Top 7 Secret Tips to Find the Affordable Flight Deals That Actually Work

Travel Tips | 16 Jun 2025

Top 7 Secret Tips to Find the Affordable Flight Deals That Actually Work

Booking flights…ugh. Nothing kills the vacation vibe faster than ticket prices that rival a mortgage payment. At Cheap Deals Fare, we’ve spent countless hours (and late nights) chasing down dirt-cheap airfare—and good news: some hacks actually work. One time, we scored a round-trip to Miami for just $89. No joke. 

If you're itching to travel without torching your wallet, here are 7 proven flight tricks we swear by. These aren’t clickbait hacks—they're tested strategies we use daily. Let’s dive in.

Why These Flight Hacks Work

  • We use fare comparison engines to reveal hidden airline ticket hacks.

  • We stay flexible with dates and airports—unmatched power to get the cheapest flights.

  • We rely on tech and newsletters so deals come to us—cheap flight hacks in action.

This isn’t guesswork—it’s a tested formula combining how to find cheap flights, plane ticket hacks, and travel hacks for flights.

1. Use Fare Comparison Sites

Sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, Google Flights, and of course, Cheap Deals Fare, are essential tools for how to book cheap flights. They compare hundreds of airlines, filter out hidden fees, and often suggest alternate airports. We once uncovered a $120 round-trip to Chicago that none of the airlines’ own websites showed us.

"Try Google Flights! You can see various flight prices for each day on a calendar."

Pro Tip: Always check rival airports—sometimes a 45-minute drive saves $100+.

2. Set Up Price Alerts & Relax

Instead of chasing price changes manually, set up alerts on Hopper, Google Flights, or Cheap Deals Fare to be notified instantly. We recently watched LA fares fall from $250 to $180 overnight.

“Seconding flight alerts. Best way to get deals!”

This passive strategy lets us focus on living while deals come to us.

3. Be Flexible with Dates

Booking Tuesday or Wednesday flights and avoiding weekends is key to how to save money on flights. Red-eyes might be rough, but they’re often half the price. We flew to Vegas for $75 on a Tuesday night, while weekend fares were double.

“Booking in the middle of the week, Tuesday–Thursday, is most economical.”

Flexibility is equal to savings.

4. Look for Budget Airlines

 book cheap flights

Carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and Ryanair specialize in ultra-cheap base fares. They do charge for everything else, so we travel with a single carry-on and download a boarding pass app to avoid print fees. One of our Orlando flights cost just $40!

With smart packing and minimal extras, budget airlines deliver huge value.

5. Outsmart Baggage Fees

Checked baggage fees add up fast. We always pack light—carry-ons only. If a checked bag is unavoidable, we pre-pay and bundle. This strategy avoids unexpected $50 surcharges at the airport.

6. Book 1–3 Months in Advance

Data consistently shows this booking window as ideal. Too early? You miss deals. Too late? Prices soar. We once locked a $110 NYC flight two months out—our friend booking last-minute paid nearly double.

Seasoned travelers know: booking at the right time is how to get the cheapest flights.

7. Use Flight Deal Newsletters

Newsletters like Cheap Deals Fare, Scott’s Cheap Flights, or Secret Flying send error fares and steep discounts straight to your inbox. We’ve seen $130 flights to Seattle and $99 routes to Cancun.

“The Going newsletter helps make world travel attainable… the total airfare saved is already over $100?million!”

Sign up, stay alert, and don't hesitate—these opportunities vanish fast.

Bonus Hacks to Save Even More

  • Clear cookies/use incognito: Avoid dynamic pricing based on past searches.
     

  • Join loyalty programs: Frequent flyers can score upgrades or free trips using miles even from occasional flights.
     

These airline hacks take minimal effort but deliver big returns.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best day to book and fly?
A: Tuesdays–Wednesdays—both in booking and travel—for the lowest average fares.

Q: Are budget airlines safe?
A: Yes, they meet all safety standards. Just expect basic service with minimal perks.

Q: How can I avoid hidden fees?
A: Always check total cost, read the fare rules, and compare full pricing via fare comparison tools.

Wrap-Up: How to Save Money on Airfare

Ready to travel smarter?

  • Use comparison sites and set alerts

  • Be flexible with travel dates

  • Fly budget airlines and dodge baggage fees

  • Book 1–3 months ahead

  • Subscribe to flight deal newsletters

It’s a simple—but powerful—recipe for flight savings. When you're ready for insanely affordable airfare alerts, join Cheap Deals Fare and start flying for less.

- By cheapdealsfare Team