time promotions. If you know where to look and how to book strategically, you can secure the best airfare rates.
Follow this step-by-step guide to master the art of booking cheap flight tickets in 2025.
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1. Ignore the Myths About Cheap Flights
There are many myths about finding cheap flight tickets, and most of them are outdated or completely false. Some of the most common misconceptions include:
- “Flights are cheaper on Tuesdays.” This is no longer consistently true.
- “Using incognito mode will lower flight prices.” There’s no solid evidence for this.
- “There’s a perfect day or time to book flights.” Airline prices are determined by complex algorithms, not simple rules.
Instead of relying on these myths, focus on flexible travel dates, multiple search engines, and real-time deals to get the lowest ticket prices.
2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Times
Prices for airline tickets fluctuate based on demand. If you’re set on flying during peak travel periods—such as Christmas, New Year’s, or summer vacations—expect higher ticket prices.
Tips for Finding Cheaper Travel Dates:
- Fly off-season when demand is lower (e.g., visit Europe in spring or fall instead of summer).
- Travel midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends).
- Look for early morning or late-night flights, as these are less in demand.
- Be open to flying on or after a major holiday (flights are often cheaper after big events).
3. Be Flexible with Destinations
If your travel dates are fixed, consider adjusting your destination. Some cities and airports have consistently lower fares due to competition between airlines.
How to Find Cheaper Destinations:
- Use search tools to see the cheapest flights from your departure city.
- Check Google Flights’ Explore feature to compare fares for multiple destinations.
- Consider alternative airports. Flying into a nearby city and taking a train or budget airline to your final destination can sometimes save hundreds of dollars.
4. Sign Up for Airline and Deal Alerts
Ticket prices for flights can drop unexpectedly, but you’ll only catch these deals if you’re actively looking. Signing up for airline newsletters and fare alerts ensures you’re among the first to know about discounts.
Best Websites for Cheap Flight Deals:
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – Best for U.S. flight deals.
- The Flight Deal – Great for global travel discounts.
- Secret Flying – Excellent for last-minute airfare sales.
- Airline newsletters – Frequent promotions and bonus miles offers.
Many deals last only 24 hours, so act fast when you find a great price.
5. Fly Budget Airlines
Budget airlines have revolutionized international and regional travel by offering ultra-cheap fares. Although they may not include free meals or baggage allowances, they can significantly reduce travel costs.
Top Budget Airlines to Consider:
- Europe: Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, VietJet Air
- North America: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier
- Long-haul options: Norse Atlantic Airways, French Bee, PLAY
⚠️ Watch out for hidden fees! Many budget airlines charge for carry-ons, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport.
6. Consider Indirect Flights
Flying direct is convenient, but sometimes booking flights with layovers can be much cheaper.
How to Use This Trick:
- Instead of flying directly to your destination, book a flight to a major hub and take a budget airline or train the rest of the way.
- Use Google Flights to compare multi-city itineraries.
- Websites like Rome2Rio help find affordable routes between nearby cities.
For example, if flying directly to Paris is expensive, you might save money by flying to London first and taking a budget airline to Paris.
7. Use Multiple Search Engines
Not all travel search engines list the same fares, so checking multiple platforms increases your chances of finding the best deal.
Best Search Engines for Cheap Flights:
- Skyscanner – Best overall for comparing all airlines.
- Google Flights – Great for flexible date searches.
- Momondo – Often finds cheaper fares by including obscure booking sites.
- ITA Matrix – Used by travel experts for advanced searches.
Since some airlines (especially budget carriers) don’t appear on major booking sites, it’s also a good idea to check airline websites directly.
8. Take Advantage of Student and Youth Discounts
Many airlines offer special discounts for students and travelers under 26. Websites like Student Universe and Flight Centre specialize in these deals.
Pro tip: Some student discounts extend to airline partners, so always check for affiliated airlines.
9. Mix and Match Airlines
Booking a round-trip ticket on one airline isn’t always the cheapest option. Sometimes, booking separate one-way tickets on different airlines can save you money.
How to Find the Best Combination:
- Use Skyscanner’s “multi-city” tool to compare fares.
- Check different airlines for outbound and return flights.
- Consider flying into one city and out of another.
For example, instead of booking a round-trip to Bangkok with one airline, you might find a cheaper deal by flying there on Qatar Airways and returning with Emirates.
10. Use Airline Points and Credit Card Rewards
Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards can save you hundreds on flights. Many credit cards offer welcome bonuses that cover a free flight.
Ways to Earn Free or Discounted Flights:
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs and collect miles on every flight.
- Use travel credit cards that offer points for everyday purchases.
- Book flights with points + cash options to reduce costs.
Popular travel rewards programs include American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and airline-specific programs like Delta SkyMiles or Emirates Skywards.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flight tickets in 2025 is all about flexibility, strategy, and staying informed. By ignoring outdated myths, using the right search tools, and taking advantage of discounts, you can book affordable flights no matter where you’re headed.
Quick Recap:
✅ Be flexible with dates and destinations
✅ Sign up for airline newsletters and fare alerts
✅ Fly budget airlines but watch for fees
✅ Consider layovers and alternative routes
✅ Use multiple search engines and mix airlines
✅ Leverage student discounts and travel rewards
