Flight Hacks Every Traveler Should Know

In this article, we’ll share the best flight hacks every traveler should know—including how to find cheap flights, avoid hidden fees, and make your journey smoother from start to finish.

1. Use Flight Comparison Sites to Find the Cheapest Deals

Don’t just book from the first airline website you visit. Instead, use reliable flight search engines to compare fares across multiple airlines and booking platforms.

👉 Try Aviasales – a powerful tool to find the lowest prices for both local and international flights.

👉 Or check out Trip.com for competitive deals and bundle options (flights + hotels).

Pro tip: Prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, so always check multiple dates before booking.

2. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything. According to travel industry data:

The best time to book domestic flights is usually 1–3 months in advance.
For international flights, aim for 3–6 months ahead.

Also, booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday often leads to better deals compared to weekends.

3. Browse in Incognito Mode

Airline websites may track your visits using cookies, which can lead to price increases the more you search. To avoid this:

Use incognito or private browsing mode.
Clear your cookies or use a VPN to check prices from different regions.

4. Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees

Many airlines charge for checked bags, and some even for carry-ons. To save money:

Travel with only a carry-on bag whenever possible.
Choose airlines with more generous free baggage policies (especially for international flights).

Use a digital luggage scale to avoid overweight bag charges.

5. Use Flight Alerts for Price Drops

Set up price alerts on sites like Aviasales or Trip.com. These alerts notify you when the price for a specific route drops, helping you snag deals before they’re gone.

6. Be Flexible with Your Destination or Airport

Sometimes flying into or out of a nearby airport can save you hundreds of dollars. Also, flexible travelers who are open to multiple destinations get the best last-minute deals.

Try using the “Everywhere” search feature on Aviasales to find the cheapest destination from your current location.

7. Join Airline Loyalty Programs (Even If You Don’t Fly Often)

Even if you don’t travel frequently, signing up for free frequent flyer programs can get you:

Priority boarding
Free seat upgrades
Access to exclusive deals and lounge passes

8. Download Airline Apps for Real-Time Updates

Apps provide instant alerts for:

Gate changes
Flight delays
Online check-ins

They also often include digital boarding passes and exclusive mobile-only discounts.

9. Use Credit Card Points or Travel Rewards

If you have a travel rewards credit card, don’t forget to use your points to:

Book free flights
Get travel insurance
Access airport lounges

Just make sure your card doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees.

10. Check for Alternate Currencies

Sometimes booking a flight using a different currency (on a country-specific version of the site) results in cheaper prices. Use a VPN to access deals from other regions—but make sure your card allows international purchases.