11 strategies to find cheap airfare
Editor's Note
Purchasing airfare can be complicated, and it often takes a lot of patience to find the best possible ticket prices.
If you're willing to put in a little time and forethought, however, you can reap some great benefits and find some great deals on both far-flung and nearby destinations.
To help you snag a great price on your next trip, we gathered our best tried-and-true strategies for finding the most affordable airfare prices.
Related: Key tools and tips to find the cheapest airfare
While every situation is unique and all of these strategies may not apply every time you fly, we've tried our best to give you as many methods and tips as possible to help you save money. However, keep in mind your mileage may vary based on your desired route(s) or planned date(s) of travel.
Regardless of where or when you're going, bookmark this story to easily reference these strategies for finding cheap airfare.
Start with Google Flights
When shopping for a flight, you'll first want to determine which airlines operate on the route you hope to travel. This will help you better understand the average prices.
Instead of visiting each airline's website individually, search an aggregator site like Google Flights, which shows numerous airlines' prices for a particular route.
Google Flights is a robust search tool that shows pricing based on travel dates and routes. It also displays alternate pricing via a date grid and price graph, and it can show variations in average prices over time.
Understanding these reference points can help you spot when you're getting a deal and when you should wait for prices to drop further.
Among Google Flights' many features, you can set up tracking alerts to receive email notifications if fare prices for your desired route drop. Alternatively, you can enter your city of origin and desired travel dates and see prices for flights worldwide.
Related: What you need to know about using Google Flights for award flight searches
Remember that Google Flights is not a booking platform, so you can't make a reservation or pay for your ticket through the site.
When you click on a flight you want to book, it will take you to that airline's website to complete your booking. At this point, it's usually good practice to also sign up for the airline's loyalty program if it has one.
Don't be afraid of budget airlines
If you are looking for cheap airfare, there is one sure way to find it: through ultra-low-cost airlines.
Carriers like Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air and Avelo Airlines consistently offer round-trip flights for between $50 and $100 — and sometimes even less.
Related: Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
There are no bells or whistles on budget flights. If you think you'll miss having complimentary pretzels or soda on your flight, pack your own snack. Bring a book or download a podcast to deal with the lack of Wi-Fi, and fill up a reusable water bottle after you pass through security.
Note: Low-cost airlines are best avoided if you need to check baggage and can't travel with only a carry-on. Budget airlines usually charge for carry-on luggage as well as checked suitcases. However, it's still worth checking to see if the combined price of your luggage and airfare is cheaper than flying another carrier offering free checked luggage.
Search one-way and round-trip flights
Generally, round-trip tickets are cheaper than purchasing two one-way flights, but there are exceptions to every rule.
For example, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines typically price their tickets on a one-way basis; a round-trip flight is simply the sum of the two one-way prices. You may occasionally get the best round-trip deal by pairing two one-way tickets, potentially by flying with two different airlines.
Remember, Google Flights is a terrific tool to show you when separate one-ways could be the cheapest option.
Just be aware that booking two one-way flights does carry some risk if you need to cancel or change your trip. Say you book outbound and return flights on different carriers, and both charge $200 change or cancellation fees; you'll be hit twice if you need to adjust your travel plans.
Changing both ends of a round-trip flight booked on a single airline would only incur that fee once (or not at all if you book with an airline that doesn't charge change fees).
Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees
Search 1 seat at a time
There's a little-known quirk in how airlines price seats that can result in much higher prices when searching for multiple passengers versus a single ticket. Airlines place their inventory in fare classes (sometimes called "buckets") that aren't always clearly visible to consumers.
For example, there might be only three seats left in a fare bucket for $300 each, and the next bucket might be $400 per ticket. However, if you were to search for four seats, everyone would fall into the $400 fare bucket.
You'll see one of the three remaining $300 tickets by searching for a single seat. With a little trial and error, you'd then know to book one reservation for three tickets at $300 each and another for the fourth ticket at $400. In this example, applying this simple strategy would save you $300 on what you'd pay by booking all four seats on a single reservation.
