Want to save big on flights in 2025? Here’s the deal: airfare prices have jumped 12% this year, but smart strategies can still help you cut costs. From booking on Sundays to using price alerts, these 15 tips can help you save up to 25% on domestic flights and 17% on international ones.
Quick Tips to Start Saving:
- Book on Sundays: Save 6% on domestic and 17% on international fares.
- Fly in August: The cheapest month for travel – 12% lower for domestic flights.
- Set Price Alerts: Tools like Google Flights track fare drops.
- Use Points & Miles: Credit card rewards can slash ticket costs.
- Try Multi-Stop Routes: Break up your trip to save hundreds.
Whether it’s using error fares, booking off-peak, or choosing budget airlines wisely, these hacks can make flying more affordable. Read on for all 15 tricks to stretch your travel budget this year.
1. Compare Flight Prices Effectively
Technology has become a game-changer in finding affordable flights. In 2025, getting the best deals on airfare requires a smart approach to price comparison. With fares varying widely depending on the route, using the right tools is key to locking in savings.
Modern flight search platforms go beyond basic price checks. For example, Expedia‘s Flight Deals tool highlights fares that are at least 20% lower than the average predicted prices.
“It’s smart to keep the 2025 Air Hacks in mind when booking flights, but the best hack is to let technology find the best value. Set up Price Alerts, rely on Price Drop Protection to automatically refund you if prices drop, and use Expedia’s new Flight Deals tool to see where you can fly for at least 20% lower than typical.” – Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations
Here are key features to help you compare prices effectively:
- Price Drop Protection: Get automatic refunds if the fare drops after you book.
- Flexible Date Search: Compare prices across multiple dates to find cheaper options.
- Multi-Airport Comparison: Check flights from nearby airports to uncover better deals.
- Price History Tools: Analyze past trends to decide if the current fare is worth booking.
These tools let you track and respond to price changes efficiently.
Pro tip: Opting for a flight with a longer layover can sometimes save you a lot, but don’t forget to factor in any extra costs during the stop.
Setting up price alerts for different departure dates can also reveal notable savings. Pair this with tools that highlight discounted flights from your local airport, and you’ll be ready to act on deals as soon as they appear.
2. Book at the Right Time
Timing plays a big role in finding the best flight deals for 2025.
When to Book
Booking on Sundays can save you up to 6% on domestic flights and as much as 17% on international tickets, compared to booking on Mondays or Fridays.
Best Booking Windows
- Domestic Flights: Booking 1–3 months in advance can save you up to 25% compared to last-minute reservations.
- International Flights: Aim to book 18–29 days before departure to save up to 17% versus booking three months ahead.
“Airfares are down, the end of summer is the cheapest time to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you money – these realities fly in the face of advice floating around the internet.” – Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations
Flight Times and Cancellations
Timing your flight can also help avoid cancellations:
- Flights departing between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. have the lowest cancellation rates.
- Flights after 9 p.m. come with a 57% higher risk of being canceled.
Pro tip: Combine Sunday bookings with these ideal time frames to score the best deals and avoid unnecessary hassles.
3. Monitor Price Changes
Keeping an eye on price changes can make a big difference in how much you save on flights. Airfares can fluctuate over 30 times before departure, so staying alert to these shifts is key to snagging the best deals.
How Price Tracking Tools Perform
Here’s a quick look at how some popular tools stack up when it comes to tracking airfare changes:
| Tool | Route Type | Accuracy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Skiplagged | American Airlines Transatlantic | 89% |
| Google Flights | United Airlines International | 90% |
| Kayak | Air France European Network | 85% |
| Kiwi Price Calendar | Emirates Long-haul | 83% |
| AirHint | Ryanair European Network | 80% |
Setting Up Price Alerts
Google Flights makes it easy to track prices. Just enter your trip details, apply filters (like baggage, stops, or airlines), and activate the “Track prices” option. You’ll get email updates whenever there’s a price change.
