How to Find the Best Flight Deals 2025
One of our most frequently asked questions about travel is:
“What is the best way to book cheap flights?”
Honestly, my biggest secret to snagging truly affordable airfare is simple: FLEXIBILITY. Why should you trust my advice? I’ve been a Diamond Medallion since 2015 and hit Million Miler roughly two years ago in 2023 meaning, I achieved that milestone in less than 8 years. That’s a lot of buying & flying!
Before I even consider hotel or car rentals, I always prioritize securing my flights. Finding the right, least expensive flights at the best price is the foundation for an entire trip, allowing you to save money on travel from the start. Also, trying to find the right price in the DIP between the price going down and then back up again.
- The ONLY caveat to this booking a “flight first” mentality is New York City.
Now, lets break down how I book flights and we will go into detail on each topic:
- How far in advance should I book a plane ticket 2025?
- What is the Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly 2025?
- What is the Cheapest Day of the Week to Buy a Plane Ticket 2025?
- Searching Flights Using Flexible Dates
- Find Cheaper Flights by Searching Nearby Airports
- Leveraging Airline Loyalty to Book Reward Tickets
- Using Google Flights to Track
- Why Airline Prices Change Suddenly
1. How Far in Advance Should I Book a Plane Ticket?
Short answer: You need to find the sweet spot, which typically means a half-filled plane.
Long answer: Read the full version here
- Booking too late means the plane is full – airlines are going to charge the most to fill remaining seats.
- Book in the right sweet spot – airlines are going to charge the least to fill the plane. This is the actual time frame you are searching for when it comes to step #2 below.
2. Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly
Short answer: Mid-week and Saturday afternoon
Long answer: Read the full version here
Domestic Flights: find that leaving on Sunday night, Tuesday evening, Wednesday, or Saturday afternoon typically offers the best flight prices.
International Flights: Leaving on Thursdays is almost always best for me, sometimes even Sunday night.
3. Cheapest Day of the Week to Buy Plane Tickets 2025
Short answer: Wednesday’s & Saturday’s, 12:01AM-11:59PM
Long answer: Read the full version here
When not to buy a ticket? I rarely purchase tickets on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Sunday.
4. Searching Flights Using Flexible Dates
Short answer: Search using flexible dates on the airlines website, don’t be so specific.
Long answer: Read the full version here
5. Find Cheaper Flights by Searching Nearby Airports
Short answer: Check all airports within an hour or two of your destination, you might find cheaper flights.
Long answer: Read the full version here
6. Leveraging Airline Loyalty to Book Reward Tickets
Short answer: Option #1, log into your favorite airline website where you earn miles and book directly with reward points (e.g. Delta SkyMiles). Option #2, log into your credit card (e.g. Platinum Card with American Express, Chase Credit Card) and book with your earned credit card points.
Long answer: Read the full version here
7. Using Google Flights to Track
Short answer: After you book a flight, track the price using Google Flights. If the price drops, cancel your original flight then rebook it for cheaper. You will get a refund or eCredit from the airline for future travel from the difference saved.
Long Answer: Read the full version here
8. Rebooking Your Flight If the Price Drops
So the price of your flights just dropped on Google Flights, what do you do?
Short answer:
- If you used 100% points or partial points + cash, then you can cancel for a full refund and rebook your flights.
- If you booked your flight with only money and no points, you will need to cancel your flights, collect an eCredit, and then rebook using the immediate eCredit from the airline.
Long answer: Read the full version here
