How to Find Cheap Flights Like a Professional

Who doesn't want to find cheap flights, especially with flight prices skyrocketing? 

A flight fare takes a chunk of your expenses when planning a trip. However, you can find cheap flights like a professional by using money-saving tactics, the right mindset, and tools.

You don't have to be a professional before you can enjoy affordable airfare. Pay4Me understands the struggle, and we have unpacked some tips for you.

Avoid the Cheap Flight Myths 

Myth #1: “Flights are cheap on Tuesdays."

Many of us have heard and read this online. For example, some experts claim you can get cheap flights on Sundays. But maybe, you have tried to snag a bargain in the wee hours of the morning and didn't make headway.

Don't be embarrassed, and you're not alone. However, you can get discount flights any day of the week. Furthermore, flight prices are constantly changing.  

Myth #2: “Are airlines tracking your searches?”

Let us put this myth to rest.

·         Can cookies increase your flight prices? You should not bother clearing your cookies. However, search directly with the airline or Google Flights to stay safe from tracking.

Keep Your Search Secret

When we repeatedly search for a flight price with a particular browser, our search leaves cookies that may influence our results. If you want to book cheap flights, search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the lowest prices. An incognito window allows you to start your flight search without cookies. 

Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Airlines can either lower or increase fares based on demand. As a result, you don't have to wait until the last second before you book your flight. However, do not book far in advance. You can book your flight at least two to three months before departure.

If you are travelling abroad for vacation, you can book five months ahead if you want a cheap flight.

You can avoid busy travel days like Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays because of the crowd, while the shoulder season (May through June and August through September) is your best friend. 

Meanwhile, you spend more on your flights during the peak summer and around Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Use Different Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to Search the Same Route

Pay4Me recommends trying at least three to four search websites before deciding on the flight to book. If you want to travel abroad, here are some booking engines to consider:

• Google Flights:   This flight search lets you see prices laid out on a map and calendar. 
• Skyscanner:   The platform offers flexibility with your search options and allows you to search different dates, entire months, or cheapest months. 
• Momondo:  With Momondo, you find the “best flights,” starting from the lowest price and shortest travel time. Also, you can search multi-city destinations and filter your results based on departure and arrival times, flight quality, air carriers, layovers, layover durations, airports, and aircraft.
• Kayak: Kayak helps you search for flight operators and show you prices from carriers and third-party sites.

Make sure you check the airline’s website itself before making your decision.

Flying Direct Can Cost More Money than Time

You should think beyond destinations and shift your dates to score big savings. Flexibility means that you can save more when you fly. Who doesn't want to fly nonstop? We do too. 

Sometimes taking an extra stop can pay off with savings so big that it's worth it – especially if you're crossing an ocean.

Use the 24-Hour Airline Rule to Your Advantage

Do you know that the 24-hour cancellation rule can save you some money? For example,

"The U.S. government has a federal law that requires airlines to provide a full, 100% refund for any flight that touches U.S. soil if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.”’

Important caveats to keep in mind:

·         U.S. regulations require airlines to offer a 24-hour refund policy or the option to lock or hold a flight at the current price – but not necessarily both.

·         Airlines are only required to offer a free cancellation window for flights booked at least seven days before departure.

·         Some major online travel agencies (OTAs), like Expedia, honour the 24-hour rule, but many smaller sites do not.

However, check with your booking engine to learn more about this rule. We believe these tips can help you travel without spending more.

Finally, do you want to make payments for your SEVIS, WES, visa fee, tuition fee, or application fees? Pay4Me App can help you make any of these payments without visiting the bank.