How to Find Cheap International Flights: Best Days and Times

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Hey, fellow travelers! If you’re like me, there’s nothing more thrilling than scoring a fantastic deal on international flights. You see, for most of us, the plane ticket is often one of the biggest expenses when traveling overseas. But don’t worry—I’ve got some tried-and-tested tips and tricks on how to find cheap international flights, just like a pro. I’m talking about everything from the best day and time to book, to the smartest airline choices, and secret hacks that will leave more money in your pocket for your actual trip! Let’s dive right in.

Introduction

We all want to travel the world, but who really wants to spend their entire savings on airfare? Not me, and definitely not you! Over the years, I’ve learned that finding a cheap international flight is not just about luck; it’s about knowing when and where to look. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or booking months in advance, a few strategic moves can make all the difference.

The key here? Timing, flexibility, and using the right tools. And guess what? I’m here to walk you through exactly how you can land that perfect deal. So, buckle up—this is your guide on how to find cheap international flights!

The Best Days and Times to Book Flights

One of the most important hacks for finding cheap international flights is knowing when to book. Airlines constantly adjust prices based on demand, seasonality, and booking patterns. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Day to Book Airfare: Studies show that Tuesday and Wednesday are often the best days to book flights. Why? Because airlines typically release sales early in the week, and by midweek, competitors start matching those deals.

Best Time to Book Airfare: According to data, the sweet spot for booking cheap international flights is usually 6-12 weeks before departure. This window allows you to snag the lowest fares before prices begin to climb closer to your travel date.

Time of Day: Believe it or not, the time of day matters too! Booking flights during off-peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning, can sometimes lead to lower prices as airlines update their databases.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Destinations

Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages you can have when searching for cheap international flights. Here’s how you can use it to your benefit:

Midweek Departures: If you can, avoid flying out on weekends. Instead, opt for Tuesday or Wednesday departures, which tend to be much cheaper due to lower demand.
Avoid Peak Seasons: Try to avoid booking during peak holiday seasons (like Christmas, summer, and spring break). If you can travel during the shoulder seasons—like late fall or early spring—you’ll often find the best deals.
Open to Destination?: If you don’t have a fixed destination in mind, tools like Google Flights Explore allow you to see the cheapest international destinations from your departure city on flexible dates.

Discover insider tips on how to find cheap international flights

3. Best Airlines for Cheap International Flights

Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to pricing. While you might love the perks of a high-end carrier, sometimes it’s worth checking out budget airlines that specialize in international routes. Here are a few to keep on your radar:

Norwegian Air: Known for offering competitive prices on transatlantic flights, Norwegian Air is a great choice if you’re headed to Europe.

Scoot: Flying to Asia? Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, offers some great deals on long-haul flights.

Aer Lingus: For routes between the U.S. and Europe, Aer Lingus often has surprisingly affordable prices, especially if you’re flexible with layovers in Dublin.

Skyscanner’s Multi-City Feature: When flying to multiple destinations, don’t forget about using Skyscanner’s multi-city search to find cheaper fares by piecing together different airlines.

4. Use Fare Comparison Tools

In today’s tech-savvy world, there’s no reason not to use the abundance of online tools available to find the cheapest flight. Here are a few of my go-to travel apps:

Google Flights: My absolute favorite for its flexible date searches and price tracking features. You can set price alerts to track when fares drop for your chosen route.

Skyscanner: A fantastic tool for searching for the best deals across multiple airlines. I especially love their “Everywhere” feature, which helps you discover the cheapest destination from your airport.

Hopper: Hopper uses historical data to predict whether prices will rise or fall, letting you know when to book or wait.

5. Additional Hacks to Save on Airfare

Still with me? Awesome—let’s cover a few more insider tips to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible:

Book Flights in Incognito Mode: Have you ever noticed that flight prices increase the more you search for them? This can happen due to cookies tracking your browsing habits. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode.

Use Points or Miles: If you have frequent flyer miles or travel points, now is the time to use them. Consider signing up for travel rewards credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses that can cover an international flight.

Take Advantage of Layovers: Sometimes, booking flights with layovers can significantly lower your airfare. Plus, if you have a long layover, you might get to explore an extra city for free!

Check for Hidden Fees: While budget airlines might have cheap base fares, they can add up quickly with extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and meals. Always factor in those costs when comparing prices.

Conclusion: How to Find Cheap International Flights

Finding cheap international flights is part art and part science, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing the best deals out there. Remember, the key is flexibility, timing, and using the right tools. With a bit of planning and patience, your dream trip won’t have to break the bank.

Happy travels, and I hope these cheap flight hacks help you save big on your next adventure!