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Where to Find Cheap Flights: A Reddit-Savvy Guide

So, you’re asking Reddit where to find cheap flights? Excellent choice! While the hive mind of the internet can sometimes lead you astray, when it comes to travel hacking, some incredibly knowledgeable people hang out in those subreddits. Here’s the straight dope: the absolute best places to find cheap flights are rarely just one site, but a combination of strategies and resources. Think of it as a layered approach to uncovering hidden deals and exploiting pricing anomalies. You need to blend search engine savvy with insider knowledge and a touch of flexible planning.

The Holy Trinity of Flight Search Engines

While there’s a plethora of options, a few consistently rise to the top for their comprehensiveness and ability to sniff out deals:

Google Flights: This is your starting point. Period. Google Flights boasts an intuitive interface, allows you to track prices, explore destinations on a map, and most importantly, offers a calendar view showing the cheapest dates for travel. Its “Explore” function is invaluable for discovering potential destinations you hadn’t even considered based on your budget. You can’t actually book through Google Flights – it redirects you to the airline or online travel agency (OTA) – but it’s the ultimate research tool.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is a powerhouse for finding budget airlines, especially in Europe and Asia. Its “Everywhere” search function is legendary. If you’re open to anything and just want to find the cheapest place to fly, select “Everywhere” as your destination. You can also filter by month and find the cheapest days to travel across an entire year. Like Google Flights, it directs you to book through the airline or OTA.
Kayak: Kayak aggregates data from hundreds of sources, including smaller OTAs that might not be featured on Google Flights or Skyscanner. It also offers a “Hacker Fare” option, which combines two one-way tickets from different airlines to potentially save money. Be cautious with Hacker Fares, though, as you’re responsible for any missed connections if flights are delayed.

Beyond the Basics: Leveling Up Your Flight Search

These three search engines are fantastic, but to really score those rock-bottom prices, you need to delve deeper. Consider these strategies:

Airline Websites Directly: Don’t completely neglect the airline’s own website. Sometimes, airlines offer exclusive deals that aren’t available through third-party search engines. This is especially true for smaller, regional airlines.
Budget Airline Special Offers: Sign up for email alerts from budget airlines like Ryanair, Southwest, EasyJet, and Norwegian Air. These airlines frequently announce flash sales and limited-time promotions.
Error Fares: These are the unicorn of the flight world – incredibly cheap fares that are accidentally published due to a glitch or human error. Several websites and Reddit communities (see below) specialize in tracking down and sharing error fares. Act fast if you find one, as they are often corrected quickly.
Utilize Reddit Communities: The travel subreddits, particularly r/travel, r/flights, and r/traveldeals, can be goldmines for finding cheap flight information. Users often share deals they’ve found, ask for advice, and provide insights into specific routes or airlines.

Reddit Resources: Tapping into the Collective Wisdom

Speaking of Reddit, specific communities deserve a mention:

/r/Travel: This is a general travel subreddit, but users often share flight deals and ask for advice on finding cheap flights.
/r/Flights: A more specialized subreddit dedicated to flights, where you can find discussions on specific airlines, routes, and pricing trends.
/r/TravelDeals: Focused on sharing travel deals, including cheap flights, hotels, and vacation packages.
/r/churning: This community is dedicated to maximizing credit card rewards and travel points, which can be used to redeem for free or heavily discounted flights.

The Art of Flexibility: Your Secret Weapon

The single most important factor in finding cheap flights is flexibility. If you’re locked into specific dates and destinations, you’ll have limited options.

Be Flexible with Dates: Travel during the shoulder season (the periods between peak and off-peak seasons) to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Be Flexible with Destinations: Be open to flying to alternative airports near your desired destination. Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport can save you a significant amount of money.
Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights are convenient, but they’re also usually more expensive. If you’re willing to endure a layover or two, you can often save a substantial amount of money.

FAQs: Your Cheap Flight Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further enhance your cheap flight finding skills:

1. What are the best days of the week to book flights?

There’s no definitive answer, but generally, booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays has been shown to sometimes yield slightly lower prices. However, this is more of a myth than a hard-and-fast rule. The best strategy is to monitor prices regularly using Google Flights or similar tools, regardless of the day of the week.

2. How far in advance should I book flights?

This depends on the destination and time of year. For domestic flights, 1-3 months in advance is often a good sweet spot. For international flights, aim for 2-8 months in advance. However, last-minute deals can sometimes be found, especially during the off-season.

3. What are “error fares,” and how do I find them?

Error fares are accidentally published fares that are significantly lower than they should be. They are often caused by glitches in airline pricing systems or human error. Websites like Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Thrifty Traveler often post about error fares. Act quickly if you find one, as they are usually corrected within hours.

4. Should I use a VPN to find cheaper flights?

The effectiveness of using a VPN to find cheaper flights is debatable. Some argue that airlines adjust prices based on your location. While it might work in some rare instances, it’s not a guaranteed method for finding significantly cheaper fares. It’s worth experimenting with, but don’t rely on it as your primary strategy.

5. Are OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) reliable?

OTAs like Expedia, Priceline, and Booking.com can be useful for finding deals, but proceed with caution. Always read reviews before booking and be aware of their cancellation policies. Booking directly with the airline is often preferable, as it simplifies the process if you need to make changes or cancellations.

6. How can I use credit card rewards to get cheap flights?

Travel credit cards offer various rewards, such as points, miles, and statement credits, that can be redeemed for flights. Sign-up bonuses can be particularly lucrative. Research different travel credit cards and choose one that aligns with your travel habits.

7. What is “skiplagging,” and is it ethical?

Skiplagging (also known as hidden-city ticketing) involves booking a flight with a connection at your desired destination but not taking the final leg of the flight. This can sometimes save money, but it’s against the terms and conditions of most airlines and can result in penalties, such as cancellation of your ticket or loss of frequent flyer miles. It’s a risky practice and generally not recommended.

8. How can I find cheap last-minute flights?

Finding cheap last-minute flights can be challenging, but not impossible. Be flexible with your destination and dates. Consider flying on off-peak days and times. Use flight search engines to compare prices and sign up for alerts. Budget airlines often offer last-minute deals.

9. Are budget airlines worth it?

Budget airlines can be a great option for saving money, but be aware of the potential drawbacks. They often charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and food. Flights may be delayed or cancelled more frequently than with traditional airlines. Carefully consider the total cost and potential inconveniences before booking.

10. How can I track flight prices and get notified of price drops?

Google Flights allows you to track flight prices and receive email notifications when prices change. Simply search for your desired flight and click the “Track prices” button. Other flight search engines, such as Skyscanner and Kayak, also offer price tracking features.

11. What are some common flight booking scams I should be aware of?

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Always book through reputable websites or directly with the airline. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources. Read reviews before booking with an unfamiliar OTA.

12. How does the time of year affect flight prices?

Flight prices fluctuate depending on the time of year. Peak season, such as summer and holidays, is generally the most expensive time to travel. Shoulder season (spring and fall) offers a good balance of pleasant weather and lower prices. The off-season (winter) is typically the cheapest time to travel, but be prepared for potential weather-related disruptions.

By combining these strategies and resources, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of flight pricing and score those coveted cheap flights. Happy travels!