For many travelers, flying is necessary. In fact, it is something every traveler has to deal with at some point. When done frequently, however, it may put a big strain on a person’s wallet. But traveling by air does not always have to be so expensive. Just like other modes of transportation, one can do it cheaply. It all begins with booking cheap flights and while there are other tips out there on how to book cheap flights, these are practical and easy for any traveler to apply when seeking ways to book cheap flights.

11 Try To Avoid The Busy Period Of The Year

Whether one likes it or not, there are certain seasons of the year when most people travel. There is no mild way to say this but traveling during these times of the year is going to be expensive. Flight tickets and generally everything else are bound to cost more when demands are high. The first step to getting cheap flights is to avoid the busy period of the year and travel during a less busy period.

10 Fly With Budget Airlines

Different airlines price their flight tickets differently. Of course, settling for a budget airline might mean missing out on some prestigious services. This is understandable and for many travelers, cheaper tickets are better than prestigious services. After all the main aim is getting to the destination and one is only going to be in the air for a limited amount of time.

9 Book Flights Early Enough

Flight tickets are usually cheaper when one is looking for a flight scheduled for several months away. This is mainly because the demands might be low during that time. This can be very helpful for those traveling during the busier time of the year. In many cases, the price charged for a seat by the window three months back might not be the same price charged for that same seat when it is the peak season as many other passengers might want it too

8 Book Flights In Incognito Mode

Using a browser is inevitable when booking flights online and just like one is vulnerable to browser manipulation when doing other things online, the browser cookies can increase the prices of frequently searched flights. To escape this, travelers should always go incognito or use private browsers when booking flights online.

7 Book During Weekdays

Many travelers postpone their flights to weekends due to lack of time but while this might be inevitable, it may be expensive as many other people will be traveling during the weekends. Weekdays are generally the best times to book flights for those seeking cheap flights as the demands are lesser during this period.

6 Use Reliable Booking Sites

Booking flights through airline websites is usually not the best option which is why many now rely on booking sites when searching for cheap flights. While there are dozens of sites out there, it is best to stick to the reliable ones such as Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights when booking flights. These booking sites have features that allow travelers to search for the best flights that suit their budget.

5 Use Flight Points

Flight points can come in handy in many situations, especially for frequent flyers. Many airlines award these points to their frequent flyers as well as passengers who sign up for credit cards. These flight points can be used to get cheaper flights or sometimes free flights.

Related: Hacking It: Tips For Flying With Kids On Long Flights

4 Connection Flights Are Always Cheaper

Non-stop flights are usually more expensive than connecting flights. While connecting flights can be cheaper, they consume more time because passengers will have to pick up their luggage and check it in for the next flight. But many travelers can easily give out more time than more money. The more the layover, the more money that can be saved. Also, long layovers are opportunities to see a new city or give the feet some exercise.

3 Fly Somewhere New

Travelers who have a fixed budget and simply wish to travel somewhere can search for different travel destinations and go with the destination that best fits their budget. There are so many places to visit around the world so try out a new destination.

Related: Airport Hacks That Will Definitely Make Your Next Flight Easier

2 Public Transport Saves A Lot Of Money

Taking direct flights to a destination can be more expensive and while one can cut down the cost using connecting flights, public transport can even help save more money. Travelers can simply fly to a nearby airport and then take public transport to the destination. Although they may get to the destination later than a flight would normally take but in the end, the money saved would be worth the delay.

1 Use Air Miles

Many credit card companies reward their customers with air miles when they use credit cards often. In many cases, customers are rewarded with one air mile when they spend as little as $10. By spending with the credit card more often, travelers could be piling up thousands of dollars worth of air miles that might help get them to their destination for free.