12 Ways to Find Cheap Flight Deals in 2025
Finding cheap flights in 2025 is easier than you think. With fuel prices stabilizing and airline competition growing, airfare costs are dropping. Technology also plays a big role – tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and FlightsFinder help you compare prices and track deals effortlessly. Here’s a quick rundown of the best ways to save:
- Use flight comparison websites like Kayak and Google Flights to compare prices.
- Check budget airlines for low-cost options, but watch for extra fees.
- Set fare alerts with apps like Skyscanner to track price drops.
- Book early (54–119 days before departure) for the best rates.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and consider midweek flights.
- Leverage airline miles and loyalty programs for discounts or free flights.
- Sign up for airline newsletters to get exclusive deals and flash sales.
How to Book Cheap Flights 2025 – Tips that Actually Work
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites in 2025 make it easier than ever to find great deals by pulling real-time prices from airlines and travel agencies. They use advanced tools to show you a range of flight options at competitive rates.
Popular Flight Comparison Platforms:
| Website | Features |
|---|---|
| KAYAK | Flexible date search, price predictions, great for detailed price checks |
| Skyscanner | Fare alerts, “everywhere” search, focuses on international routes |
| Google Flights | Price history graphs, destination search, tools for schedule flexibility |
| FlightsFinder | Combines results from multiple comparison sites for broader searches |
Using multiple platforms can help you uncover better deals since each one may have different airline partnerships [2].
Tips for Getting the Best Deals:
- Set up fare alerts to monitor price changes
- Use flexible date tools to find cheaper travel days
- Check for hidden fees before finalizing your booking
- Double-check the credibility of travel agents if redirected from the site [2]
For a broader search, platforms like FlightsFinder gather results from other comparison sites, giving you access to even more options [2]. Once you’ve compared prices, take a moment to look at budget airlines – they can often provide extra savings.
2. Check Budget Airlines
Budget airlines have changed the way we travel, offering lower base fares by simplifying their services. Airlines like Spirit Airlines (US), Ryanair (Europe), AirAsia (Southeast Asia), Avelo Airlines (US), and Play Airlines (Europe) keep prices low by letting passengers pay only for the extras they want, such as baggage or meals.
However, these savings come with a catch: extra fees. Charges for things like checked luggage, seat selection, and in-flight food can add up quickly. To avoid surprises, always calculate the total cost, including these extras, before booking.
Tips for Booking on a Budget:
- Travel light to skip baggage fees
- Fly during off-peak times for cheaper fares
- Book directly on the airline’s website to dodge third-party fees
“Budget airlines follow the same safety standards as major carriers, ensuring passenger safety at lower costs.”
Want to save even more? Use fare tracking apps to monitor price changes and snag deals as soon as they appear. Always compare the final price – not just the base fare – before hitting “book.”
3. Use Fare Tracking Apps
Fare tracking apps make finding flight deals easier by automating the process of monitoring airfare prices. These tools scan airline websites and travel agencies around the clock, sending you alerts when prices drop for your chosen routes.
Popular Fare Tracking Apps for 2025:
| App Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Google Flights | Price history charts, booking tips |
| Skyscanner | Flexible date search, multi-city options |
| Kayak | Fare predictions, customizable alerts |
Set up alerts for specific routes and dates to stay updated on price changes. For instance, if you’re planning a trip from New York to Barcelona, you can create alerts for various dates. The app will notify you as soon as fares drop, saving you both time and money.
Features That Make These Apps Handy:
- Tools that predict the best times to book
- Historical data to help spot trends
- Instant push notifications for price drops
“Fare tracking apps outperform manual checks by providing real-time price alerts” [1]
While these apps are highly effective, don’t rely solely on them. Some airlines offer exclusive deals only on their websites, which these apps might not catch [2]. To cover all bases, set up alerts on multiple apps and check airline sites directly. This combination boosts your chances of finding the lowest fares without spending hours searching.
4. Book at the Best Times
Timing makes a big difference when it comes to saving on airfare. For most routes, the ideal booking window is between 54 and 119 days before departure [4]. Plan 3–4 months ahead for peak seasons, 2–3 months for off-peak travel, and 4–5 months if you’re flying during the holidays.