Here’s a general timeline to follow:
- Domestic flights: Start tracking 1–3 months before departure.
- International flights: Monitor prices 3–6 months in advance.
Be aware of fare spikes, which often happen 21, 14, and 7 days before departure. For instance, Emirates fares can fluctuate by over 40% in a single month, while Ryanair prices might jump 60% during peak times. Using price alerts, travelers have reported saving around 15% on international flights.
Pro tip: Don’t stop monitoring after booking. Some airlines offer vouchers or credit if prices drop after you’ve purchased your ticket.
Pair these strategies with flexible routing options to uncover even bigger savings.
4. Choose Alternative Dates and Airports
Adjusting your travel dates and airport choices can help you save money on flights in 2025. While booking at the right time is important, being flexible with dates and airports can lead to even greater savings.
Smart Date Selection
Flying in August is a great way to save, with data showing it’s the cheapest month for both domestic and international travel. You can save 12% on domestic flights and 7% on international flights during this time.
For additional savings, consider flying on specific days:
| Flight Type | Best Day | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Saturday | 17% |
| International | Thursday | 15% |
| Peak Season | Wednesday | $100+ |
Alternative Airport Strategy
Looking at nearby airports can also cut costs. For instance, flying into Oakland (OAK) instead of San Francisco (SFO) often results in cheaper fares.
Here’s how to make the most of this strategy:
- Use Google Flights: This tool allows you to compare prices across several nearby airports at once.
- Fly Midweek: According to Hayley Berg, Hopper’s Lead Economist, “Travelers who fly midweek, usually Wednesday, can save an average of $56 per ticket on domestic airfare throughout the year”.
- Spring break and summer: Save $60+ per ticket
- Holiday season: Save $100+ per ticket
- Use Mobile Apps: Download apps that track flight prices and send alerts. Many also offer options to explore alternate routes or travel days to maximize savings.
5. Find Lower Fares Through Routing
You can often save money on flights by choosing alternative routes. For example, booking a multi-city itinerary – like flying from JFK to GVA and returning from ZRH – can sometimes cost less than purchasing separate one-way tickets. This method builds on earlier price and route comparisons to help you cut costs.
Smart Routing Tips
- Use multi-city search tools such as Google Flights to evaluate multiple routes at once.
- Opt for layovers of eight hours or more to turn a stopover into an opportunity to explore a new city for free.
- Combine flights from different airlines to lower your overall expenses. As travel expert Gary Leff points out, “Flight fares are subject to market forces and do not necessarily correlate to the distance flown”.
Important Considerations
Before booking, keep these factors in mind:
- Baggage Handling: On connecting flights, checked luggage is usually sent to your final ticketed destination.
- Schedule Changes: Airlines might reroute you on different connections if your initial flight is canceled or overbooked.
- Frequent Flyer Miles: To keep your options open, consider crediting miles to a partner airline when using alternative routing strategies.
“It comes down to the airlines believing that a flight from A to B to C is a fundamentally different product than a flight from A to B, you’re buying one thing and consuming another, and that’s up against the common-sense notion that if you buy seats on two flights, it’s up to you what to do with them. It’s all the result of complicated pricing that average customers find confusing and unfair to begin with.”
- Gary Leff, Travel Industry Expert and Author of “View From the Wing”
6. Use Price Prediction Tools
Flight price prediction tools analyze past and current data to forecast fare changes, helping you decide the best time to book. Here’s a breakdown of some popular tools and how they perform in guiding booking decisions.
Prediction Accuracy for Booking Decisions
| Tool | Key Feature | Accuracy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Google Flights | Tracks long-term fare trends | 90% |
| Skiplagged | Focuses on hidden city routing | 89% |
| Kayak | Analyzes seasonal pricing patterns | 85% |
| Kiwi Price Calendar | Examines multi-city combinations | 83% |
| AirHint | Specializes in low-cost carrier trends | 80% |
Tips for Maximizing Savings
Prediction tools are great for determining when to book, but combining them with other strategies can help you save even more. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Set up alerts to catch sudden price drops and monitor different timeframes for predicted dips.
