Cheap International Flights: How To Find The Best Deals

Hey guys! Planning an international trip but stressing about those expensive flight tickets? Don't worry; you're not alone! Finding cheap international flights from the US can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it’s totally doable. With the right strategies and a bit of patience, you can snag some amazing deals and save a ton of money for your adventures. Let's dive into the best ways to find affordable flights and make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the easiest ways to cut down on flight costs is to be flexible with your travel dates. I cannot stress this enough, guys. Flying on certain days of the week or during specific times of the year can drastically change the price of your ticket. Generally, mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) are cheaper than weekend flights. This is because business travelers often fly on Mondays and Fridays, driving up the demand and prices. Also, consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder season.

• Off-season: This is the time of year when fewer tourists visit a destination, usually due to weather or other factors. For example, traveling to Europe in the winter (excluding the Christmas holiday season) can be significantly cheaper than visiting in the summer. You might encounter colder weather or fewer daylight hours, but you'll also enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodations and activities.
• Shoulder season: This is the sweet spot between peak and off-season. The weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner, and prices are lower. For many destinations, the shoulder season falls in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). By being flexible with your dates and considering these less popular times, you can often find significantly cheaper flights and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.

Use flight search engines that offer a flexible date search option. These tools allow you to see a calendar view of flight prices, making it easy to identify the cheapest days to fly. Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are excellent resources for this. Just enter your departure and arrival cities, select the flexible dates option, and watch the magic happen. You might be surprised at how much you can save by shifting your travel dates by just a few days!

2. Use Flight Search Engines and Comparison Websites

Speaking of flight search engines, these are your best friends when hunting for cheap international flights. Don't rely on just one website; use several to compare prices and find the best deals. Each search engine has its own algorithms and sources, so you might find different prices on different platforms. Some of the most popular and reliable flight search engines include:

• Google Flights: A powerful tool that allows you to track prices, explore destinations on a map, and see price trends. Google Flights is great for getting an overview of available options and identifying the cheapest dates to fly.
• Skyscanner: Known for its flexible search options and ability to find deals on a wide range of airlines, including budget carriers. Skyscanner also offers a monthly view, allowing you to see the cheapest month to travel to your desired destination.
• Momondo: Often touted for finding some of the lowest prices, Momondo searches a vast database of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals. It also has a unique feature that predicts the best time to book based on historical data.
• Kayak: Offers a variety of search options, including the ability to search for flights to multiple destinations at once. Kayak also provides price alerts to notify you when the price of a flight changes.
• Kiwi.com: Specializes in finding unique flight combinations, often involving multiple airlines, to offer the lowest possible prices. Kiwi.com can be particularly useful for complex itineraries or when traveling to less common destinations.

When using these search engines, be sure to clear your browser's cache and cookies or use a private browsing mode. Some websites track your searches and may increase prices slightly when you return to search again. By starting fresh with each search, you can ensure that you're seeing the most accurate and unbiased prices.

3. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines, also known as low-cost carriers, can be a fantastic option for finding cheap international flights. These airlines often offer significantly lower fares than traditional airlines by cutting out many of the frills. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks and hidden costs before booking. Some popular budget airlines for international travel include:

• Norwegian Air: Offers long-haul flights between the US and Europe at competitive prices.
• WOW Air (now defunct, but keep an eye out for similar new airlines): Was known for its ultra-low fares to Iceland and Europe.
• Ryanair (primarily within Europe): One of the largest budget airlines in Europe, offering a vast network of routes at very low prices.
• EasyJet (primarily within Europe): Another major European budget airline with a wide range of destinations.
• AirAsia (primarily within Asia): A leading budget airline in Asia, offering affordable flights to various destinations across the region.

When flying with budget airlines, keep the following in mind:

• Baggage fees: Budget airlines typically charge extra for checked baggage and sometimes even for carry-on bags. Be sure to check the baggage allowance and fees before booking to avoid surprises at the airport.
• Seat selection: You may have to pay extra to select your seat. If you don't mind where you sit, you can save money by letting the airline assign you a seat at check-in.
• Food and drinks: Budget airlines usually don't offer complimentary meals or drinks. You can purchase them on board, but they tend to be expensive. Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks to save money.
• Airport location: Some budget airlines fly into smaller, less convenient airports. Be sure to factor in the cost and time required to travel from the airport to your final destination.

