What are the best strategies to find cheap flights in 2020?

**Flight Pricing Algorithms**: Airlines use sophisticated pricing algorithms that take into account various factors such as demand, time of booking, and competitor pricing.

This means that prices can fluctuate rapidly, sometimes even within the same day.

**Flexible Dates**: Booking flights with flexible travel dates can save you money.

Airfares for midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often lower than those for weekend flights due to decreased demand.

**Fare Comparison Tools**: Websites and apps like Google Flights or Skyscanner aggregate data from multiple airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices across a range of dates.

This can highlight significant savings available on specific days.

**Incognito Mode**: When searching for flights, using incognito mode in your browser can prevent websites from tracking your search history, which some claim can lead to price increases based on repeated searches.

**Set Fare Alerts**: Many flight search engines allow users to set fare alerts for specific routes.

This feature notifies you via email when there is a price drop, helping you snag a lower fare.

**Consider Nearby Airports**: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller or nearby airport can save you money.

Checking multiple airports for your destination can yield cheaper options.

**Book Early, But Not Too Early**: The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is generally between one to three months in advance.

For international flights, booking two to six months ahead can yield the best prices.

**Use Airline Newsletters**: Many airlines send exclusive deals and promotional codes through their newsletters.

Signing up can provide access to discounts not available on third-party sites.

**Hidden City Ticketing**: This controversial strategy involves booking a flight with a layover that you don’t intend to use, as the total fare may be cheaper than a direct flight.

However, this can violate airline policies and may carry risks.

**Use Points and Miles**: If you travel frequently, consider joining an airline loyalty program.

Accumulating points or miles through travel can lead to significant discounts or even free flights.

**Last-Minute Deals**: While booking in advance is often recommended, some airlines offer last-minute deals to fill empty seats.

This requires flexibility on your part regarding destinations and travel dates.

**Time of Year**: Certain times of the year are typically cheaper for flights.

For example, traveling during the off-peak season (like January or September for many destinations) can result in lower fares.

**Airline Alliances**: Many airlines are part of alliances (like Star Alliance or Oneworld), which allows for combined mileage and better pricing on international routes.

This can provide more options for cheaper connections.

**Economy vs.

Basic Economy**: Understanding the differences between economy and basic economy fares can help you choose the right ticket.

Basic economy offers lower prices but often comes with restrictions like no seat selection or boarding last.

**Fuel Prices**: Fluctuating fuel prices can impact ticket prices.

Airlines may adjust fares based on the cost of fuel, meaning that when fuel prices rise, flight prices may also increase.

**Weather Patterns**: Seasonal weather patterns can influence flight prices.

For example, flights to tropical destinations might be cheaper during hurricane season due to decreased demand.

**Revenue Management**: Airlines employ revenue management techniques, analyzing booking patterns and passenger data to optimize pricing strategies.

This complex system aims to maximize revenue based on flight occupancy rates.

**Impact of COVID-19**: The pandemic significantly altered airline pricing strategies, leading to lower fares and increased flexibility in booking and cancellations.

While some of these changes have stabilized, the industry continues to adapt.

**Route Networks**: Understanding specific airline route networks can help you identify cheaper flights.

Airlines often have hub cities where they concentrate their flights, which can lead to better pricing options for connecting flights.

**Carbon Footprint Awareness**: As awareness of climate change grows, airlines are implementing more transparent pricing structures that include environmental fees.

This trend may influence how travelers weigh the cost of flights against their carbon footprints.