Got a sudden urge to fly somewhere this weekend? You don’t have to pay full price. With the right tricks you can snag a seat for a fraction of the normal fare. Below are the basics you need to know before you hit ‘search’.
Airlines usually release unsold seats 24‑48 hours before departure. That’s the sweet spot for cheap tickets. If you can be flexible with your travel day, set alerts for the day before you plan to fly. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest prices because business travellers have already booked and leisure travellers haven’t started their weekend trips yet.
Another trick is to check flights that depart late at night or very early in the morning. Those slots are less popular, so carriers often drop the price to fill the cabin.
Don’t rely on just one website. Use a mix of search engines, airline apps, and deal newsletters. Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature shows the cheapest destinations from your airport on a given date. Google Flights lets you track price changes and shows a calendar view of the lowest fares.
Many airlines have their own ‘last‑minute’ sections in the app – think Ryanair, EasyJet, and British Airways. These sections update in real time and sometimes hide deals that aren’t shown on larger aggregators.
Sign up for push notifications from apps like Hopper or Kayak. They’ll ping you when a price drops below a set threshold, saving you the hassle of checking manually.
Don’t forget to clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode. Some sites raise prices if they think you’ve searched the same route repeatedly.
Now that you know when and where to look, here are a few extra tips to keep the savings real.
Pack light. Low‑cost carriers charge for checked bags, and those fees can wipe out any ticket discount. Aim for a carry‑on to avoid surprise costs.
Be ready to book. The best deals disappear in minutes. Have your passport, payment details, and a rough itinerary ready so you can complete the purchase quickly.
Watch for hidden fees. Some “cheap” tickets exclude seat selection, food, or even airport taxes. Compare the total cost, not just the base fare.
Consider nearby airports. Flying out of a smaller airport a short drive away can mean lower fares and fewer crowds.
Finally, keep a flexible mindset. If your first choice is sold out or too pricey, look at alternative destinations. Often the cheapest last‑minute flight lands you in a city you hadn’t considered, opening up new travel experiences.
Grab these tips, set your alerts, and you’ll be ready to jump on a cheap flight the moment the price drops. Happy travelling!
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