Many airlines will even tell you how many are left at that price to make this a bit easier. Take the below flight from New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Miami International Airport (MIA) on Delta Air Lines for example.
If you searched for six or more tickets, the price of that one-way flight would jump about $30 per passenger. This trick also works when you need to book multiple award flights.
If you use this trick, remember to call customer service after booking so they can link your reservations. This should stop your party from being separated if you experience delays or cancellations and need to be rebooked on a new flight.
Search alternative airports
Sometimes, the cost of a flight from your regular airport is so high that it can make sense to use a second — or perhaps third — choice of airport. Many airlines allow you to search all airports in a region by specifying the destination as the city instead of a particular airport or by ticking a box marked "search nearby airports."
For example, the New York area has three large airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LGA. However, you'll find even more flights if you expand your search to nearby Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Westchester County Airport (HPN) and New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Orange County.
When you use Google Flights, you can enter your origin and destination cities instead of a specific airport name. This opens up more — and possibly cheaper — flight options.
Leverage elite status
Having elite status won't get you discounted tickets, but you might be able to use it to save money elsewhere. Most carriers allow elite status holders to stand by for earlier flights or perform same-day confirmed flight changes. Southwest offers same-day standby to all passengers.
This could allow you to book a discounted flight at an inconvenient time and change it to the flight you want at no additional cost. Even if you don't have elite status, the charge to stand by or make a same-day confirmed flight change might be less than the fare difference between the flight you want and the cheapest option that day. Be prepared to take your original flight, though, because there is always a chance the flight you hope to take will be fully booked.
For details on the major airlines' elite status programs, check out the following guides:
- American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
- Delta Medallion status: What it is and how to earn it
- United Premier status: What it is and how to earn it
- Alaska Airlines MVP elite status: What it is and how to earn it
- Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it
Use the right credit card
The right credit card can offer significant savings on airfare in various ways. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers 5 points per dollar spent on all airfare purchases made directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar).
Other Amex cards, including the American Express® Green Card and the American Express® Gold Card, also have elevated points earnings for flights.
Related: Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
You can also bring the cost of a flight down by applying American Express Membership Rewards points to the cost of your flight. If you have a stash of points, you can apply them to flights booked through the Amex Travel portal or transfer them to a participating airline. This can be a helpful tool to save money when cash prices are high for your preferred flights.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Check first class
Don't ask us why, but once in a blue moon, you may find a first-class ticket that's very close to — or sometimes even less than — the price of a ticket in economy class. Some possible explanations are that people forget to check the price of first-class seats and that many companies don't allow their employees to book them, even when they're less expensive. Also, discounted first-class fares might exist when only full-fare economy-class tickets are for sale.
Related: Are first-class tickets worth the splurge?
Either way, always check the price of a first-class ticket before paying for an above-average economy-class fare. When you factor in the additional miles you will receive and the free baggage allowance, lounge access and inflight amenities, it may justify a modest premium in fare.
Look for coupons and other offers
Like any business, airlines occasionally offer coupons and other discounts. For example, your Amex Offers could feature airline rebates, or you could save money with an all-you-can-fly pass like those offered by Frontier. Other low-cost carriers like Southwest often offer flight deals that can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare.
Buy miles
When faced with an expensive fare and a shortage of miles, consider buying the miles you need for an award ticket, especially when they are on sale. It rarely makes sense to purchase miles without a bonus and a specific award in mind; however, when you can save money by purchasing miles and immediately redeeming them for an award flight, it can be a great idea.
Reprice, reprice, reprice
Many airlines allow you to rebook your airfare if the price drops after you book your flight. For example, if the price of your Southwest flight drops after your initial booking, you can rebook your flight and receive a credit or a cash refund, depending on your fare type.
Delta, American Airlines and United Airlines also have a "no-change-fee" policy for most flights and fare types. Once you book, check for fare drops regularly and snag that refund if the price drops.
Bottom line
Purchasing airfare can be complicated. Thankfully, you can use several simple strategies to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for booking flights. Even if you use just two or three of these methods, you'll be well on your way to finding the best flight prices for your next trip.
Related reading:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.