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genius hacks to score cheap flights

14 Genius hacks to Score Dirt-Cheap Airfare a Pro

Are you tired of sky-high airfares eating into your travel budget? Buckle up, because we’re about to reveal the ultimate insider secrets that’ll have you jetting off to your dream destinations without breaking the bank. Get ready to outsmart the system and unlock unbelievable deals with these 14 genius hacks to get the most cheap flight tickets!

Introduction

Remember the last time you scored an amazing flight deal or even a free entry into an airport lounge? That rush of excitement, knowing you’ve outsmarted the system? Well, get ready to feel that thrill every time you book a flight. In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on the closely-guarded secrets of seasoned travelers and industry insiders. You’re about to discover how to consistently snag the cheapest flights, no matter where you’re heading.

From little-known booking tricks to clever apps that do the heavy lifting for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on making expensive airfare a thing of the past. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for takeoff โ€“ your journey to becoming a flight-deal ninja starts now!

1. The Magic of Flexible Dates

one of the first in the 14 genius hacks is getting to know the magical dates. Ever noticed how flight prices can swing wildly from one day to the next? That’s where flexible date searching comes in handy. Use tools like Google Flights’ calendar view or Skyscanner’s “whole month” search to spot the cheapest days to fly. Sometimes, shifting your trip by just a day or two can save you hundreds!

Pro Tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be pricier.

2. Embrace the Power of Incognito

Airlines and booking sites are sneaky โ€“ they use cookies to track your searches and can hike up prices if they see you’re interested in a particular route. Outsmart them by always searching in incognito or private browsing mode. It’s like wearing an invisibility cloak while you hunt for deals! And trust me I have seen this happen many times, only to which when i finally listened to my friend and tried the incognito you won’t believe that the prices were down by almost a few hundred bucks.

3. Set Up Price Alerts

Don’t have time to constantly check for price drops? Let technology do the work for you. Set up price alerts on sites like Airfare watchdog or Hopper. They’ll notify you when prices fall for your desired route, so you can pounce on deals faster than you can say “bargain!”

It’s almost like you leaving yourself on alert just like how you would do for news on google alerts, it does not only help you with knowing when the prices are low but also helps you to remain on a continuous radar for prices during festive seasons especially Christmas.

3. The 54-Day Rule

Studies show that, on average, the best time to book domestic flights is about 54 days before departure. For international flights, aim for 2-3 months out. But remember, this isn’t set in stone โ€“ always keep an eye on those price alerts!

4. Leverage Budget Airlines

Don’t overlook budget carriers like Spirit, Ryanair, or AirAsia. Yes, they might charge for extras, but if you pack light and skip the frills, you can score some incredibly cheap flights. Just be sure to read the fine print to avoid surprise fees!

5. Master the Art of Hidden City Ticketing

This hack isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can lead to massive savings. Sometimes, booking a flight with a layover in your actual destination city can be cheaper than flying there directly. Just get off at the layover and skip the connecting flight. Use sites like Skip lagged to find these “hidden city” tickets โ€“ but be aware that airlines frown upon this practice, so use it sparingly!

6. Points and Miles

This is your secret weapon If you’re not using a travel rewards credit card, you’re leaving money on the table. Rack up points on your everyday spending and turn them into free flights. Some cards even offer huge sign-up bonuses โ€“ enough for a round-trip ticket right off the bat!

7. The Magic of Mistake Fares

Airlines occasionally slip up and post ridiculously low fares by mistake. These “error fares” can lead to unbelievable deals โ€“ think intercontinental flights for under $100! Follow accounts like Secret Flying or Scott’s Cheap Flights to catch these rare gems before they disappear.

8. Mix and Match Airlines

Don’t limit yourself to round-trip tickets with the same airline. Sometimes, booking two one-way flights with different carriers can be cheaper. Use tools like Kiwi.com to find the best combinations.

9. Embrace Layovers

Direct flights are convenient, but they often come with a premium price tag. Be open to layovers โ€“ they can significantly reduce your fare. Plus, if you plan it right, you might even squeeze in a mini-adventure in your layover city!

10. Last-Minute Deals Aren’t Dead

While booking in advance is usually best, last-minute deals can still pop up. If you’re flexible with your destination, check out the “everywhere” search on Skyscanner or the “explore” feature on Google Flights to find cheap last-minute getaways.

11. Student and Age Discounts

Are you a student, under 26, or over 65? Many airlines offer unpublicized discounts for these groups. Always check if you qualify for special fares โ€“ you might be pleasantly surprised!

12. The Power of Package Deals

Sometimes, bundling your flight with a hotel or car rental can unlock hidden discounts. Check out package deals on sites like Expedia or Travelocity โ€“ you might save more than booking everything separately.

13. Currency Conversion Tricks

Booking your flight in a different currency can sometimes lead to savings. Use a VPN to change your location and see if prices differ. Just make sure you’re using a credit card without foreign transaction fees! After all the smallest of the saves make up to bigger savings over time.

14. Newsletter Ninjas

The last one in our list of 14 genius hacks to score a cheap flight is to sign up for airline newsletters and follow them on social media such as twitter and Instagram, Why you might ask? They often release promo codes and flash sales to their subscribers and followers first. It might clutter your inbox a bit, but the potential savings are worth it! These newsletter come with advantages from cheaper, and affordable tickets to an upgrade to the business class from the economy.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’re now armed with the insider knowledge to become a true flight deal wizard. Remember, finding the cheapest flights is part art, part science, and a dash of patience. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t score an amazing deal right away โ€“ keep practicing these techniques, and soon you’ll be the one your friends turn to for travel hacks.

So, what are you waiting for? Put these secrets into action and start planning your next adventure. With the money you’ll save on flights, you might just find yourself booking that dream trip sooner than you think. Happy hunting, and may the flight deals be ever in your favor!

Author

  • Chandan Senapati

    I have 10 years of experience in the field of Travel and Lifestyle Industry. I have written more than 450 articles for various reputed platforms such as Huffington Post, MensXP, and Daily Mail. Having an immense passion for writing and a deep interest in the Travel and lifestyle industry.

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  27. Loved the tips, especially about using flexible dates and incognito mode for booking flights. I’ve heard of cookies affecting prices but never realized the extent of it! Just one quick thing โ€“ is there a chance some of these hacks might not always work due to changes in airline policies or tech updates?

    Oh, by the way, a friend mentioned checking out world-prices.com to compare prices worldwide. Not sure how up-to-date the data is, but it could be a fun tool while planning the next trip. Thanks for the insights, definitely trying them out on my next booking!

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