- Compare predictions across various routes and dates to find the best deals.
- Check alternative airports, as predictions often reveal significant savings based on location.
What to Keep in Mind About Prediction Accuracy
These tools are becoming more advanced, often tailoring their forecasts to specific airline pricing patterns. However, unexpected market changes can still impact fares. Use these predictions as a guide, but pair them with other booking strategies – especially for international trips – to get the best results.
7. Save with Off-Peak Flight Times
Flying during less busy hours and days can help you snag cheaper tickets and avoid crowded airports. Here’s how to make the most of off-peak travel.
Best Times to Fly for Lower Fares
The cheapest times to fly are early morning (4:00–6:00 AM), late at night (after 10:00 PM), and mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Research shows that mid-week flights can cost up to 17% less than peak travel days. For domestic trips, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you around $85 per ticket. International travelers can save up to $120 by choosing a Wednesday departure.
Off-Peak Travel Savings at a Glance
| Factor | Benefits & Savings | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Week Travel | Save up to 17%; $85 domestic and $120 international savings | Less demand from business travelers |
| Early Morning/Late Night | Lower fares due to reduced demand | Requires adjusting to nonstandard hours |
Avoid These Peak Travel Times
When planning your trip, steer clear of:
- Late afternoon and mid-morning flights
- Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays
- Holidays, spring break, summer rush, and big events
“To get the cheapest flight possible, you probably won’t get to fly at your preferred time of day.” – Amy Lancelotte
Tips for Comfortable Off-Peak Travel
Off-peak flights can save you money, but adjusting your schedule is key to staying comfortable. Combine these strategies with other booking tips to make your travel both cost-effective and stress-free.
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8. Book Outside High Season
Timing your travel can make a huge difference in airfare costs. Let’s break down when to book flights in 2025 to save the most money.
August is the cheapest month for both domestic and international travel. According to Expedia’s Air Hacks Report, flying in August can lower domestic fares by up to 12% compared to February. For international flights, you could save about 7% compared to traveling in March.
On the flip side, February has the highest domestic airfare prices, while March is the most expensive for international travel. These months also bring busier flights. For example, July operates 65% more flights than February, reflecting higher travel demand.
If you’re looking to avoid the busiest travel days, steer clear of historically hectic dates. In 2024, the Sunday after July 4th and the Sunday after Thanksgiving were among the TSA’s top ten busiest days ever recorded.
Tips for Timing Your Travel
- Choose August for domestic and international flights instead of February or March.
- Avoid major holidays and their surrounding weekends for less crowded flights.
- Plan around off-peak periods to take advantage of lower demand and better prices.
“Airfares are down, the end of summer is the cheapest time to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you money – these realities fly in the face of advice floating around the internet.”
– Melanie Fish
To stretch your budget even further, try aligning your vacation with shoulder seasons or adding travel days to existing holidays. This way, you can save on flights while making the most of your time off.
9. Use Points and Card Benefits
Leverage credit card rewards and airline miles to lower your flight costs in 2025.
Choosing the Right Card
Pick a credit card that aligns with your travel habits to get the most value.
| Card Type | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Co-branded Airline | Frequent airline users | • Earn miles directly • Priority boarding • Free checked bags |
| General Travel | Flexible travelers | • Transferable points • Multiple redemption options • Higher earning rates |
This approach works well alongside strategies like timing and price tracking to save even more.
Maximizing Welcome Bonuses
Take advantage of welcome bonuses to rack up miles quickly. For instance, the United℠ Explorer Card offers 80,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Similarly, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card provides 70,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in eligible purchases within six months.
Making the Most of Your Points
Get the best value from points and miles by:
- Comparing cash and points prices: For example, a flight from New York (JFK) to Orlando (MCO) costs $438 in cash or 32,000 miles plus $11.20 in taxes. That’s 1.3 cents per mile, a solid redemption rate.
