What are the best hacks for finding the cheapest air tickets online?

**Flexible Dates Can Save You Money**: Airfare prices fluctuate significantly based on the day of the week and time of year.

If you can travel on weekdays rather than weekends, you may find lower fares.

This is due to supply and demand; airlines know that leisure travelers are more likely to fly on weekends.

**Use Incognito Mode**: Flight prices can increase based on your search history.

Browsing in incognito or private mode prevents cookies from tracking your searches, potentially keeping prices lower.

**Book in Advance**: Generally, booking flights 1 to 3 months in advance can yield better prices.

Airlines often release their cheapest seats first, with prices rising as the departure date approaches.

**Set Price Alerts**: Many flight search engines allow you to set price alerts for specific routes.

This means you will be notified when prices drop, allowing for timely booking.

**Consider Nearby Airports**: Major cities often have multiple airports.

Checking flights from nearby airports can sometimes uncover cheaper options.

**Use Flight Search Engines Wisely**: Websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights aggregate fare information from various airlines, helping you compare prices efficiently.

They also allow you to view flexible date options to find the best fares.

**Look for Mistake Fares**: Occasionally, airlines publish incorrect fares due to technical glitches.

While these fares can be rare and may not always be honored, if you find one, it can lead to significant savings.

**Join Loyalty Programs**: Frequent flyer programs can offer discounts, free flights, and upgrades.

Even if you don’t fly often, signing up can provide access to exclusive deals.

**Book Connecting Flights**: Sometimes, flights with layovers can be cheaper than direct flights.

This is often because airlines price direct routes higher due to demand.

**Check Multiple Booking Platforms**: Prices can vary across different travel booking websites.

Always compare several platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal.

**Use Credit Card Rewards**: Some credit cards offer travel rewards or points that can be redeemed for airfare.

Utilizing these can significantly reduce your travel costs.

**Travel During Off-Peak Seasons**: Prices are lower during off-peak travel times.

Researching the best times to visit your destination can lead to substantial savings.

**Sign Up for Airline Newsletters**: Airlines often share exclusive deals with their subscribers.

By signing up for newsletters, you may gain access to promotions before they are advertised to the general public.

**Be Aware of Price Drop Guarantees**: Some airlines and travel services offer guarantees that allow you to claim a refund if the price drops after you book.

This can provide peace of mind when securing a fare.

**Explore One-Way Tickets**: Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than purchasing a round-trip ticket.

This is especially true if you are open to using different carriers.

**Check the Cabin Configuration**: Understanding the seating layout of the aircraft can help you choose seats that are more comfortable or offer better legroom without additional costs.

**Book Flights on Tuesday or Wednesday**: Studies have shown that airlines often release deals early in the week, making Tuesday and Wednesday ideal for booking affordable flights.

**Utilize Social Media for Deals**: Airlines and travel companies often announce flash sales or special promotions on their social media channels.

Following them can keep you informed about the latest discounts.

**Consider Alternate Routes**: If flying directly to your destination is expensive, consider booking a flight to a nearby city and then taking a budget airline or ground transportation to your final destination.

**Research Airfare Trends**: Understanding the seasonality of flight prices can help you make informed decisions.

Certain routes see predictable price trends based on holidays and local events, allowing you to strategically plan your travel dates.