Smart Ways to Save on Flights Without Sketchy Sites

Malik, NY

Traveler Details: Age Range: 30s | Food Preferences: Adventurous eater, street food lover, tries local delicacies everywhere | Mid-range with occasional luxury splurges

I’ve searched for flights at 2 a.m. from my phone, cleared my cookies, opened five incognito tabs, and tried to remember if Tuesday at 1 p.m. was “statistically the cheapest time to book.” Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: saving money on flights doesn’t have to feel like decoding an algorithm. You just need the right strategy, a few go-to tools, and a filter for what’s legit vs. what’s going to charge you $85 to print a boarding pass (looking at you, budget airlines).

These are my tried-and-tested ways to find cheaper flights — without getting caught in sketchy loopholes or sacrificing convenience.

1. Start Searching in “Private” or Incognito Mode

Ever notice prices going up the more you search the same route? You’re not imagining it.

• Use Incognito Mode on Chrome or Safari to avoid cookies triggering dynamic pricing

Don’t stress too much about it—but it can help keep your fare shopping clean, especially if you’re comparing a lot of sites.

2. Use Flight Aggregators (That Don’t Suck)

Forget the ones that feel like spam traps. Use these trustworthy tools to compare real fares across airlines:

• Google Flights: My personal favorite. Tracks fare drops, shows flexible dates, and maps.

• Hopper: Great for mobile, predicts when to buy, and lets you “freeze” low prices.

• Skyscanner: Best for international + budget carriers

3. Be Flexible With Dates, Not Just Destinations

The key to cheaper flights? Let the price lead the plan.

• Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays

• Search “whole month” or “cheapest month” on Google Flights or Skyscanner

• Sometimes, flying a day earlier or later saves $100+

I saved $280 on my flight to Fiji by flying on a Wednesday instead of Sunday. You can even save money on leaving even a week or two before/after.

4. Use Alerts (Set and Forget Strategy)

Instead of checking prices every day, let tech work for you:

• Set up price alerts on Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner, whichever is your preference

• Use “track this route” for dream destinations you’re not ready to book yet

5. Consider One-Way Fares + Mix & Match Airlines

Sometimes, booking two one-way flights (on different airlines) is cheaper than a roundtrip.

• Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to mix & match

• Be cautious and read the fine print regarding layovers and baggage policies between different airlines

This strategy works best when you’re flying into one city and out of another — like flying into Rome and home from Venice.

6. Know When Budget Airlines Are Actually Worth It

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and Frontier get you there — but you’ll pay in other ways. I personally prefer to stay away from budget airlines but that is my personal choice.

• Always check the total cost with baggage

• Read the fine print (like boarding fees, seat assignments, and even printing your boarding pass)

• Use them for short-haul, no-frills trips

Tip: Search on Skyscanner, then book directly with the airline for safer payment + seat options.

7. Don’t Forget Hidden Costs (Your Time, Energy, and Comfort)

Saving $50 to fly with 2 layovers and a 10-hour layover in JFK isn’t always a “deal.”

Ask yourself:

• Is the time trade-off worth it?

• Will I need to buy food, extra transport, or a hotel overnight?

• Is this a trip where comfort and ease > cost?

Especially relevant for solo, first-time, or anxious travelers. The best deal is the one you’ll actually enjoy.

8. Consider a Travel Rewards Card (Seriously)

This is an advanced move — but once you’re ready, it’s a game changer.

• Sign-up bonuses can cover an entire flight

• Earn miles or points on regular purchases

• Use points to offset taxes or fees

Flight prices don’t have to feel like a guessing game. You don’t need a million tabs open or some mystical booking day to win the game. You just need a system — and some patience.

When you approach flight deals with strategy, clarity, and the right tools, the savings stack up — and the stress comes down.