- Flexibility with dates: Adjusting your travel dates by a few days can often save points.
- Monitoring transfer ratios: If you’re using a general travel card, ensure the transfer ratio to airline programs is favorable, ideally 1:1.
“If you want to maximize the value of your airline miles and points (and have the time to do the work), you’ll want to research all the various redemption options before you book your trip.” – CNBC Select
Benefits of Premium Cards
Premium travel cards come with perks like lounge access, travel credits, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, trip insurance, and bonus points on travel-related purchases. Weigh these perks against the annual fee. For instance, the Capital One Venture X card costs $395 annually but offers extensive travel benefits that can offset the fee.
Pairing these rewards strategies with smart timing can help you save even more on your 2025 travel plans.
10. Find Error Fares
Error fares can save you a lot on flights if you know where to look. They happen when mistakes – like data entry errors, technical glitches, or currency conversion issues – lead to flights being priced much lower than usual.
What Are Error Fares?
These rare deals occur when something disrupts the usual pricing process. For example, in 2013, a glitch resulted in round-trip flights from the U.S. to Hawaii priced at just $7. Another instance in August saw comfort class fares from Amsterdam to Toronto drop to $280 due to an error. These examples show why staying alert can pay off big.
Tips for Finding Error Fares
- Set Price Alerts
Use tools to track flight prices and spot sudden drops. - Join Travel Communities
Check out forums like Flyertalk’s Mileage Run board and Reddit’s r/traveldeals. Experienced travelers often share recent finds there. - Search Smarter
On platforms like Skyscanner, use the “Entire Month” view to spot unusual price patterns that might indicate an error fare.
While airlines sometimes cancel error fare tickets, they often honor them to maintain goodwill. For instance, in 2007, a business class ticket from San Francisco to Auckland was accidentally priced at $1,500 instead of $15,000 – and it was honored.
Act Quickly
If you find an error fare, book it immediately and wait for confirmation from the airline before making other travel plans. Timing is everything – these deals don’t last long. Staying proactive and ready to act can help you snag these rare opportunities.
11. Book Low-Cost Airlines
Flying with budget airlines can be a great way to save money – if you plan carefully. In 2020, U.S. airlines made $2.8 billion from checked baggage fees, so avoiding extra charges is key.
Smart Booking Strategies
Booking add-ons in advance is one way to cut costs. Here’s a look at Frontier Airlines’ pricing:
| Service | At Booking | At Airport | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked Bag | $25 | $45 | $20 |
| Carry-on | $30 | $60 | $30 |
- Pack Light: Stick to a personal item that fits under the seat to skip baggage fees.
- Pre-book Add-ons: Reserve baggage and other services when you buy your ticket for the lowest rates.
Choose Flights Wisely
When booking with budget airlines, keep these points in mind:
- Flight Length: Shorter trips are usually more comfortable on budget carriers.
- Total Costs: Don’t forget transportation and parking fees at alternative airports.
- Full Price Comparison: Include add-ons when comparing fares with full-service airlines.
Stay informed about changes to airline policies, as they can impact your savings.
Recent Budget Airline Updates
Budget airlines have introduced new policies that could affect your travel costs. For example:
- Breeze Airways no longer charges change or cancellation fees.
- JetBlue boasts the largest seats among low-cost carriers.
- Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy in November 2024.
Quick Tips to Save More
- Skip Seat Selection: Let the airline assign your seat for free.
- Bring Entertainment: Avoid paying for onboard extras by packing your own.
- Carry Essentials: Keep medications and valuables in your personal bag to avoid extra fees.
- Check Trip Length: For longer flights, full-service airlines might be a better deal.
Advertised fares can be misleading. Always calculate the total cost – including add-ons – before booking. Pair these tips with the next set of strategies to save even more on your flights.
