Never overpay for airfare with these 5 tips to get cheaper plane tickets

US travelers were able to take advantage of lower airfare in 2024 after a year marked by wildly inflated ticket prices. While prices have fallen overall, some destinations are becoming more expensive, especially at certain times of the year.

If you’re planning to fly soon, consider booking your flight now to save money. The “shoulder season”, the period immediately after the peak summer season, is usually the best time to score cheap flights.

I’ve already written about the top travel trends in 2024, and now I’ve compiled even more tips on how to save on airfare. Here’s what you need to know about how to get plane tickets for less than what’s on the sticker. From Cheapest day to fly to our selection for best travel credit cardswe’ll give you the tips you need to score cheap flights.

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Plan your flight midweek

Booking flights that depart and land on the weekend is expensive. According to Google FlightsThe most economical flights are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Tuesday considered the most economical day based on past flights. Choosing to fly early and midweek can result in savings of 13% to 20% on ticket prices compared to weekend flights on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday being the most expensive day to fly.

While Google Flights data suggests it’s not the best day to book flights, the actual day of your trip matters when it comes to cost. Avoid flying on weekends to get the best fares.

Consider a low-cost airline

If cost is a higher priority when flying, consider booking through a budget airline. Budget airlines are often smaller, less luxurious, and have fewer flight options, but they can also save you hundreds of dollars compared to larger airlines like American, United, and Delta.

Here is a list of low cost airlines in the US:

Budget airlines often require you to give up some amenities in favor of cheaper fares. For example, you’ll likely have to pay extra fees for carry-on luggage and other amenities that are typically provided free of charge by non-low-cost airlines. You’ll also have to pay to choose your seat on the plane or get one at random. It’s best to add up these fees to make sure you’re actually saving money in the long run.

However, skipping the conveniences of larger airlines can save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. Short-haul flights and occasional weekend trips are especially suitable for low-cost airlines.

Take advantage of one-way and connecting flights.

Booking one-way flights may not be as convenient as round-trip tickets, but it gives you more choice when it comes to price: you can book tickets from different airlines at the best rates on the days you plan to fly. For example, Delta may get you to your destination for less money, but American Airlines may be cheaper to fly home.

For greater savings, especially if you have a flexible schedule, consider booking a flight with one or more stops. It’s no surprise that connecting flights are cheaper than direct flights, but you may not realize just how significant the savings can be. Travelers can save 25% by booking a connecting flight instead of a direct flight. according to Google Flight data.

Use a travel credit card

You can use frequent flyer miles and bonus points from travel credit cards to save even more money. Travel credit cards reward you with points or miles for both travel and everyday spending. Once you’ve collected enough points or miles, you can redeem them for perks like airfare and hotel stays. A travel credit card may even give you extra points or miles when you use the card for travel purchases, but rates may vary.

Some airlines, such as United and Delta, have their own credit cards that pay with miles, which can be redeemed for “free” flights or upgrades, and may also offer perks such as priority boarding and free checked bags.

Try travel apps and features to find flight deals

Apps and automated features can make finding cheap flights easier. Travelers can use apps such as Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find airfare deals. Going uses software and flight experts to combine deals and mis-rates (when an airline or travel agency misprices a plane ticket that’s far less than it’s worth) with discounts of up to 90%, then emails those tickets to members with a discount.

Google Flights also recently introduced a new tab “Cheapest” on its platform to help travelers save money and easily find super-cheap flights. To get started, you simply need to enter your travel details and click the Cheapest tab to view the cheapest options available.

For more travel tips, see: find out if travel insurance is worth the cost And Expert advice on choosing and packing hand luggage.