Certain days and times can also help you save. Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, especially early in the morning or late at night, often come with lower prices [2]. Midweek flights are generally cheaper than weekend ones. For holiday travel, flying just before or after the busiest dates can help you avoid paying a premium [3].
Airlines adjust prices based on demand and competition, which is why shoulder seasons – the time between peak and off-peak periods – often offer better deals. While specific booking days are less important with modern pricing systems, being flexible with your travel dates is still a major advantage [3].
“Being proactive and monitoring fare trends closely while using a combination of fare tracking tools and airline loyalty programs can maximize savings on flight bookings” [1]
If you’re planning holiday travel, booking early is a must. Airlines release tickets up to 11 months in advance, so locking in your plans early can help you secure better prices for high-demand periods [4][5].
Lastly, consider alternative options like positioning flights – these can sometimes lead to even bigger savings.
5. Consider Positioning Flights
Positioning flights involve flying to a nearby hub airport first, then connecting to your final destination. This can often cut airfare costs by 30-40%, making it a smart option for travelers looking to save money without sacrificing too much convenience.
European airports like Amsterdam (AMS), Istanbul (IST), and Frankfurt (FRA) are known for offering cheaper onward connections. For instance, if you’re flying from New York to Prague, booking separate flights through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines could save you a significant chunk of your budget compared to flying directly.
Here’s a quick comparison to show the potential savings:
| Route Option | Typical Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Direct: NYC to Paris | $800-1000 | 7-8 hours |
| Positioning: NYC to London + London to Paris | $500-700 | 9-11 hours |
When planning positioning flights, pay attention to layover times (aim for at least 3 hours for international connections), baggage rules, and whether you’ll need a transit visa.
“Using airline miles and points can be a great way to book positioning flights, especially if you have accumulated points on a specific airline” [1]
For the second leg of your journey, budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet are excellent choices. Pair these with fare alerts for hub airports to get the best deals. Just remember to factor in extra costs like accommodation or transfer fees when comparing with direct flight options.
Want to save even more? Combine positioning flights with airline miles or points to bring those costs down even further.
6. Use Airline Miles and Points
Airline loyalty programs can help you save big on flights – or even score a free ticket. The trick? Smartly earning and redeeming miles. Credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred are a great place to start. They let you earn points that can be transferred to various airline partners [1].
Here’s a quick look at how miles can compare to cash prices for some popular routes:
| Route | Cash Price | Miles Required |
|---|---|---|
| NYC to London (Economy) | $800 | 60,000 miles |
| LA to Tokyo (Business) | $3,500 | 120,000 miles |
| Chicago to Paris (Premium) | $1,800 | 85,000 miles |
Want to get the most from your miles? Try these tips:
- Stick to one airline alliance: This helps you rack up miles faster.
- Use airline-affiliated credit cards: Pay everyday expenses with these cards to earn miles.
- Take advantage of partner offers: Earn extra miles through hotel stays and car rentals.
“Airline loyalty programs are designed to reward frequent flyers while driving customer retention.”
Miles are generally valued at about 1.3 cents each, but you can often stretch their worth further with promotional awards [2]. For example, using miles to upgrade from economy to premium cabins can give you a better return while making your trip more comfortable.
Keep an eye on program updates, as airlines often tweak their redemption rates and policies. Staying informed through airline newsletters and websites can help you catch promotions and uncover more ways to save on travel. Combining these strategies can make premium travel much more affordable.
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7. Subscribe to Airline Newsletters
Signing up for airline newsletters in 2025 gives you early access to deals like flash sales and promo codes. On average, subscribers save about 15% on flights compared to those who don’t subscribe [1]. Airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines frequently share exclusive offers through their newsletters. For example, American Airlines’ AAdvantage newsletter offers special promo codes and early sale access, while Delta’s SkyMiles newsletter highlights route-specific discounts you won’t find advertised elsewhere.
Why Sign Up for Newsletters?
- Discounts from 20-40% during flash sales
- Promotions tailored to specific routes
- Exclusive discount codes for subscribers
- Early access to sales before they go public
To make the most of these offers, create a dedicated email folder for newsletters and set up filters to keep them out of your spam folder. Since most airlines send updates weekly or monthly, staying on top of deals is manageable without being overwhelming.
