The Best Cheap Flight Sites
Flight search engines compare hundreds of airlines and agencies in one search, so you can see the cheapest dates, routes and fares at a glance. Metasearch sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner send you to the airline or agency to book, while online travel agencies sell the ticket themselves. Compare on a metasearch site, then book direct with the airline when the price is the same: changes and refunds are far easier.
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3Skyscanner skyscanner.netVisitCompares airlines and agencies, with an 'Everywhere' search for cheap ideas.
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What is the best site to find cheap flights?
There is no single cheapest site, because every search engine draws on slightly different airlines and agencies. Google Flights is the fastest place to start: it searches almost every airline, shows a calendar of prices across a whole month and tracks fares for you. Skyscanner and Momondo add smaller online agencies that Google leaves out, which is often where the very lowest fare sits. Kiwi.com goes a step further and stitches together airlines that don't normally sell connections, finding routes no one else shows.
A good routine is to compare on two metasearch sites, then book with whoever is cheapest. When the airline itself matches the price, book direct: if your flight is changed or cancelled, the airline can rebook you immediately, while an agency adds a middleman.
Metasearch engines vs online travel agencies
Metasearch engines such as Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak don't sell tickets. They compare prices and send you to the airline or agency to pay. Online travel agencies such as Expedia, Priceline and eDreams sell the ticket themselves, sometimes with exclusive discounts or bundle savings when you add a hotel. Agencies are useful for package deals and multi-city trips, but check reviews before using a small, unfamiliar one, since customer service varies enormously.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight?
The old advice about booking on a Tuesday no longer holds: fares change constantly based on demand. What matters more is how far ahead you book and how flexible you are. For domestic trips, one to three months out is usually the sweet spot; for long-haul and peak-season trips, three to six months. Set a price alert as soon as you know your dates and let the tools watch the fare for you.
Tips for finding cheaper flights
- Search a whole month or use "Everywhere" searches to find the cheapest dates and destinations.
- Compare nearby airports, including smaller budget-airline hubs.
- Fly midweek and at unsociable hours, which are often cheaper.
- Check the airline's own site for fare bundles and seat sales before you buy.
- Look at the full price: budget airlines charge extra for bags, seats and check-in.
- Hidden-city tickets from Skiplagged can be cheaper, but only work with hand luggage and can break airline rules.