Are you dreaming of traveling abroad but worried about the cost of flights? Don't worry, we've got you covered with some key hacks and tips for getting good prices for international flights to and from the United States. Whether you want to explore Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere else in the world, you can find cheap flights if you follow these simple steps.
1. Be flexible with your dates and destinations. One of the best ways to save money on flights is to be flexible with your travel plans. If you can travel during the off-season or on weekdays, you can save a lot of money compared to peak times and weekends. You can also be flexible with your destination and use tools like Skyscanner's "Search anywhere" feature to find the cheapest places to fly to from your departure city.
2. Follow the flight first rule. This means that you should book your flight before anything else, such as hotels, tours, or activities. Why? Because flights are usually the most expensive and unpredictable part of your trip, and they can change dramatically in price and availability. By booking your flight first, you can lock in a good deal and then plan the rest of your trip around it.
3. Book in advance but not too early. The best time to book international flights is usually between three to six months before your departure date. If you book too early, you might miss out on lower prices that come later. If you book too late, you might face higher prices due to limited availability and demand.
4. Use a flight search engine that compares multiple sites. Sometimes, different booking sites have different prices for the same flight. That's why it's a good idea to use a flight search engine that compares multiple sites and shows you the best deals available. Some of our favorites are Kayak, FairFlightBooking.com and Google Flights.
5. Book another flight to unlock huge savings. This is a hack that involves booking two separate flights instead of one to save money. For example, if you want to fly from New York to Paris, you might find a cheaper flight from New York to London and then another flight from London to Paris. This way, you can save hundreds of dollars on your trip. However, this hack comes with some risks and inconveniences, such as having to collect your baggage and check-in again, missing your connection due to delays or cancellations, and paying extra fees for baggage or visas.
6. Book now, ask questions later. Sometimes, you might find a great deal on a flight but hesitate to book it because you're not sure about your plans or budget. However, this can be a mistake because flight prices can change quickly and you might miss out on a bargain. That's why we recommend booking now and asking questions later. How? By taking advantage of free cancellation policies or 24-hour refund windows that many airlines and booking sites offer.
7. Fly with international budget airlines. Another way to save money on international flights is to fly with budget airlines that offer low fares and no-frills service. These airlines might charge extra for things like baggage, seat selection, food, or entertainment, but they can still be cheaper than full-service airlines if you travel light and don't mind some discomforts. Some of the most popular international budget airlines are Ryanair, EasyJet, Norwegian Air, AirAsia, and Wizz Air.
These are some of the key hacks and tips for getting good prices for international flights to and from the United States. By following these steps, you can save money on your flights and travel more for less.