12. Save with Multi-Stop Routes
Booking multi-stop routes can often cost less than direct flights, especially for international travel. This method, sometimes called the Greek Islands trick, involves purchasing separate flight segments instead of a single itinerary. By breaking your trip into smaller legs, you can find additional savings that build on earlier flight-routing strategies.
Examples of Savings with Multi-Stop Routes
Here’s a breakdown of how much you can save by choosing multi-stop routes:
| Route | Direct Flight | Multi-Stop Route | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne to Rome | $1,450 | $1,330 (via Athens) | $120 |
| Melbourne to Istanbul | $1,680 | $1,360 (via Athens) | $320 |
| Chicago to Siem Reap | $2,100 | $1,320 (via Bangkok) | $780 |
Tips for Booking Multi-Stop Flights
Keep these factors in mind to make the most of multi-stop bookings:
Timing Between Flights
- Plan enough time for baggage claim and re-checking luggage.
- Include a buffer for potential delays.
- Double-check if both flights use the same airport.
Cost Breakdown
- Add up fares, baggage fees, and any additional costs.
- Check transportation costs if you need to switch airports.
- Research visa requirements for layovers in other countries.
Ideal Routes for Multi-Stop Savings
This strategy works particularly well for certain routes. It’s especially helpful when flying to:
- Smaller or regional airports.
- Remote destinations.
- Routes that aren’t heavily traveled.
- Eastern European cities using Western European hubs as stopovers.
“The gist is that if you can get a killer deal on a long-haul international flight to the continent you want to visit, you can pair that with a cheap regional flight (or even a train or bus ride) to get to your final destination.”
How to Search for Multi-Stop Flights
Flexibility and timing are key when searching for multi-stop routes. Flight prices tend to be lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Compare these options:
- Booking a multi-city itinerary in one go.
- Purchasing separate one-way tickets for each leg of the trip.
Pro Tip: Use flight search tools and dashboards to compare prices across multiple platforms.
“I think it reveals a bizarre and counterintuitive way the airline-pricing model works. But in terms of being able to take advantage of that to save money, it’s a super big risk and you probably shouldn’t do it unless you fully understand what you’re doing.”
For instance, flying from Vancouver to Puerto Rico often costs less if booked in two parts: first to Miami, then to Puerto Rico. Similarly, traveling to Sicily from Chicago can be cheaper by flying to Rome first and then taking a short regional flight to Sicily.
Combine these multi-stop strategies with earlier tips to stretch your travel budget even further.
13. Book in Different Currencies
A strong U.S. dollar can help you snag cheaper flights by booking in foreign currencies. Here’s how to make the most of these exchange rate advantages.
Current Exchange Rate Opportunities
As of January 2025, several currencies present favorable exchange rates for U.S. travelers:
| Currency | Exchange Rate (per $1 USD) | Recent Change |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Yen | 158 ¥ | Up from around 110 ¥ pre-pandemic |
| Argentine Peso | 1,036 ARS | Experienced significant devaluation |
| Turkish Lira | 35 TRY | Major currency shift |
| Hungarian Forint | 402 HUF | A non-Eurozone option |
| South African Rand | 18.98 ZAR | Attractive for U.S. travelers |
Tips for Booking in Foreign Currencies
- Track exchange rates: Book flights when the U.S. dollar is strong. For instance, $1 USD currently equals about 158 yen in Japan.
- Consider economic factors: While Turkey offers favorable rates, high inflation could impact overall costs.
- Focus on specific regions: Look into areas like Eastern Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia, where local currencies may stretch your dollar further. Be sure to check for any political or economic challenges before booking.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
When booking in a foreign currency, use credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Also, watch out for hidden costs like dynamic currency conversion, and try to book when exchange rates are at their best.
14. Use Free Cancellation Windows
Take advantage of free cancellation windows to protect your travel budget. Many U.S. airlines offer a 24-hour cancellation policy, letting you lock in a price while still having the flexibility to search for better deals.
