1) Be flexible with your dates

I know this isn’t always possible, but if you can swing it, flexibility is the number one way to save. Flight prices can change a lot depending on the day, even just moving your trip by a couple of days can make a big difference. Instead of locking yourself into exact dates, try looking at prices over a whole month or two. You’ll usually spot patterns where certain days are way cheaper.

2) Travel in the off (or “shoulder”) season

Okay, not every place is ideal in the off season (I’m not signing up for 100° Arizona summers or freezing cold winters in Greenland). But the shoulder seasons (the months right before or after peak travel times) can be amazing. I’ve gotten some of my best deals this way. Not only are flights and hotels cheaper, but there are also fewer crowds, which makes the trip feel way more relaxed.

If you have a destination in mind, search for their “shoulder seasons” to help you start your flight search.

3) Download the Going app

This is one of my favorite ways to score flight deals. You put in your home airport and the app shows you a bunch of current flight deals to destinations all over. I’ve booked most of my trips just by scrolling through and picking what’s cheap and interesting. The app has a free version, but I opted for the premium membership for $49/year. It’s by far one of my favorite ways to find flights for a fraction of what I’d pay through just an internet search.

4) Set a Google Flights alert

Have a destination in mind? Don’t just keep checking flight prices manually. This can be time consuming and it’s easy to miss deals. Instead, set up a Google Flights alert. That way, you’ll get an email whenever the price drops, and you can jump on a deal before the price changes.

5) Let the deals guide you

Instead of locking in on just one destination, make a “Top 5-10” list of places you’d love to go. Then keep an eye out for deals. If flights to your #3 spot are half the price of your #1, why not go there first? You still get an amazing trip and you save. Win-win.

6) Book flights first, ask questions later

Here’s a golden rule: don’t book your accommodations before you book your flight. Flights might be $300 cheaper if you just left a day earlier or later — and you don’t want to lock yourself into dates where the prices end up being crazy expensive. Save yourself the headache and remember: book flights first, lodging second.

7) Use a travel credit card (the right way)

If you’re already spending the money, why not get rewarded for it? I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which is one of my favorites for earning travel points. 

You can get 75,000 free bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after you open your account. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and more.

That said, this only works if you’re responsible with credit cards. If you won’t pay it off in full each month or tend to overspend, skip this one. A travel card should be a tool to help you, not a financial burden.

8) Consider nearby airports

Flying into the “main” airport isn’t always the best deal. Sometimes a smaller or nearby airport can help you save money, and with public transit or a short drive, you can still get where you need to be.

For example, if you’re heading to New York City, don’t just check JFK. Look at Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA) as well.

9) Don’t stick to just one airline

I get it, some people love their “go-to” airline. But if you’re trying to save money, brand loyalty can work against you. Shop around! Even if it’s not your favorite airline, saving a couple hundred dollars on flights is so worth it.

10) Sign up for airline membership programs

Most airlines have free membership programs where you earn miles every time you fly. Even if you don’t travel a ton, it adds up over time. One tip: sometimes your miles don’t automatically show up after your flight. If that happens, you’ll usually need to go in and manually add them. You don’t need to sign up for every airline today, but whenever you book a flight, make it a habit to create an account with that airline so you don’t miss out on the points.

11) Clear your cookies (or use incognito mode)

Have you ever noticed prices mysteriously go up after you’ve searched the same flight a few times? Yeah… Airlines and booking sites sometimes track your searches and bump the prices. To get around it, clear your browser cookies or just search in incognito mode. It doesn’t always make a huge difference, but it can be worth a try!

12) Know when to start looking and stay open to last-minute deals

The “best time” to book a flight can depend on your destination, but it’s a good idea to start monitoring prices a few months in advance. That way, you get a sense of what’s normal and can book when a deal pops up.

That said, don’t rule out last-minute trips! For example, there was a great deal to Portugal I found on the Going app. I booked it and was on a plane within two weeks! Being flexible and spontaneous can sometimes score you the cheapest trips, even on short notice.