Looking for Cheap Flights? Here's How to Find the Cheapest Flights

MAY 13, 2022 4 MIN READ AIR TRAVEL CONSUMER ADVICE

Looking for Cheap Flights? Here's How to Find and Book the Right Flights

You have a date circled in red, your next vacation. You've picked the destination, looked into all the fun places to visit, and mapped out the trip's itinerary. The only item left between you and your bucket list location... book flights. It can be a dreaded process filled with buyer remorse, mysterious price hikes and drops in airfare, and too many websites claiming to have an advantage. All you want is to look for cheap flights, book a round trip, save money, and have a fun trip. Fear not, PreFlight is taking the time to sift through all the information out there to help you find the perfect, cheap flight and make the best decision at the best time.

Don't forget to check out our first two installments in our series of top attractions to visit in Atlanta and Houston.

When is the Best Time to Book a Cheap Flight?

So, when should you book a flight to find cheap flights? The simple answer: two months out. A study from CheapAir.com found that 64 days is the sweet spot to find the cheapest domestic flights in recent years, but the more accurate answer involves seasonality. The same study revealed, "the cheapest flights were found 67 days before a summer trip, 94 days before a winter trip, 84 days before a spring trip, and 89 days before a fall trip." However, emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer behaviors have been erratic, and airfare is experiencing similar turbulence. An updated survey reveals a slight change in 2022, shifting from 64 to 76 days out. Several websites will help track and notify you when prices reach rock bottom. Here are the most popular:

Hopper

One of the most popular and widely used companies is Hopper, available on desktop and as an app. Hopper boasts nearly 70 million app downloads and 195 million trips booked. Check out Hopper.

CheapAir

The aforementioned CheapAir was founded in 1989, years before the age of booking flights online. What started as a call center has transformed into one of the leading resources for frugal flyers looking to book flights for less and save money. Check out CheapAir.

What are the Best Websites to Find Cheap Flights?

While Hopper and CheapAir also double as aggregates for flight prices and flight deals, other websites scour the internet for the best deal possible. There are several other perks of booking plane tickets through the next group of companies. Chiefly, you can pair flight deals with additional savings on rental cars and hotel reservations. Book round trip airfare on one of these websites and browse additional opportunities to save, even if it's last minute.

These websites have developed an algorithm that scans hundreds of resources to pinpoint the best options, whether it's budget airlines or premium airlines looking to fill flights for cheap. Ultimately, these websites serve up one-way or round-trip options spanning the entire country - from New York to California to Hawaii and provide the option to have special discounts sent directly to your email inbox.

Best Budget Airlines for Cheap Flights?

Speaking of budget airlines, airfare prices are currently soaring, placing a more significant emphasis on flying minimalistic when possible. While larger airlines like American Airlines, United, and Delta can offer more affordable tickets, the companies below provide consistently low prices year-round, particularly when you book at the right time.

While Spirit and Frontier may truly offer barebone flying experiences, Southwest has the highest consumer rating of the trio. The combination of no-frills features, no extra fees, and reasonable prices lends itself to Southwest consistently ranking among the top-rated airlines in the country.

Pitfalls of Booking Cheap Flights

Of course, there are various reasons why airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United charge more for airfare: amenities. Wider seats, in-flight internet, and premium drinks and snacks are just some of the perks left on the cutting room floor when flying on a budget. But those amenities pale in comparison to the following.

Checked Bag

Require more suitcase space than just a simple carry-on or backpack? You'll be paying a fee for that. Additional carry-on and checked bag fees can add up quick, turning a cheap flight into a relatively expensive affair if not handled correctly.

Unassigned Seat

Everyone has a differing opinion on where the best place is to sit on a plane. Some like the wing; others prefer an aisle over a window seat. Regardless of your preference, fly on a budget, and you may forfeit your right to choose.

Non-Refundable

The low total sum may be eye-popping when looking at flight prices, but the savings could be quickly wiped out by an unforeseen need to cancel. With most full-priced flights, refunds are often available, providing flexibility, even without insurance or protection plans. Essentially, flying on a budget may siphon your ability to recoup funds.

Lack of Non-Stop Flights

This is perhaps the worst reveal when flying on a budget. After clicking on the low prices available, the route is revealed to include a stop and multi-hour layover. This doesn't only occur when flying on budget airlines, but it happens more often.

Save on Pre-Flight parking with PreFlight

Remember, when you book your flight, you can also reserve your parking space in advance. PreFlight provides peace of mind and more dollars in your pocket, which means you have one less thing to worry about when it's time to leave. We can get you the spot you need to make your trip that much easier with open-air, covered, and even valet parking.

For additional travel tips for airline travel, see our safety tips and tips on how to pack a carry-on bag for five days