The Ultimate Guide To Finding Cheap Flights

Finding affordable flights is the cornerstone of travel hacking. Literally once the price of flights skyrockets everything about the trip becomes so much more expensive. So how do you find cheap flights? With the right tools, timing, and strategies, you can save hundreds—or even thousands—of rands on the flight costs. I can barely count the number of times I booked flights purely because I saw them that low and only did my research about the country afterwards.

In this blogpost I will share how I manage to fly so often using these tricks and hacks I have acquired over the years.

Here’s your ultimate guide to scoring cheap flights: or should we rather say the ultimate guide to finding cheap flights? lets unpack the seven hacks that I use.

When is The Best Time to Book Flights for the Lowest Prices?

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. Often time you will find that booking way in advance drops the price dramatically, while booking too close increases the pirce exponentially. You can also find that for the same dates and time , flights vary greatly. Research shows that the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is often 1-3 months in advance , while international flights are often cheapest2-8 months ahead . I cannot stress this enough, its very important to know way in advance where you want to go, so that you can plan accordingly. Additionally, booking on certain days of the week (typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays) can save you money, as airlines often release deals midweek. I find Tuesday to work best, I have been flying on Tuesday for most of my trips due to the significant flight drop on this day. You will also notice that most of my curated trips leaves around Tuesdays and its because of this very reason.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Flights price tracking to monitor price trends and book at the optimal time. I use a lot of price tracking tool to track cheap flights around the days which are most suitable for my travel, this way I can get an indication as to roughly how much the price to that specific destination ranges from .

Websites and Apps for Cheap Flight Deals

There’s no shortage of platforms to help you find discounted airfare, but choosing the right one can make a significant difference in securing the best deals. While many flight search engines exist, not all offer the same level oftransparency, flexibility, and price comparison tools. Here are some of the best platforms that I use and personally love, along with reasons why they stand out from the rest:

Google Flights – The Ultimate Price Comparison Tool

Google Flights is one of the most powerful and user-friendly airfare search engines available. Unlike many other platforms, it pulls data directly from airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) without adding hidden fees or redirecting users through third-party booking sites.Key advantages include:

• A price graph and date grid that make it easy to identify the cheapest travel dates.
• Explore feature, allowing users to search for flights to various destinations based on budget and time frame.
• Direct links to airline websites, avoiding extra booking fees imposed by some OTAs.

Google Flights is ideal for travelers who prefertransparent pricing and a seamless way to track fare changes across multiple airlines.

Skyscanner – The Best for Flexible Travelers

This is why I recommend Skyscanner as the go to search engine for flights because it is perfect for those who are open tovaried travel dates and destinations. This platform searches a broad range of airlines and travel agencies, including budget carriers that may not always appear on other search engines. Why Skyscanner is preferred:

• The ability to search flights for anentire month or even thecheapest month for significant savings.
• An"Everywhere" search option that finds the most affordable destinations based on your location.
• Skyscanner oftenincludes budget airlines that may be missing from platforms like Google Flights.

For travelers looking for the best deal without being restricted to specific dates or destinations, Skyscanner is definitely a top choice.

Kayak – Best for Advanced Search & Fare Alerts

Kayak goes beyond simple price searches by offering a range of tools that help travelerspredict price trends and book at the right time. Some of its standout features include:

• Price Alerts, notifying users when fares drop for a selected route.
• "Hacker Fares", which combine one-way tickets from different airlines to create a cheaper round-trip itinerary.
• Flexible search filters for baggage fees, layovers, and even flight duration.

Unlike many other flight search platforms, Kayak’s insider price predictions can help travelers decide whether to book now or wait for a better deal.

Why These Platforms Are Better Than Others

Many booking sites chargehidden fees or redirect users to third-party sites that will most certainly inflate prices. Additionally, some platforms prioritize partner airlines, which means travellers maymiss out on cheaper options. Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak stand out because they offer:

• ✅ Comprehensive searches: across multiple airlines (including budget carriers).
• ✅ Transparent pricing: without hidden fees.
• ✅ Smart booking tools: like fare alerts, price tracking, and flexible date searches.

