There is no secret trick that guarantees the lowest fare, but a few steady habits tend to save money. Most of them depend on flexibility rather than luck.
Be flexible on dates
Fares can differ noticeably between neighbouring days. Use the flexible-date or calendar view on comparison sites and check whether flying a day earlier or later helps.
Compare more than the headline price
- Add baggage, seat selection and airport transfer costs
- Compare nearby airports, including ground transport
- Check the airline’s own site after using a comparison tool
- Look at total travel time, since a very cheap fare with a long layover has a cost too
Set alerts and book with a plan
Price alerts let you watch a route without checking every day. When a fare falls within your budget, book it rather than waiting for a further drop. Read the cancellation and change rules before paying.