Last-Minute Flights Made Easy

10 Tips for Booking Cheap Flights | How to Buy Cheap Airline Tickets

With so many airline ticket booking websites available today, finding cheap flights has become an important task for travellers. Airlines and travel platforms are constantly competing to offer the best deals, giving consumers a wide range of choices. In this competitive environment, it’s essential to search for the lowest airfares to plan your trip more cost-effectively. In this article, I will guide you through 10 useful tips to help you book airline tickets at the best possible discounts.

How to Book Cheap Flights

Are you planning your first trip and wondering how to find cheap flights? There are several effective ways to save on airfare, such as using flight comparison websites, subscribing to airline and travel site newsletters, joining flight deal sharing groups, setting your travel dates based on the cheapest fares, and choosing the best time to book your tickets. Today, I’ll be sharing 10 practical tips to help you book cheap flights. Follow these tips and start your journey without breaking the bank!

Flight Deal Tip 1: Choose the Best Time to Book Your Flight

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The timing of your flight booking can greatly affect the price. As a general rule, it’s best to book domestic flights at least 6 weeks in advance, and international flights at least 3 months ahead. You can also get cheaper fares by purchasing your tickets on specific days of the week—many travellers find that Tuesday at midnight offers some of the lowest average prices for international flights worldwide. Additionally, choosing to fly during less popular hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, can help you save even more.

Flight Deal Tip 2: Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

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Another effective way to find cheap flights is to avoid travelling during peak seasons. In Malaysia, airfares tend to rise during school holidays, public holidays, and weekends. Instead, consider travelling during off-peak periods like early winter or the fall season, when prices typically drop. For international trips, November is often one of the cheapest months to fly. By planning your travel around these less popular times, you can significantly reduce your airfare.

Flight Deal Tip 3: Compare Prices and Set a Budget Range

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To get the best deal, always compare flight prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms. Check various websites, including airline official pages and travel portals like Trip.com, to compare prices for the same destination. Additionally, set a maximum price you’re willing to pay. This helps you stay within budget and avoid overspending. By comparing prices and having a clear spending range in mind, you can make more cost-effective travel choices and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Flight Deal Tip 4: Subscribe to Travel Site Newsletters and Become a member

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Many airlines and travel websites offer exclusive flight deals and promotions to their subscribers. By subscribing to these newsletters, you can receive the latest updates on discounts and special fares directly in your inbox. Additionally, most travel apps allow users to set up real-time notifications for price drops within a specific range. Always keep an eye on these alerts—they can help you secure the lowest fares quickly. For example, Trip.com offers a 'Price Alert' feature that notifies users when fares drop to their preferred price range.

🔥 Enjoy a 3% Discount on Trip.com Members' Day Every Month

Trip.com members enjoy a 3% discount on both flight and hotel bookings every month on the 27th. When you make a reservation for a flight or hotel—or both—you’ll receive a 3% discount. Plus, the Trip Coins earned from bookings can be redeemed for travel products. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to book flights at the lowest prices!

Flight Deal Tip 5: Filter by Preferred Airlines to Compare Prices

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If you have a preferred airline, it’s a good idea to use the filter function on flight comparison websites or apps. These platforms allow you to view flight options from multiple airlines at once, and you can narrow down your search to only include your preferred airline. This helps you find the best price while still flying with an airline you trust. You can also explore different travel dates for the same destination to discover even more affordable options.

Flight Deal Tip 6: Take Advantage of Airline Promotions

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Another effective way to find cheap tickets is to take advantage of airline promotions. Many airlines offer discounted fares during special seasons or events. For instance, in some countries, travel fairs are held where major airlines release limited-time deals. In Malaysia, keep an eye out for promotions during events like MATTA Fair, 11.11, and Year-End Sales. You can also check for the latest offers and discounts on Trip.com, where regular promotions are updated on their events page. Don’t miss out on these great travel deals!

Flight Deal Tip 7: Use Credit Cards, Travel Site Partnerships, and Points

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You can get the lowest airfares by taking advantage of credit card benefits and travel site partnerships. When you book flights using a credit card, you often earn miles or reward points, which can be redeemed for future flights, offering even more savings. For example, Trip.com offers exclusive promotions—such as instant discounts on all international routes when you pay with a Samsung Card, and discounts on all flights with Mastercard World or World Elite. Make full use of credit card perks and airline loyalty programmes to save more on your travels.

Flight Deal Tip 8: Book Flights Separately

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Book individual tickets for group travel

Did you know that searching for flights for multiple passengers at once can sometimes show higher prices? This is because the system may display fares based on the highest available price in that seat class. For instance, if only one cheaper seat remains but you search for two passengers, the system may only show the higher fare for both. To avoid this, search for one ticket at a time—especially if you're travelling in a group of fewer than 10 people. This method can help you find cheaper individual fares.

Book outbound and return flights separately

Flights departing midweek, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays, are usually cheaper than those departing on Fridays or weekends. In some cases, one-way tickets may be more affordable than return tickets, depending on the timing and season. However, sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets can cost more than a round-trip, so it's important to compare all options carefully. Given the current market fluctuations and airline competition, take advantage of promotions and choose your travel dates wisely to save more.

Flight Deal Tip 9: Choose Transit Flights Over Direct Flights

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If you don’t mind a longer journey, transit flights are often much cheaper than direct flights. They also give you flexibility in your travel schedule. For example, transiting through Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Tokyo can let you enjoy a brief layover or even a half-day city tour. However, if your transit involves an overnight stay, you may incur extra accommodation costs, so it’s worth checking whether the savings justify the stopover.

Flight Deal Tip 10: Search in Incognito Mode

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When searching for flights online, it's a good habit to use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies before starting. Some websites may increase prices based on your search history. To avoid this, close all browser tabs, clear your cookies, and then restart your search in private browsing mode. This helps you see unbiased, lower prices.

Check Out the Best Flight Deals on Trip.com Today!

We’ve covered all the essential tips to help you find the best airfare deals. From booking at the right time and comparing prices, to choosing the best days to fly and making use of promotions—these strategies can help you cut costs. Don't forget to take full advantage of credit card rewards and airline discounts too. We hope this guide helps you book cheap flights without any stress. Ready to save? Check out the latest flight deals on Trip.com now!

Important Information About Booking Airline Tickets

1. Reservation Confirmation
   After completing your booking, be sure to check the confirmation email or document carefully. Verify that all details are correct, including the departure date, time, flight route, and the spelling of your name as per your passport. Any mistake could cause issues during check-in or boarding.
2. Passport Validity
   Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry. Always check your passport expiry date before making travel plans.
3. Visa Requirements
   If your destination country requires a visa, make sure to check the application process and prepare all required documents well in advance. Without a valid visa, you may be denied entry upon arrival.
4. Baggage Policy
   Before purchasing your ticket, check the baggage policy of the airline. Know the size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage, and be aware of any extra baggage fees to avoid surprises at the airport.
5. Changes and Cancellations
   In case you need to change or cancel your flight, it is important to review the airline’s policy in advance. If your travel plans are uncertain, consider choosing a flexible or refundable ticket to avoid potential penalties or loss.