“Travel experts often recommend subscribing to multiple airline newsletters to increase your chances of finding great deals. They also suggest setting up email filters to prioritize these emails and acting fast to grab limited-time offers.”
These deals can sell out quickly, sometimes within hours, so it’s best to book as soon as you find an offer that works for your travel plans. Pairing these newsletter deals with fare tracking apps and flexible booking strategies can help you save even more on flights throughout the year.
Don’t forget to check airline websites directly for additional hidden deals.
8. Visit Airline Websites
Third-party booking sites are convenient, but airlines often offer exclusive deals when you book directly. This can be a great way to snag lower fares while enjoying perks you won’t find elsewhere.
Why Book Directly?
- Exclusive promotions only available on airline websites
- More flexible cancellation policies
- Direct access to airline customer service
- Discounts on specific routes
- Extra benefits through loyalty programs
Major airlines sometimes run special discounts for layover routes or specific destinations, which are often better than what third-party sites can offer [1]. Some of these deals, like reduced fares for certain routes, might not even be advertised anywhere else [1].
To catch these offers, check airline websites for time-sensitive deals. Visiting during off-peak hours can sometimes reveal fresh discounts [1][4].
“While flight comparison websites like Kayak and Skyscanner are powerful tools for finding cheap flights, they might not always include special offers available directly on airline websites” [1][2].
After using comparison sites to identify potential routes, head to the airline’s site to see if they have extra discounts [2][4]. Don’t forget to explore multiple airlines covering your route – each one might have different deals or promotions.
Booking directly with airlines is just one way to save. Combine this with strategies like fare tracking and flexible travel dates to get the most out of your budget. And if you’re planning accommodations, consider bundling them with your flight for even more savings.
9. Look for Package Deals
Booking flights, hotels, and car rentals together can often save you money compared to booking each separately. Platforms like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity specialize in offering these bundled deals, which can cut your travel costs by as much as 25%.
Tips for Booking Packages:
- Compare prices on various travel sites.
- Experiment with different travel dates to find better rates.
- Check for extras like breakfast or airport transfers.
- Travel during less busy times for even lower prices.
These deals are especially useful during slower travel periods (like November to March for European trips), when airlines and hotels are eager to fill seats and rooms with discounted offers.
“Package deals often offer greater convenience by simplifying the booking process and providing a single point of contact for all travel arrangements” [1].
Things to Watch Out For:
- Extra fees or hidden charges for certain services.
- Fewer options for flights and hotels.
- Restrictions on changes or cancellations.
For 2025, many travel providers are offering more flexible packages, allowing you to mix and match flights, accommodations, and transportation to suit your needs. Bundling your travel plans not only saves money but also makes trip planning easier.
Want to save even more? Being flexible with your travel dates can open up additional opportunities for great deals. Let’s dive into how adjusting your schedule can make a big difference.
10. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Adjusting your travel dates can be one of the easiest ways to find cheaper flights in 2025. Airfare often varies significantly depending on the day you fly, especially during peak and off-peak times.
For instance, opting for a Tuesday departure instead of a Friday on a New York to Barcelona flight might save you up to $200 [1].
Smart Timing Tips
- Holiday Flights: Traveling on holidays like Christmas Day can often be cheaper than flying the days before or after [3].
- Off-Peak Periods: Book flights during less busy travel seasons when airlines lower prices to fill seats. This is especially true for international trips.
Tools like Google Flights’ price graph and Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ view can simplify the process. These features let you compare fares across multiple dates, helping you spot the best deals for your budget [2].
When to Fly for Better Deals
- Flights during weekdays are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
- Early morning or late-night flights often come with lower fares.
- Mid-week departures, like Wednesdays, tend to be more affordable than Mondays or Fridays [3].
Pro Tip: Search for flights within a 2-3 day window around your preferred dates. Even slight changes can result in noticeable savings.
To get the best prices, combine flexible travel dates with other strategies like fare alerts and package deals. Once you’ve pinpointed your ideal dates, using discount travel platforms can help you save even more on your trip [4].
11. Use Discount Travel Sites
Websites like FlightsFinder and Secret Flying specialize in finding airfare deals that traditional platforms might miss. FlightsFinder compares prices across major aggregators, while Secret Flying is known for spotting error fares. These tools can help you save hundreds on flights, especially when combined with strategies like fare alerts and flexible travel dates.