Despite these potential drawbacks, budget airlines can be a great way to save money on cheap international flights, especially if you're willing to travel light and forego some of the usual airline amenities. Just be sure to do your research and factor in all potential costs before booking.

4. Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!)

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. While it's generally a good idea to book in advance, booking too early can sometimes backfire. Airlines often release tickets months in advance, but the initial prices may not be the lowest. The sweet spot for booking international flights is typically 2-8 months before your departure date. This allows you to take advantage of early bird discounts while still having enough time to monitor prices and snag a deal.

However, keep in mind that this is just a general guideline. The best time to book can vary depending on the destination, time of year, and other factors. For example, if you're traveling during peak season or to a popular destination, it's generally best to book closer to the 8-month mark. If you're traveling during the off-season or to a less popular destination, you might be able to wait a bit longer and still find a good deal.

To help you track price fluctuations and determine the best time to book, consider using price alert tools offered by flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. These tools allow you to set up email notifications that will alert you when the price of a flight changes. This way, you can stay informed and be ready to pounce when the price drops to your desired level.

5. Consider Alternative Airports

Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller, less popular airport can save you a significant amount of money. Major international airports often have higher fees and taxes, which can drive up the price of flights. By considering alternative airports, you might be able to find cheaper flights and avoid some of the crowds and hassles associated with larger airports. For example, if you're flying to London, consider flying into Gatwick (LGW) or Stansted (STN) instead of Heathrow (LHR). These airports are located outside of central London but are well-connected by public transportation.

Similarly, if you're flying to New York City, consider flying into Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA) instead of JFK. These airports may offer cheaper flights and can sometimes be more convenient depending on your final destination. When searching for flights, be sure to select the option to search for flights to nearby airports. This will allow you to see all available options and compare prices.

Keep in mind that traveling to or from an alternative airport may require additional travel time and expense. Be sure to factor in the cost of transportation between the airport and your final destination when comparing prices. However, in many cases, the savings on the flight itself can more than offset the additional transportation costs.

6. Be Open to Connecting Flights

Direct flights are undoubtedly convenient, but they often come at a premium. If you're willing to endure a layover or two, you can often find significantly cheaper flights. Connecting flights can be a great way to save money, especially on long-haul international routes. When searching for flights, be sure to consider options with layovers in different cities. Sometimes, breaking up your journey into multiple segments can result in a lower overall fare.

However, it's essential to factor in the potential drawbacks of connecting flights. Layovers can be tiring and can increase the risk of missed connections or delayed baggage. Be sure to allow enough time between flights to account for potential delays and to give yourself time to transfer between terminals. Also, check the baggage policy of the airlines involved in your connecting flights to ensure that your luggage will be transferred correctly.

If you're concerned about the potential hassles of connecting flights, consider choosing flights with longer layovers. This will give you more time to relax, explore the airport, or even venture out into the city if you have enough time. Some airports offer free city tours for passengers with long layovers, which can be a great way to see a new place without spending any extra money.

7. Sign Up for Email Alerts and Loyalty Programs

Airline loyalty programs and email alerts can be valuable resources for finding cheap international flights. By signing up for these programs, you can earn miles or points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other travel perks. You'll also receive email alerts about special promotions, discounts, and flash sales. Many airlines offer exclusive deals to their loyalty program members, so it's worth signing up even if you don't fly frequently.

In addition to airline loyalty programs, consider signing up for email alerts from flight search engines and travel agencies. These alerts will notify you of price drops, special deals, and other opportunities to save money on flights. Be sure to customize your alerts to specify your preferred destinations, travel dates, and budget. This will ensure that you receive relevant and timely information.

Keep in mind that some email alerts may contain spam or irrelevant offers. Be sure to use a reputable email provider and to unsubscribe from any alerts that you no longer find useful. However, by carefully curating your email alerts and staying informed about the latest deals, you can significantly increase your chances of finding cheap international flights.

Conclusion

Finding cheap international flights from the US requires a combination of flexibility, research, and patience. By being open to different travel dates, considering alternative airports, and using flight search engines and comparison websites, you can significantly increase your chances of snagging a great deal. Don't be afraid to fly with budget airlines, book in advance (but not too early!), and be open to connecting flights. And be sure to sign up for email alerts and loyalty programs to stay informed about the latest promotions and discounts. With these strategies in mind, you'll be well on your way to planning your dream international trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels, guys!