How to find cheaper flights: 8 habits that actually help

Flight prices move up and down constantly, and there's no magic day or hidden website that always beats everything else. What does work is a handful of simple habits. Here are the ones worth knowing.

1. Be flexible with dates

Moving your trip by a day or two can change the price more than anything else. Most flight search tools have a calendar or "flexible dates" view showing prices across a whole month. Mid-week departures are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays, though not always.

2. Set a price alert

Most flight comparison sites let you track a route and email you when the price drops. Start watching a route early: after a few weeks you'll have a good idea of what a fair price looks like, so you can book with confidence when it dips.

3. Check nearby airports

Flying from a different airport, or into a different airport near your destination, can be much cheaper. Just add in the cost and time of getting there.

4. Add up the extras properly

A low headline fare can grow quickly with bags, seat selection and payment fees. Compare the total price for what you actually need: sometimes the "more expensive" airline that includes a bag is cheaper overall.

5. Don't leave it too late for busy dates

For school holidays and other peak dates, prices usually rise as seats sell, so it pays to book early. For quieter dates you have more flexibility, and sales can bring prices down.

6. Consider one-way tickets

Booking each direction separately, sometimes on different airlines, can occasionally be cheaper than a return. Check that you're comfortable with the risk if one flight is changed, since separate bookings aren't linked.

7. Look at packages too

A flight plus hotel package can be cheaper than booking both yourself, and from a UK company it may be ATOL protected. Our guide to package holidays and ATOL explains how to compare them.

8. Check the brand's own site before you pay

Prices on comparison sites can lag behind. Always check the final price, bag rules and cancellation terms on the airline's or travel company's own site before you pay.

The bottom line

Flexibility and a little patience save more than any trick. Watch the route, compare the total cost, and book when the price is right for you. See today's flight deals.