Worried About Expensive Holiday Airfare? 5 Easy Tips to Save Money on Plane Tickets

Travelers across the U.S. have been able to take advantage of lower airfare in 2024 after a year marked by extreme, inflated ticket prices. Prices have generally fallen, but some destinations are actually getting more expensive, especially at certain times of the year. 

If you plan to fly soon for the holiday season, consider booking your flight now to save money. “Shoulder season,” the period immediately following the peak summer season, is usually a prime window to score some cheap flights.

I’ve already written about key travel trends in 2024, but now I’ve compiled more tips on how to save money on airfare. Here’s what you need to know about getting plane tickets for less than the sticker price. From the cheapest day to fly to our picks for the best travel credit cards, we’ll give you the tips you need to score affordable flights.

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Aim to fly mid-week

Booking flights to take off and land on the weekend is costing you. Per Google Flights data, the most cost-effective flights are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Tuesday emerging as the most economical day based on past flight records. Opting to fly during the early to middle part of the week can result in savings of 13% to 20% on ticket prices compared to weekend flights on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday standing out as the priciest day for flying. 

Google Flights data show there isn’t a specific “best” day to book flights, but the actual day you travel does matter when it comes to cost. Avoid flying on a weekend day for the best rates. 

Consider a budget airline

If cost is more of a priority when flying, consider booking through a budget airline. Budget airlines are often smaller, less luxurious and have fewer flight options, but they can also save you hundreds of dollars over larger airlines, such as American, United and Delta.

Here’s a list of budget airlines in the U.S.:

Budget airlines often require you to give up some convenience for cheaper fares. For instance, you’ll likely have to pay additional fees for carry-on bags and other amenities that are generally free through nonbudget airlines. You’ll also have to pay to select your seat on the plane or be assigned randomly. It’s best to add up these fees to make sure you’re actually saving money in the long run.

Skipping on the amenities of bigger airlines could save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. Short-haul flights and casual weekend getaways are especially suited to budget airlines.

Take advantage of one-way flights and layovers

Booking one-way flights may not be as convenient as round-trip tickets, but it gives you more options to choose from price-wise: You can book through different airlines for the best fares on the days you plan on flying. For example, Delta might get you to your destination for less money, but American Airlines may be cheaper for the flights home. 

For more savings, and especially if your schedule is flexible, consider booking a flight with one or more layovers. It’s no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights, but you may not realize just how significant the savings can be. Travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight, according to Google Flight data.

Utilize a travel credit card

You can use frequent flyer miles and rewards points from travel credit cards to save even more money. Travel credit cards work by rewarding you with points or miles for both travel-related and everyday expenses. Upon collecting a sufficient amount of points or miles, you can exchange them for perks such as airline tickets and hotel stays. A travel credit card may even give you extra points or miles when you use the card for travel purchases, but rates vary.

Some Airlines, like United and Delta, have their own credit cards that pay in miles, which can be redeemed for “free” flights or upgrades, and may offer perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag.

Try travel apps and features for finding flight deals

Apps and automated features can make finding cheap flights easier. Travelers can use apps such as Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to discover flight deals. Going uses software and flight experts to amalgamate deals and mistake fares (when an airline or travel agency lists an incorrect price for a plane ticket that is much less than it’s worth) up to 90% off, and then emails those discounted flights to members. 

Google Flights also recently unveiled a new “Cheapest” tab on its platform to help travelers save money and find ultra-cheap flights with ease. To get started, you’ll just need to enter your trip details and tap the “Cheapest” tab to browse the lowest options available. 

For more travel tips, learn whether travel insurance is worth the cost and expert tips for picking and packing carry-on luggage.