Traveling can be an expensive endeavor, but with the right tips and tricks, you can save money on flights and explore more destinations on a budget. In this article, we’ll share some smart hacks that can help you book cheap flights in 2023.
Clear your cookies or use incognito mode
Airlines often use cookies to track your browsing history and may increase prices if you search for flights multiple times. To avoid this, clear your cookies or use incognito mode when searching for flights. This will prevent airlines from tracking your search history and potentially bumping up prices.
Use a VPN to explore flight prices from different countries
Flights can be priced differently depending on the country you’re viewing them from. By using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can mask your IP address and pretend to be in a different country. This may result in lower fares when booking flights. Popular VPN options include Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
Search for flights using popular tools
To find the best deals on flights, use popular search tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo. These platforms allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and find the best deals available.
Book one-way flights instead of round-trips
Booking one-way flights instead of round-trip tickets can potentially save you money. When you book a round-trip, you’re typically limited to a single airline for both flights. Booking one-way flights, however, opens up more possibilities for the return flight and can result in better deals. Tools like Kayak’s Hacker Fare can help you find the best one-way flights for your trip.
Monitor mistake fares
Mistake fares occur when airlines accidentally list flights at extremely low prices. These fares are often available for a short time before airlines correct their mistake. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfare Watchdog, and CheapAir monitor and notify users about mistake fares, enabling you to take advantage of these incredible deals.
Include stopovers in your trip
Adding stopovers to your trip allows you to explore additional destinations without incurring extra costs. Airlines like Icelandair, Copa Air, and Fiji Airways offer stopover programs that allow you to extend your layover and explore new cities at no additional charge. Websites like Airwander can help you find and plan stopovers for your trip.
Take advantage of budget airlines in foreign countries
Budget airlines offer bare-bones services at lower prices, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. These airlines often don’t show up in search results on platforms like Google Flights, so you’ll need to visit their websites directly to book flights. Be sure to research budget airlines in each region you plan to visit and consider using them for intra-continent travel.
Use controversial tools like Skiplagged
Skiplagged is a tool that exposes loopholes in airfare pricing by finding hidden city flights. These flights involve booking a ticket with a layover at your intended destination and not completing the full journey. While this practice has been the subject of legal disputes, it remains a viable option for those looking to save on airfare.
By using these smart hacks, you can save money on flights and make the most of your travel budget. Remember to research, compare prices, and utilize tools like VPNs and flight search engines to find the best deals. With a bit of effort and some savvy strategies, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the world without breaking the bank.