By using a combination of these platforms, travelers can increase their chances of finding thebest possible deal on flights, making their trips more budget-friendly and stress-free.

Insider Tips on Mistake Fares and Flight Alerts

Mistake fares are goldmines for travel hackers. Never book error flights if you do not know what you are doing, slow down and do your research first. Most airline realise this error within a few hours of release and if you did not buy within this window you may miss out . These occur when airlines accidentally publish incorrect prices due to technical glitches or human error. To catch these deals however, I recommend that you do the following:

• Sign up for alerts from platforms likeSecret Flying, Airfarewatchdog, or Scott’s Cheap Flights.
• Act fast—mistake fares are often corrected within hours.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations to take advantage of these rare opportunities. To really travel, it requires you to be international and extremely flexible. I know sometimes it's not always possible as the working class to be that flexible, but this comes with a lot of savings in the long run.

By mastering these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to finding unbeatable flight deals. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll dive into the world of credit card travel perks!

Flexible Date Searches

So lets expand on this flexibility a bit. If your travel dates are flexible, you can save a significant amount of money. Here’s how to make the most of flexible date searches:

• Use Flexible Date Tools:
• Google Flights: Offers a calendar view that shows prices for different dates.
• Skyscanner: Allows you to search for the cheapest month or even the cheapest destination.

Consider Nearby Airports:

Flying into or out of a nearby airport can sometimes save you money. For example, if you’re flying to New York, check prices for both JFK and Newark airports and don’t only zoom into one location . Research is your best friend with travel.

Loyalty Programs and Frequent Flyer Miles

Joining airline loyalty programs can help you earn pointsthat can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Here’s how to get started:

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs:

Earn Miles Through Partners:

Take Advantage of Bonus Offers:

Hidden City Ticketing and Skiplagging

Hidden city ticketing, also known as skiplagging, involves booking a flight with a layover in your desired destination and not taking the connecting flight. Here’s what you need to know:

How It Works:

Risks and Considerations:

• Airline Policies: Some airlines prohibit skiplagging and may penalize you if caught.
• Baggage Issues: If you check baggage, it will be sent to the final destination, not your hidden city.
• One-Way Tickets: Skiplagging is generally safer for one-way tickets.

Tools for Skiplagging:

For more tips on making the most of your layovers, check out our Maximizing Layovers blog post.

Low-Cost Airlines and Alternative Travel Routes

Choosing budget airlines can help you save a significant amount on airfare, but it’s crucial to check the terms and conditions before booking. Here’s what to consider: Budget Airlines:

• Flysafair: Offers competitive fares with the added benefit of no baggage fees.
• Ryanair: Provides ultra-low fares across Europe, though additional charges for extras like baggage and seat selection can apply.
• AirAsia: A top choice for affordable travel within Asia, with frequent deals on regional flights.

Traveling within Africa can be expensive, especially when booking direct flights. However, using major hubs as stopovers can significantly reduce costs. For example, instead of flying directly from Johannesburg to Zanzibar, booking a flight to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam first and then taking a low-cost regional airline like Precision Air or Air Tanzania could save you money.

Similarly, if you're flying from South Africa to West Africa, routes through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) or Kigali (RwandAir) are often cheaper than direct flights.

Use platforms like Travelstart or Skyscanner to compare multi-leg options, and check local airlines for affordable connections. By being flexible with routes, you can explore more destinations while keeping travel costs low!

By combining these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best deals on flights. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, these tips will help you save money and make your travel dreams a reality. Happy flying! ✈️

Stay tuned for more travel hacking tips in our upcoming blog posts! Whether you’re planning your next getaway (curate a trip with us) or dreaming of a round-the-world adventure, we’re here to help you travel smarter, cheaper, and in style. Book online