Traveling across the United States doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning, flexibility, and a few insider tips, you can score great deals on domestic flights. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a quick getaway, there are proven strategies to help you save money on air travel. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding cheap domestic flights in the USA.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding the cheapest flights. Airline prices fluctuate based on demand, and sometimes even a day or two can make a huge difference. Here’s how to take advantage of flexible scheduling:
- Midweek travel: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, while weekends tend to be more expensive.
- Avoid peak travel times: Try to avoid flying during major holidays or busy travel seasons (like summer or spring break), as fares are typically higher.
- Use flexible date search tools: Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to search for flights across a range of dates, showing you the cheapest options.
Pro Tip: Set alerts for your chosen routes so you can monitor price fluctuations and book when fares drop.
2. Book in Advance but Not Too Early
Booking too early or too late can affect the price you pay. Generally, the sweet spot for finding the best deals on domestic flights is between 1 to 3 months before your departure date. This time frame strikes a balance between getting the best price and having enough options.
- Avoid last-minute bookings: Prices tend to rise the closer you get to your departure date, especially for popular routes.
- Watch for fare sales: Airlines frequently run sales or promotions, especially during off-peak times. Sign up for airline newsletters and follow them on social media to stay informed about discounts.
Pro Tip: Some studies suggest that booking flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday (when airlines often release fare discounts) might result in cheaper tickets.
3. Compare Prices Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t rely on just one site or app to find the best deal. Use a combination of flight comparison websites and tools to ensure you’re seeing all available options:
- Google Flights: Great for flexible date searches and tracking prices.
- Skyscanner: Allows you to search multiple airlines, including budget carriers, and provides an easy way to compare prices.
- Momondo: Often shows prices from lesser-known booking sites, which might offer cheaper deals.
- Kayak: Offers price trends and predicts whether prices will rise or fall, helping you decide when to book.
Pro Tip: Clear your browser cookies or search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on your search history.
4. Use Budget Airlines
The USA has several low-cost carriers that offer cheaper domestic flights compared to major airlines. Some of these airlines include:
- Southwest Airlines: Known for offering two free checked bags and no change fees, Southwest often has affordable fares, especially during their “Wanna Get Away” sales.
- Spirit Airlines: A no-frills carrier where you pay for everything extra (like carry-on bags), but base fares are usually much lower.
- Frontier Airlines: Similar to Spirit, Frontier offers low-cost fares with add-ons for additional services.
- Allegiant Air: Focuses on smaller, regional airports and can offer some excellent deals.
When booking with budget airlines, be aware of their fees for baggage, seat selection, and other extras. However, if you’re willing to travel light and forgo certain amenities, these airlines can save you a significant amount.
5. Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards and Loyalty Programs
If you frequently fly within the U.S., using a credit card that offers travel rewards can be a great way to earn points and miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Here’s how to maximize this strategy:
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs: Even if you don’t fly often, it’s worth joining frequent flyer programs like Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, or United MileagePlus.
- Use travel rewards credit cards: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Capital One Venture card allow you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Many travel cards offer large sign-up bonuses if you spend a certain amount within the first few months. These points can sometimes cover the cost of a domestic flight.
Pro Tip: Some credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, which can save you even more money on budget airlines.
6. Use Airline Miles and Companion Passes
For frequent travelers, leveraging airline miles or companion passes can lead to big savings:
- Southwest Companion Pass: Allows you to bring a companion with you for free (excluding taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight once you qualify. It’s one of the best deals for frequent domestic travelers.
- American Airlines MileSAAver: Allows you to use fewer miles when booking off-peak flights, making it easier to find a cheap flight.
- United’s Saver Awards: Similar to American Airlines, United offers lower-mileage options for flights booked in advance or on less popular routes.
7. Consider Nearby Airports
If you’re flying to or from a major city, check prices for nearby airports. For example, when flying to New York City, compare fares to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Often, one airport will offer cheaper flights than the others.
- Check alternative airports: Some budget carriers only fly into smaller or secondary airports, which may offer cheaper fares than larger hubs.
Pro Tip: If you’re open to a bit of a longer drive, flying into a nearby city can sometimes save hundreds of dollars.
8. Use Hidden City Ticketing (with Caution)
Hidden city ticketing is a strategy where you book a flight with a layover in your desired destination, but don’t take the connecting flight. For example, if you want to fly to Chicago, you might book a flight to Denver with a layover in Chicago and simply exit the airport at the layover. Websites like Skiplagged help you find these hidden city fares.
- Be aware of the risks: Airlines frown upon this practice, and you might face penalties, such as losing frequent flyer miles or being banned from the airline. Also, this strategy only works if you don’t check luggage, as your bag will be sent to the final destination.
Conclusion
Finding cheap domestic flights in the USA is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. By being strategic with your travel dates, using budget airlines, and leveraging rewards, you can significantly reduce your travel costs. Stay patient, compare prices across platforms, and keep an eye on fare drops to get the best deals possible. Safe travels!
