Weekly Travel Deals - How to Get Cheap International Flight Tickets
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How to Find Cheap International Flights from the United States
Traveling internationally can be an exciting adventure, but the cost of airfare often holds people back. Luckily, finding cheap international flights doesn't have to be daunting. With the right strategies and tools (this blog being one of them), you can secure the cheapest international flights and embark on your dream vacation without breaking the bank so you can travel more! Here’s how to book those elusive cheap flights and save money on your next trip.
But first here’s this week’s travel deals:
Week of June 2nd - 8th
*Please note prices are subject to change according to the airlines changing fares. All flights are round trip fares and under $1000 USD.
From New York
From Atlanta
From Miami
From Houston
From San Francisco
From Los Angeles
Still looking for a cheap flight?
Check out these helpful tips below:
Use Fare Comparison Tools
The first step to finding cheap international flights is using fare comparison tools. Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines. By inputting your travel dates and destinations, these tools quickly show you the best deals available. Google Flights even offers a calendar view that displays the cheapest flights on different dates, making it easy to adjust your travel plans for maximum savings.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Flexibility is key when searching for the cheapest international flights. Prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day. If your schedule allows, consider traveling during off-peak seasons or mid-week, as these times often offer lower prices. By adjusting your departure and return dates, you can find flight deals that fit your budget. Personally my family and I love to travel during the shoulder seasons for the best rates on flights and hotels.
Set Fare Alerts
Setting fare alerts is a great way to stay informed about price drops on flights. Websites and apps like Expedia, Kayak, Hopper, and Google Flights allow you to set alerts for specific routes. When the price for your desired flight drops, you’ll receive a notification, enabling you to book at the right time. This proactive approach ensures you don’t miss out on any potential savings.
Book in Advance
While last-minute deals can sometimes be found, booking your flight in advance is generally a more reliable way to secure cheap flights. Airlines often release their cheapest seats 6 to 12 months before departure. By planning ahead and booking early, you increase your chances of finding lower fares.
Use Incognito Mode
Airline prices can fluctuate based on your browsing history. To avoid price hikes, use your browser's incognito or private browsing mode when searching for flights. This prevents airlines from tracking your search history and potentially raising prices the next time you look for the same flight.
Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of alternative airports can sometimes result in cheaper fares. Major cities often have multiple airports, and the difference in price can be substantial. For example, instead of flying into London Heathrow, consider London Gatwick or Stansted. One thing that works really well for us when traveling to Europe is booking the cheapest flight to Europe which is typically into London and then we book a cheap fare from London to our final destination. For example, if you want to go to Paris, check flying into London and then get a flight or take the train to Paris to save on your overall fare.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters
Airlines and travel agencies frequently send out newsletters with exclusive flight deals and discounts. By signing up for these newsletters, you’ll be among the first to know about special promotions and limited-time offers. This can give you an edge in finding the cheapest international flights before they sell out.
Use Reward Points and Miles
If you’re a frequent traveler, joining an airline’s loyalty program can be beneficial. Accumulating points or miles through travel, credit card purchases, or promotional offers can help you earn free or discounted flights. Make sure to regularly check your points balance and take advantage of opportunities to redeem them for cheaper fares. We personally love our United Club Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards card and use it on everyday purchases to get free flights and hotel stays.
Check Budget Airlines
Don’t overlook budget airlines when searching for cheap flights. Airlines like Norse, Zip Air, or Scoot offer competitive prices for international travel. While these airlines might not offer all the amenities of larger carriers, the savings can be significant. Be sure to read the fine print regarding baggage fees and other additional costs.
Explore Package Deals
Sometimes booking a flight and hotel package can result in substantial savings. Travel agencies and online booking sites like Expedia and Priceline offer bundled deals that can be cheaper than booking each component separately. These packages can also include additional perks like free breakfast or airport transfers, adding more value to your trip.
Use Credit Card Travel Benefits
Many credit cards offer travel-related benefits such as travel insurance, free checked bags, or airport lounge access. Some cards also provide sign-up bonuses or cash back on travel purchases, which can further reduce your expenses. Make sure to explore and utilize these benefits when booking your international flights.
Check Airline Routes
I have personally found that the best deals can be found on direct, non stop routes. The best way to find which routes may be non stop routes are by checking a website called Flight Connections. This allows you to see routes in and out of a particular city so you can find the corresponding airline with the lowest fare for that non-stop flight.
