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How to Find Cheap Flights: The Complete, Up-to-Date Guide to Saving on Airfare

Esimfly Β· 25 February 2025

How to Find Cheap Flights: The Complete, Up-to-Date Guide to Saving on Airfare

Introduction – Why does hunting for cheap flights have to be such a headache?

I still remember when searching for plane tickets was an absolute nightmare. Not because I don't love flying, but because the whole process was one long obstacle course: endless price comparisons, confusing websites, hidden fees I never saw coming β€” and the result was always the same, I paid more than I wanted to.

Then I decided I was done giving up. Instead of overpaying, I made it my mission to learn how to find cheap flights to any destination in the world, the smart way. Today, after countless searches, tricks and experiments, I have all the tools β€” and I'm handing them to you.

So if you're also tired of paying ridiculous prices for airfare, here is the complete guide that will save you hundreds (even thousands). Sound good? Let's get started.

1. Search in incognito mode – how to avoid artificially inflated prices

Ever noticed that the more you search for flights to the same destination, the higher the price suddenly climbs? That's no coincidence.

Airlines and search engines use cookies to spot repeat searches and pressure you into buying quickly at a higher price.

How do you avoid it?

πŸ”Ή Search for flights in incognito mode
πŸ”Ή Open a fresh window every time you run another search
πŸ”Ή Try tweaking your search slightly (for example, departing from a nearby city, or a day earlier/later)

2. Use the right search engines – they are not all created equal

Every search engine uses different algorithms to calculate fares. So if you rely on just one, you're bound to miss great deals.

The best sites for finding cheap flights:

βœ… Google Flights – one of the most powerful engines out there, especially for finding well-priced connecting flights
βœ… Skyscanner – makes comparing airlines effortless
βœ… Kiwi.com – great for cheap itineraries that combine different airlines
βœ… Momohttps://www.momondo.com/ndo – offers a wide range of deals and promotions

πŸ’‘ Bonus tip: don't book straight from the search engine! Head to the airline's own website and check whether the price is lower there.

3. Why the old cheap-flight myths no longer work

Come across articles promising "the cheapest day to book a flight"? Or "book your ticket on Tuesday at 2:00 PM"?

πŸ‘Ž It's simply not true. Airfares are set by sophisticated algorithms based on demand, seasonality, availability and more.

βœ… The best approach is to track prices over time and stay as flexible as you can.

4. Be flexible with your dates – that's how you land the best price

If you can be flexible about when you travel, you can save hundreds.

πŸ”Ή Midweek flights are cheaper than weekend ones
πŸ”Ή Early-morning or late-night flights cost less
πŸ”Ή Look for off-season travel – lower prices and fewer tourists

πŸ’‘ Practical tip: use the "flexible dates" search on Google Flights.

5. Search across different destinations – flexibility pays

If you want to fly somewhere but don't much care where, you can take advantage of special deals.

πŸ”Ή On Google Flights, look for the "price map"
πŸ”Ή Check whether flying into a nearby city is cheaper
πŸ”Ή Look for connecting flights that could save you money

6. Sign up for deals and mailing lists – that's how you catch the good ones

Airlines often run secret flight deals that they publish to subscribers only.

πŸ”Ή Subscribe to airline newsletters
πŸ”Ή Follow traveller groups on Facebook

πŸ’‘ Strong recommendation: join a dedicated flight-deals community β€” they're some of the most powerful sources out there.

7. How to avoid hidden costs on low-cost flights

Low-cost carriers advertise cheap fares, but add hidden fees such as:
πŸ”Ή Extra charges for baggage
πŸ”Ή Paying for check-in
πŸ”Ή Paid seat selection

πŸ’‘ Always check what's included in the price before you buy

8. Connecting flights – a brilliant way to save a lot of money

Want to get to New York but the ticket is expensive? Try flying with a connection in Europe β€” the price can be significantly lower.

πŸ’‘ Check combined itineraries on Kiwi.com and Skyscanner.

9. Don't forget eSIMfly – the best way to stay connected in the air and abroad

One of the most annoying things after landing is scrambling to find a data plan. The perfect solution is eSIMfly β€” a digital SIM that gets you online anywhere in the world without swapping a physical card.

βœ… Easy to install straight from your smartphone
βœ… Works with any eSIM-compatible device
βœ… Great-value data packages

πŸ’‘ Recommendation: before you board, make sure you've already bought your eSIMfly β€” that way you're connected from the second you land.

Summary – how to find cheap flights and start saving

  1. Search in incognito mode
  2. Use the right search engines
  3. Be flexible with dates and destinations
  4. Sign up for flight deals
  5. Watch out for hidden costs

πŸ’‘ And one final tip: don't forget to sort out an eSIMfly package before you travel!

πŸ”Ž Want cheap flights? Start searching now!

Looking for a reliable, fast and convenient eSIM? We have the eSIM for travel that fits exactly what you need. Flying soon? Keep it simple β€” buy your eSIM data plan or travel SIM only at eSIM-Fly. Want to get online the moment you land? A virtual SIM or digital SIM is exactly what you're after. Anyone shopping for a virtual SIM, a travel eSIM, or simply an eSIM knows the best value is at eSIM-Fly.

Wherever you are headed, there are eSIM plans for 100+ destinations, with the QR code emailed within minutes.