12 Expert Do's and Don'ts for Booking Cheap Flights: Insider Tips from Travelzoo Pros
Our Travelzoo Deal Experts, with over 2 million collective miles flown from New York alone, share proven strategies to save time and money on airfare. Here are their top 12 tips.
1. DO search for tickets one at a time
Even when traveling with a group. Airlines offer multiple fare classes at varying prices, often with limited seats per class. Searching for multiple passengers might default to higher fares. Book one-by-one to secure the lowest available rates. If seats are selectable, reserve adjacent ones, then book the next. It requires effort but yields big savings.
2. DO search for flights midweek
Airlines typically launch sales on Tuesdays and end them by Thursdays. Avoid weekend-only searches. Promoted fares often apply to travel 14-21 days in advance, targeting the next 2-3 months.
3. DON'T avoid flying on the actual holiday
Shift your dates by one day for substantial savings, especially on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Exception: Three-day weekends like Labor Day or Memorial Day, when holidays get crowded—extend your trip instead.
4. DO search for two one-way fares, even on different airlines
Though some charge one-way premiums, comparisons can reveal deals. Always verify dates, times, and airports to avoid errors like duplicate routes.
5. DO try to fly at least one leg on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday
These are airlines' least busy days, offering the lowest fares and easier airport navigation.
6. DO look to book a package
For flight-plus-hotel needs, packages often beat separate bookings. Hotels bundle deep discounts not available standalone, especially at premium brands.
7. DO jump on a hot fare when you see it
DOT rules mandate 24-hour free holds or refunds for bookings 7+ days before travel (direct airline only; OTAs excluded). American Airlines offers 24-hour holds. Pay upfront for most, then get refunded if needed.
8. DON'T rule out alternate airports
Such as JetBlue's Long Beach (LGB) over LAX, saving $50-$100. Check options in Chicago, New York, Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, South Florida, and D.C.
9. DO check Twitter, Facebook & Travelzoo Newsflash emails
Follow airlines on social media and subscribe to Travelzoo Newsflash emails for unadvertisable flash deals. Airlines limit sale seats, so we alert you fast.
10. DO know when to be loyal and when to compare
Maintain rewards with favorites to rack up points. Airline cards provide sign-up bonuses for free flights, priority boarding, and free bags. Always compare fares first.
11. DON'T be afraid of the layover
Save $100-$200 versus nonstops. Airlines like Icelandair offer free stopovers to extend stays in layover cities.
12. DON'T shy away from off-peak or shoulder-season travel
Lower demand means cheaper flights and hotels. Winter Europe flights can save $400+, with fewer crowds, Christmas markets, and cozy museum visits amid snow.
