How To Score Cheap Flights Using Travel Deal Websites

Finding cheap flights can be a challenge, but travel deal websites make it easier than ever to score the best deals on airfare. These websites aggregate flight information, track prices, and even alert you when prices drop, helping you secure the lowest fares possible. Here’s how to effectively use travel deal websites to find cheap flights.

1. Understand How Travel Deal Websites Work

Travel deal websites serve as aggregators that compile flight deals from various airlines and travel agencies. They track ticket prices, identify price drops, and offer flash sales, making them invaluable tools for budget-conscious travelers. These sites often have partnerships with airlines, giving them access to exclusive deals that you might not find elsewhere.

A. Types of Travel Deal Websites

• Aggregators: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak search multiple airlines and travel agencies to show you the best available prices.

• Deal Alerts: Services like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, and Airfarewatchdognotify you of price drops and mistake fares.

• Flash Sales: Websites like Travelzoo and The Flight Deal post time-sensitive offers on cheap flights.

2. Set Up Fare Alerts

One of the most effective ways to score cheap flights is by setting up fare alerts on travel deal websites. These alerts notify you when there’s a significant price drop on your desired route, helping you book flights at their lowest possible price.

A. How to Set Up Fare Alerts

• Choose Your Routes: Select the routes you’re interested in and set up alerts on websites like Google Flights or Kayak. You can usually choose specific dates or keep your search flexible to get notified about the best deals.

• Customize Your Alerts: Some websites allow you to set parameters for your alerts, such as preferred airlines, maximum price, or specific travel dates.

• Monitor Your Inbox: Once your alerts are set, you’ll receive emails or app notifications when prices drop, allowing you to book quickly before the deal disappears.

3. Use Search Filters Effectively

When searching for cheap flights on travel deal websites, using the right filters can help you narrow down the best deals that suit your needs.

A. Key Filters to Use

• Flexible Dates: If you have flexible travel dates, use the “flexible dates” option to see a range of prices over different days. Flights can vary significantly depending on the day of the week or time of year.

• Nearby Airports: Sometimes flying from or into a nearby airport can save you money. Use the “nearby airports” filter to check if alternative airports offer cheaper flights.

• Flight Duration and Layovers: While cheap flights are the goal, be mindful of flight duration and layover times. Use filters to exclude flights with excessively long layovers or multiple connections if you prefer a more direct route.

4. Take Advantage of Flash Sales and Limited-Time Offers

Flash sales and limited-time offers are a hallmark of travel deal websites. These sales often include heavily discounted flights, but they require quick action.

A. How to Spot and Act on Flash Sales

• Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from websites like Travelzoo, The Flight Deal, and Secret Flying to receive alerts about flash sales.

• Act Fast: Flash sales are often time-sensitive and can sell out quickly. When you receive an alert, be ready to book immediately.

• Double-Check Restrictions: Before booking, read the fine print on flash sale deals. Some may have restrictions such as non-refundable tickets or limited travel dates.

5. Leverage Aggregators for Price Comparisons

Travel deal aggregators like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies, ensuring you get the best deal.

A. How to Use Aggregators

• Start with a Broad Search: Enter your departure and destination cities, then search broadly to see a wide range of options. Aggregators often show you prices from major airlines, budget carriers, and even online travel agencies.

• Use the Price Calendar: Many aggregators offer a price calendar that shows the cheapest days to fly. This feature is particularly useful if your travel dates are flexible.

• Check Multiple Sites: Prices can vary between aggregators, so it’s worth checking several to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

6. Take Advantage of Mistake Fares

Mistake fares occur when airlines accidentally publish significantly lower prices than intended. Travel deal websites often catch these errors and alert users, offering you the chance to book incredibly cheap flights.

A. How to Find and Book Mistake Fares

• Stay Alert: Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal frequently post mistake fares. Sign up for alerts to be among the first to know when these deals go live.

• Book Immediately: Mistake fares don’t last long, so you’ll need to book quickly before the airline corrects the error.

• Be Flexible: Mistake fares often come with limitations, such as fixed travel dates or routes. If you’re flexible with your plans, you can take advantage of these ultra-cheap flights.

7. Combine Deals with Loyalty Programs

If you’re part of an airline loyalty program or have travel rewards points, you can often combine these with the deals you find on travel deal websites to further reduce your costs.

A. Maximizing Loyalty Programs

• Earn Miles on Discounted Flights: Even when booking through a deal website, you can usually earn frequent flyer miles on your flight. Make sure to enter your loyalty number during booking.

• Use Points for Upgrades: If you find a cheap flight, consider using your rewards points to upgrade your seat or add perks like extra baggage or lounge access.

• Check for Promotions: Some airlines offer promotions where you can earn bonus miles when booking through certain deal websites or during specific sales.

Conclusion

Travel deal websites are powerful tools for finding cheap flights, but knowing how to use them effectively is key. By setting up fare alerts, using search filters, taking advantage of flash sales, and staying alert for mistake fares, you can score incredible deals on airfare. Combine these strategies with loyalty programs and a bit of flexibility, and you’ll be well on your way to traveling the world without breaking the bank.