Alright, so today I’m spilling the beans on how I snag those sweet, sweet discounted flights. It’s all about using travel search engines the right way, and trust me, I’ve been through the wringer to figure this out.
It all started a few years back. I was planning a trip to see my sister, and the flight prices were insane! I thought, “There HAS to be a better way.” So, I dove headfirst into the world of travel search engines.
First up: The Usual Suspects
- Kayak: I started with Kayak because everyone talks about it. What I do is set up price alerts. You gotta be patient, but it totally pays off.
- Google Flights: Super clean interface, easy to see prices on a calendar. This helped me be flexible with dates.
- Skyscanner: I like Skyscanner because it lets you search “Everywhere” as your destination. Perfect if you’re just looking for a cheap getaway!
The Secret Sauce: Using Filters Like a Pro
This is where things got interesting. I realized just typing in my dates and hitting “search” wasn’t cutting it. You gotta use those filters! I started playing around with:
- Date Flexibility: Most search engines let you see prices for nearby dates. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can save you a bundle. I’m talking hundreds of dollars sometimes!
- Airport Options: I live near a smaller airport, but sometimes flying out of the bigger one nearby is way cheaper. Don’t be afraid to check different airports.
- Stopovers: Direct flights are nice, but sometimes a stopover is worth the savings. I once flew across the country for half the price just because I had a layover.
My “Aha!” Moment: Incognito Mode and Cookies
Okay, conspiracy theory time, but hear me out! I noticed that flight prices seemed to go up every time I searched for the same flight. I did a little digging and found out about browser cookies and how airlines might track your searches. So, now I ALWAYS search for flights in incognito mode or clear my cookies before I start looking. I’m not saying it’s a guaranteed fix, but it seems to help.
Don’t Forget the Budget Airlines!
This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Don’t forget to check budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier. They don’t always show up on the big search engines, so you gotta go to their websites directly. Just be prepared for extra fees for things like baggage and seat selection.
The Final Verdict: It’s All About Patience and Persistence
Finding discounted flights isn’t a science, it’s more like an art. You gotta be patient, flexible, and willing to put in the time. I’ve spent hours scouring the internet for deals, but it’s always worth it when I finally find that super cheap flight. Happy travels!
