Solo travel offers unmatched freedom and adventure, but airfare can be a significant part of your budget. Fortunately, there are proven strategies and tools to help you find cheap flights without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to score the best deals on airfare so you can spend more on experiences and less on transportatioon.
Booking early is one of the easiest ways to save money on flights. Start searching as soon as you decide on a trip—airlines typically release seats 6–11 months in advance. Use price-tracking tools like Google Flights and sign up for alerts on our flightflight deals page to monitor when fares drop. If you have flexibility, aim for shoulder seasons rather than peak travel dates./hBe Flexible with Destinations & Dates
Plan Ahead & Monitor Prices
Being open to different destinations and travel dates can dramatically lower costs. If your heart isn’t set on a specific city, look for cheap flights using open-ended search tools like Skyscanner or Kiwi. Midweek flights—especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays—often have lower fares. Similarly, red-eye or early-morning departures and smaller regional airports can provide significant savings./heading
Leverage Flight Search Engines & Alerts
Use multiple search engines (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo) to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms. Tools like Skyscanner’s “everywhere” feature can inspire new destinations based on price alone. Don’t forget to create a free account on Big Flight Deals and enable alerts for your preferred routes. We’ll send email notifications when prices drop so you never miss a deal./heading
Take Advantage of Stopovers & Alternative Airports
Flying direct is convenient, but it often comes at a premium. Consider itineraries with layovers or open-jaw routes, where you fly into one city and depart from another. Many airlines also offer free or discounted stopovers (e.g., Icelandair via Reykjavik) which let you explore an additional destination without extra airfare. Also check airports in neighbouring cities—sometimes driving a bit further can save hundreds of dollars./heading
Join Airline Rewards & Points Programs
Enroll in frequent-flyer programmes and airline alliances like Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam. Even if you only fly occasionally, miles can accumulate quickly, especially when paired with travel credit cards or shopping portals. Look for sign-up bonuses and promotions that allow you to earn points with everyday purchases. These miles can offset the cost of future flights or provide upgrades for long-haul journeys./heading
Pack Light and Save on Fees
Low-cost carriers entice travellers with cheap base fares but make money on extras like baggage fees. Travel with only a carry-on bag to avoid these charges. Invest in lightweight, versatile gear (check our affiliate travel tools page for curated suggestions) and use packing cubes to maximize space. If you must check luggage, prepay for baggage online—it’s usually cheaper than paying at the airport./heading
Final Tips & Takeaways
To recap, here are the core strategies for landing cheap flights:Plan your flights early and monitor prices
Be flexible with destinations and dates
Use multiple search engines and set price alerts
Consider stopovers or alternative airports to save money
Join airline rewards and earn miles through everyday spending
Pack light to avoid baggage fees
