Finding the cheapest flight for your next trip is easier than you think. You just need to use the right tools like Trip.com, choose the appropriate date and look for flight deals. Here's how to do this step by step.
Use Flight Comparison Platforms to Compare Flight Prices
The first thing to do is to use a website that displays the prices of different airlines and booking websites. These websites put all the prices in one place, so you won't miss out on cheap deals.
- Trip.com Flight Search: Enter where you are departing from and where you are going. Click "Price Gragh" to view all flight prices. This website highlights the lowest prices for each date, and members usually can also get special discounts.
- Sort by price: Most websites will ask you to sort the results, showing the cheapest flights first. You can also filter out information such as "Direct flights only" or "budget airlines" to find the one that suits you best.
- Check nearby airports: Sometimes it can be cheaper to take off from or fly to a small airport near your city. For instance, if you are going to New York, try looking at the flights to Newark instead of John F. Kennedy International Airport - you might save money.
Book Cheapest Flights at the Right Time (and Be Flexible with Dates)
The time of booking a flight ticket and the flight date are very important for getting a cheap ticket.
- Book in advance, but not too early: For flights in your country, book 2 to 4 weeks before departure. International flights are best taken 6 to 8 weeks. Booking at the last minute (less than a week in advance) usually costs more, and booking more than six months in advance doesn't help much either.
- Use the flexible Date tool: On websites like Trip.com, click on "Flexible Dates" to view the price calendar. If you can adjust your itinerary by 1-2 days (for example, from Friday to Tuesday), you can save 10-30% of your money.
- Avoid peak hours: Air ticket prices are higher during holidays, school holidays and major events. Traveling during the off-season - such as to Europe in January or to the Caribbean in September - costs less.
Use Promotions, Discounts, and Loyalty Programs to Get Cheapest Flights
Make the most of promotional and reward programs to save money, which usually unlock exclusive low-priced flight tickets.
- Trip.com Promotions: Check out Trip.com's "Flight Deals" page to learn about limited-time promotions (e.g., "30% off Transatlantic Flights") and student discounts. The promotional codes they update weekly can be used at checkout to save extra costs.
- Airline loyalty program: Join Delta Air Lines' Miles Program or Co-Miles program. Members can participate in promotional activities in advance, check in their luggage for free, and get discounted tickets for reward flights.
- Student/senior citizen discount: Many airlines and apps offer discounted flights to students (with valid identification) or senior citizens (aged 65 and above). Verify your qualifications on the airline's website or booking platform.
Avoid Hidden Fees to Keep Flight Costs Low
A "cheap" flight may eventually cost more extra money, so take a look at these:
- Baggage fee: Budget airlines (such as Spirit Air or Ryanair) charge additional fees for carry-on or checked luggage. Compare the total cost (flights + expenses), not just the ticket price.
- Avoid peak hours: Flights between 7 and 9 a.m. or 5 and 7 p.m. are more expensive. Choose flights in the middle of the morning, in the afternoon or late at night. This way, it costs less.
- Use the right credit card: Some credit cards offer travel rewards (such as 3 points on flights) or waive overseas transaction fees, which reduces your total cost.
FAQs about Finding the Cheapest Flights for Your Trip
Is there a best day of the week to book flights for the lowest price?
While trends vary, studies show booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays often yields lower fares, as airlines adjust prices after weekend demand. However, the best day to fly (not book) is typically midweek (Tuesdays–Thursdays), when demand is lower than weekends.Do budget airlines always offer the cheapest flights?
Not always. Budget airlines (e.g., Spirit, Ryanair) often have low base fares but charge hefty fees for baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding. Compare total costs (fare + fees) with full-service airlines—sometimes a slightly higher base fare includes more perks and ends up cheaper overall.How far in advance should I book to get the cheapest international flights?
For international trips, the sweet spot is 6–8 weeks before departure. Fares tend to rise sharply 2–3 weeks before travel, so booking within this window helps lock in lower prices. For peak seasons (e.g., summer in Europe), book 3–4 months early.Are last-minute flights ever cheaper?
Rarely. Airlines usually raise prices for last-minute bookings (within 7 days of departure) to capitalize on urgent travelers. Exceptions exist for off-peak routes or unsold seats, but relying on last-minute deals is risky. For the cheapest fares, book in advance with flexible dates.