The Guide to find the cheapest Flights
With prices and hundreds of travel platforms promising the best deals, knowing how to get discounts on flights is a pain we all share. We’ve put together this guide on the best way to find the cheapest flights. We will skip the myths and show you the tips and tricks dedicated travellers use to fly for less. Paying for flights is the most expensive part of travelling. But it does not mean it should stop us from exploring.
Here are 6 tips on how to find cheap flights to your dream destinations
- Book your flights in advance – don’t always wait for last minute deals
- Save time searching for cheap flights with Carpark Scanner
- Book with confidence using Carpark Scanner – We have trusted providers that give us the best deals
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times
- Plan your trip as an entire package
- Choose another airport to fly out from and in to
- Use multiple airlines
- Don’t waste your time on travel myths
Why is it so hard to find cheap flights?
There are many factors affect the prices of flight tickets. This means prices can go up or down, making it frustratingly hard to find the many amazing deals. Seasonal changes dramatically affect prices.
Travelling in the holiday season is always more expensive than in the non holiday season. School holidays see a bump in prices. Going during summer season is always likely to be more expensive, like Marmaris or Antalya in Turkey.
Other external factors, such as the price of jet fuel. Inflation has caused prices to increase. Post-pandemic travel has increased prices significantly in the last two years. Many people are eager to travel again.
Flights are typically cheaper if you fly early in the day or land late. Many travellers that fly earlier and land later have claimed flights are cheaper, but this could be more of a myth.
1. Book your flights in advance – don't always wait for last minute deals
There’s no way to say exactly when you’ll get the cheapest prices for any flight. But there are some suggestions you can follow.
The closer to your travel date you are, the more expensive your flight will be. Don’t wait till the last minute to book, this doesn’t always work. When the price is already cheap, don’t wait for it go cheaper. Business travellers tend to book late, and be less flexible. They are willing to pay high prices and have the money to do so.
If you’re flying domestically in peak season, you should be looking to book around four to six months in advance. If it’s off-season, one to three months in advance is recommended. This will ideally give you the best price and seats as well.
When it comes to international flights, you can extend that a little. Four to eight months ahead in peak season, two to six in the off-season. This will give enough time in advance to track prices and seat availability.
2. Save time searching for cheap flights with Carpark Scanner
Carpark Scanner also helps travellers find the best deals on flights. Enter the dates and destination and you will be shown the cheapest prices from different airlines and providers.
You’ll be able to compare deals and will be shown the lowest prices possible. Saving you time from checking different sites.
3. Book with confidence using Carpark Scanner
If the price changes after you buy your ticket, many airlines will get you the difference back. We have airlines that are budget and top class. So whatever is your budget, you’ll find a flight.
When you have found your flight, you’ll be redirected to the airline or provider. So you will book directly with them. No travel agents involved, any problems will have to be fixed by airline itself. This is better for you.
4. Be flexible with your travel dates and times
Having a little flexibility on the days and times you fly will provider more options on flights. Starting your search earlier usually gives you a little more flexibility. If you’re flying to Dubai for New Year’s then you’re going to pay more than for a low season ticket. So timing can make a big difference.
Flying out any day except Monday, Sunday and Friday are most likely the cheapest. Those three days are used by Business travellers. Flying out after a holiday season is often cheaper.
It’s always wise to focus on booking early rather than on a specific day. Next time you’re on Carpark Scanner, look at some flights. You’ll notice that certain days are cheaper to fly out and return back. So, look around and get the best deal out of it.
5. Plan your trip as an entire package
Find the cheapest flight is one headache, still need somewhere to stay. Make savings across the board by searching your destination.
From the UK to your chosen destination. Look up your city of choice and you can also see the deals on hotels when you are looking for flights. You’ll have your flights & hotels sorted. Carpark Scanner can help you book flights, hotels and car rental. Hiring a car abroad can help you save money on travelling. You can travel around without paying for taxi or other transportation.
6. Choose another airport to fly out from and in to
If you’re flying from New York to London, as with many destinations around the world, you have several airports to choose from. Flying to some of them can be cheaper.
Many of the low-cost (budget) airlines like Ryanair and easyJet are based in airports a bit further out of town. Not only do they come with cheaper airfares but often have cheaper car rental options too. The only negative side of this is, longer commute times.
It’s a popular case from Dalaman, Turkiye to Manchester, UK. A large number of travellers on their returning flights decide to land at Leeds/Bradford Airport or Liverpool instead of Manchester Airport. A lot of times this is due to return flights availability.
7. Use multiple airlines
If you’re not in a rush, making a stopover on your journey is one of the best ways to find flights for less. It can even feel like you’re extending your trip on longer stopovers.
Try using multiple airlines, as booking individual flights for each with different providers will often save you money. Make sure you leave at least three hours between flights for delays. You’re booking separate flights, not connections, so airlines won’t wait for you! Tip, you’re better off using hand/cabin luggage, it’s torture when collecting your bags.
8. Don’t waste your time on travel myths
Regardless what many travel websites and blogs claim, there’s no way to guarantee you a cheap flight. Heard that you should only book your flight last minute? NOOO! In the past when airlines would make their flight prices available at predetermined times, today it makes no difference when you really book.
The lesson to be learned from this
The lesson we learn is, you can’t control the prices. All you can do is be smart on how you approach it. Follow the guideline, that way you’ll travel safe knowing you got a cheap price without stressing. You don’t want flight finding to be a chore. Safe Travels!