Major Airline Cancellation Policies
Here’s a quick look at how some major U.S. airlines handle their 24-hour cancellation policies as of 2025:
| Airline | Policy Details | Booking Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest | No cancellation fees on any fare type | Book directly with the airline |
| Alaska Airlines | Full refund within 24 hours, including Saver fares | Must be booked through official channels |
| American Airlines | Free cancellation on Main Cabin fares | Travel must start more than 24 hours after booking |
| Delta Air Lines | Full refund within 24 hours except Basic Economy | Applies to flights originating in North America |
| United Airlines | 24-hour free cancellation on Main Cabin fares | Valid for Caribbean and North America routes |
Tips to Make the Most of the 24-Hour Window
- Book directly with the airline to ensure you qualify for free cancellation.
- Double-check your travel dates to ensure they begin more than 24 hours after booking.
- Keep an eye on fares during the cancellation period for potential savings.
This approach acts as a built-in safety net, giving you the freedom to switch to a cheaper fare if one becomes available.
Smart Booking Strategy
Lock in a good fare as soon as you find one, then monitor prices for the next 24 hours. If a better deal comes along, cancel your original booking for a full refund and rebook at the lower price. It’s an easy way to avoid missing out on last-minute price drops.
“Whole, unused, nonrefundable reservations (including Saver fares) canceled within 24 hours of original purchase may be refunded to the original form of payment, as long as travel commences more than 24 hours after booking.”
Keep in mind, this policy might not apply to group bookings or vacation packages, so always check the fine print.
15. Join Deal Alert Services
Tired of endlessly searching for flight deals? Deal alert services do the heavy lifting for you, finding airfare discounts automatically. For example, Dollar Flight Club has helped over 3 million members save big, with discounts reaching up to 90% off standard fares.
How Deal Alerts Work
Sign up for Dollar Flight Club, and you’ll get personalized email and SMS alerts for cheap flights departing from your chosen airports. This system keeps you in the loop about major price drops and mistake fares, so you can act fast.
Tips to Save More
- Add multiple departure airports for a wider range of options.
- Include both domestic and international destinations in your settings.
- Turn on SMS alerts to get instant updates.
- Act quickly when you receive an alert – deals don’t last long.
These tips can help you snag the best prices before they’re gone.
Real-Life Savings
One user scored a roundtrip ticket to Maui for just $160. Others have reported saving up to 90% on airfare.
“Instead of stalking Google Flights or the United website for discounted tickets, I’m letting this flight finder do all the work for me”.
Extra Perks for Premium Members
Premium members enjoy even more benefits, including:
- Exclusive deals on economy and business class flights
- Alerts for mistake fares
- Discounts on travel-related perks from top brands
- Member-only savings
- Priority customer support
Dollar Flight Club partners directly with airlines and travel companies to offer discounts you won’t find elsewhere. With potential savings of over $2,000 on travel expenses, a subscription could easily pay for itself.
Conclusion
Scoring the best flight deals in 2025 comes down to smart timing, the right tools, and effective techniques. Adjusting when you book and travel can lead to savings of up to 25%. By combining these strategies with earlier tips, travelers can stretch their budgets further.
Timing plays a huge role in cutting costs. Booking domestic and international flights during their ideal timeframes can unlock substantial discounts. August continues to stand out as the cheapest month to travel, offering consistently lower fares across many routes.
“Airfares are down, the end of summer is the cheapest time to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you money – these realities fly in the face of advice floating around the internet. It makes sense to trust the billions of data points from across the world and every airline that go into the Expedia Air Hacks report.”
– Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations
Organizations like Dollar Flight Club have already helped over 2 million travelers save on global trips by applying these principles.
Quick Reference Table
| Booking Strategy | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Sunday Bookings | Up to 17% |
| Thursday Departures | 17% compared to Sunday flights |
| Domestic Advance Booking (1–3 months) | Up to 25% |
| International Advance Booking (18–29 days) | Up to 17% |
| Saturday Departures (Domestic) | 17% compared to Sunday flights |
