Tripiby

How I actually find Cheap Flights

I used to be the person who overpaid for flights. Every. Single. Time.

I’d book too early, panic-book too late, ignore better options, and somehow always end up sitting on a plane wondering, “Why did this cost so much?”

After years of trial and error (and way too much money spent), I’ve finally figured out what actually works and what’s just internet myth. So if you’re trying to travel without destroying your bank account, here’s everything I wish I knew earlier.

Flexibility changed everything

This is the biggest game-changer, and honestly, I ignored it for way too long.

The moment I stopped being rigid with my dates and destinations, flight prices dropped. A LOT. Flying midweek, especially Wednesdays, has consistently been cheaper for me than weekends.

And if you can be flexible with where you go? Even better. Some of my best trips happened just because I followed the cheapest flight instead of a fixed plan.

The truth about “Booking at the perfect time”

You’ve probably heard things like:

• Flights are cheaper on Tuesday at midnight
• Flights are more expensive on Friday nights

I believed this for years. And… sometimes it kind of works. But not reliably.

What I’ve learned is that airline prices change constantly. There isn’t a magical hour where everything suddenly drops. That said, demand does matter, so yes, Friday evenings (when lots of people are booking or traveling) can be pricier.

What actually works better is this, even if it sounds obvious:

• Don’t book too early
• Don’t leave it to the last minute
• Keep checking prices over time

For me, the “sweet spot” is usually a few weeks ahead for short trips and a couple of months for long-haul flights.

All those “Flight Hacks” you see online

I’ve tested most of them so you don’t have to.

Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Cheapest day to depart: Wednesday is often one of the cheapest.
• Cheapest return day: Tuesday (domestic) or Wednesday (international) can help save money.
• Tuesday at midnight deals: Not a guaranteed thing anymore, but prices can fluctuate around then.
• Friday nights: Usually more expensive due to demand.
• Using a VPN: I’ve tried it, sometimes prices change slightly, sometimes not at all.
• Incognito mode: I use this one a lot, even if sometimes doesn’t work.
• Booking in local currency: Can occasionally be cheaper, but always double-check exchange rates.
• Timing matters: Too early or too late almost always means paying more.

Basically: some of these help a little, but none of them are magic tricks.

I never use just one website

One mistake I made for years was trusting a single site.

Now I always compare flights with Skyscanner. Prices can vary more than you’d expect depending on where you look. It takes a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it every time.

Price alerts are underrated

This is something I wish I started doing sooner.

Instead of checking prices obsessively, I just set alerts and wait. When the price drops, I get notified and that’s when I book.

It saves time, money, and honestly… a lot of stress.

Nearby airports = easy savings

This one surprised me.

Sometimes flying from or into a different airport (even if it’s a bit farther away) can save a significant amount of money. Just make sure the extra transport doesn’t cancel out the savings.

I don’t always book direct flights

Non-stop flights are great, but they’re often more expensive.

If you don’t mind a stopover, you can save quite a bit. I’ve even turned long layovers into mini adventures in a new city.

The “Cheap Flight” that isn’t actually cheap

I’ve definitely fallen for this before.

You see a super low price… and then:

• Baggage costs extra
• Seat selection costs extra
• Everything costs extra

Now I always check the final price before getting excited.

Traveling Off-Peak is a cheat code

If you can avoid peak seasons, do it.

Flights during holidays or summer can be insanely expensive. Traveling in quieter months not only saves money but also makes the whole experience way more enjoyable.

When it’s a good deal… I book it!

This took me a while to accept.

I used to wait, hoping prices would drop even more. Sometimes they did, but a lot of times they didn’t.

Now, if I see a price that feels reasonable, I go for it. Overthinking usually costs more.

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Finding cheap flights isn’t about one secret trick, it’s about combining small smart decisions.

Be flexible. Compare everything. Don’t rely too much on “hacks.” And trust your gut when you see a good deal.

I still don’t get it right every time, but I definitely don’t overpay like I used to.

And honestly, that already feels like a win.

What’s your best travel hack?
Follow me on @maria.oriol for more travel tips and real-world adventures.