Popular Discount Travel Platforms
Platforms like Secret Flying and Airfarewatchdog are great at identifying error fares and special airline promotions. They highlight daily deals and notify users about rare pricing opportunities, offering more than just basic price comparisons [1].
Tips for Booking Smart
To make the most of discount travel sites, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for deals daily, as many are time-sensitive.
- Verify prices directly with airlines to avoid hidden fees or discrepancies.
- Pay attention to layover times, baggage policies, and visa requirements.
Error fares, especially on premium tickets like business class to Europe, can disappear within hours [1]. These platforms are particularly effective for tracking specific routes and finding last-minute offers.
Things to Keep in Mind
While these sites can save you money, it’s wise to cross-check prices across multiple platforms since no single site always has the lowest fares [2]. To maximize savings, combine these tools with other strategies, such as using points to upgrade discounted tickets or booking positioning flights from major hub airports [1][3].
“Travel experts often recommend subscribing to multiple airline newsletters to increase your chances of finding great deals. They also suggest setting up email filters to prioritize these emails and acting fast to grab limited-time offers.”
Once you’ve found a great deal, booking early can help lock in the best rates for your trip.
12. Book Flights Early
Booking your flights ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to save on airfare. Data from Skyscanner shows that locking in tickets during the right time frame can cut costs by up to 10% compared to waiting until the last minute [2]. For domestic trips, aim to book 2-3 months before your departure. For international travel, plan even further ahead – 3 to 6 months is ideal [1].
Certain days of the week – like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays – often have better prices because airlines release promotions and there’s less competition for seats [4]. To stay on top of deals, use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to set up price alerts and explore flexible date options. These features let you monitor your route and zero in on the cheapest travel dates within your timeframe [4].
“The key to successful early booking is combining timing with active price monitoring. Setting up alerts across multiple platforms ensures you won’t miss out on price drops during the optimal booking window.” [1]
Many airlines offer 24-hour cancellation policies, which means you can lock in a good price while continuing to search for even better deals [1]. Pair this strategy with others in this guide, and you’ll consistently find the best airfare for your trips.
Conclusion
By 2025, getting affordable flights will require a mix of smart tools, good timing, and thoughtful planning to keep up with changes in the airline industry. With technology making it easier to find deals and growing competition driving prices lower, travelers have more ways than ever to save money.
Meta-search engines help you compare options quickly, while fare tracking apps and price alerts put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to booking decisions. Pair these tools with careful planning, and navigating today’s airfare challenges becomes much simpler.
Tips to save on flights:
- Compare prices across multiple websites and grab deals fast
- Be flexible with your travel dates and routes
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and positioning flights
- Set up alerts to track price drops across platforms
- Look into alternative airports and budget airlines
The airline industry is shifting, with major carriers boosting premium offerings and budget airlines focusing on cutting costs. This makes it even more important to plan ahead and take advantage of every resource at your disposal.
“The key to successful flight booking is combining timing with active price monitoring. Setting up alerts across multiple platforms ensures you won’t miss out on price drops during the optimal booking window.” [1]
FAQs
How to search for mistake fares?
Mistake fares are rare, but they can save you a lot on airfare. These happen when airlines accidentally list tickets at much lower prices – often due to technical issues or human error. While not always guaranteed, airlines sometimes honor these fares as a goodwill gesture.
Tips for Finding Mistake Fares:
- Use tools you already rely on for tracking regular fares to monitor sudden price drops.
- Try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature to spot unusual pricing trends.
- Set up price alerts for specific routes you’re interested in.
- Act fast – mistake fares usually disappear within hours.
Booking Smartly: Once you spot a mistake fare, book the ticket immediately. However, hold off on making additional travel arrangements until the airline confirms your booking. Keep a copy of your booking details for reference.
Helpful Tools and Strategies: Regular flight search tools work well, but focus on features tailored for spotting mistake fares:
- Alerts for sudden price changes.
- Flexible date searches to identify pricing irregularities.
- Meta-search tools to compare prices across different platforms.
Combine mistake fare hunting with other cost-saving tactics, like staying flexible with travel dates and monitoring multiple platforms, to increase your chances of scoring great deals [2][6].
