12 Must-Know Travel Hacks for Scoring the Best Airfare Prices

How to Find the Lowest Airfare Possible for International Travel

Traveling internationally is an exciting adventure, but airfare can be a significant cost. Fortunately, with the right strategies and tools, you can find the lowest fares possible and make your travel dreams more affordable. Here’s how:

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Airfare prices fluctuate based on the time of year, day of the week, and even the time of day. Generally, mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are cheaper, and flying during off-peak seasons can also save you money. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.com to search across multiple dates and identify the best times to fly.

2. Use Fare Alerts and Track Prices

Setting up fare alerts on platforms like Cheapoair, Aviasales, and Google Flights is crucial. These tools monitor your chosen routes and notify you when prices drop. Additionally, tracking flight prices over time can help you catch a significant discount. Kiwi.com also offers a unique feature that pieces together the cheapest routes by combining different airlines, sometimes offering fares not available through traditional search engines.

3. Consider Nearby Airports

Sometimes flying into or out of a nearby airport can save you a significant amount of money. Major cities often have multiple airports, and smaller or alternative airports might offer cheaper fares. Use Aviasales to check options at nearby airports or even consider landing in a neighboring country and using low-cost regional transport to reach your final destination.

4. Book in Advance (But Not Too Far in Advance)

Booking too early or too late can result in higher prices. The optimal booking window for international flights is typically between three to six months before your trip. Cheapoair and Aviasales both offer tools to help you determine the best time to book for your specific destination, based on historical pricing data.

5. Leverage Points, Miles, and Cashback

Using points or miles from a rewards program can significantly reduce the cost of international airfare. Credit cards often offer sign-up bonuses that can be used for flights, and frequent flyer programs provide excellent value. Additionally, platforms like Compensair can help you claim compensation for flight delays or cancellations, which could contribute to your travel fund.

6. Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Airlines and travel websites track your searches and may increase prices based on your search history. To avoid this, use incognito mode or clear your cookies when searching for flights. This way, you’re more likely to see the lowest prices available.

7. Be Open to Connecting Flights

Direct flights are convenient but can be more expensive. Opting for connecting flights can save you money. Kiwi.com is particularly useful for finding cheap multi-leg flights by combining different airlines, sometimes creating routes that aren’t available on other platforms. Just ensure you have sufficient layover time to avoid any potential stress.

8. Check Budget Airlines

Budget airlines can offer significantly lower fares, especially for shorter international trips. However, they may charge extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals. Cheapoair and Aviasales both list budget airlines, so you can easily compare them with major carriers to find the best deal.

9. Search for Discount Codes and Promotions

Keep an eye out for discount codes, promotions, and sales offered by airlines and booking platforms. Signing up for newsletters from Cheapoair or Aviasales can alert you to special deals. Websites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Honey may also have discount codes applicable to your booking.

10. Consider Alternative Booking Platforms

Sometimes, using alternative booking platforms like Kiwi.com or Aviasales can reveal deals not available on more popular sites. These platforms often piece together different airlines and routes to create a cheaper itinerary. Kiwi.com, in particular, is known for offering innovative ways to save by combining flights from various low-cost carriers.

11. Mix and Match Airlines

Booking round-trip tickets with the same airline is convenient, but it’s not always the cheapest option. Consider booking one-way tickets with different airlines to potentially save money. Platforms like Kiwi.com make it easy to mix and match carriers, helping you find the most cost-effective combination.

12. Be Aware of Currency Fluctuations

Booking your flight in a different currency can sometimes be cheaper. Use tools like XE.com to check exchange rates, and consider whether booking from a different country’s version of an airline’s website might save you money. Ensure your credit card doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees, though.

Conclusion

Finding the lowest airfare for international travel involves a mix of flexibility, patience, and using the right tools. By utilizing resources like Cheapoair, Aviasales, Kiwi.com, and even services like Compensair, you can maximize your chances of securing a great deal. These strategies will help you make your international travel dreams more affordable. Happy travels!