How to find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner

In today’s travel landscape, finding affordable flights is crucial for budget-conscious travelers.

Skyscanner, a versatile flight search engine, is a go-to tool for uncovering deals. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul trip, learning how to maximize Skyscanner’s features can save you money and time.

This guide walks you through expert tips and tricks for finding the cheapest flights on Skyscanner.

1. Understand Skyscanner’s Interface

Before diving in, familiarize yourself with Skyscanner’s interface. The platform is user-friendly and allows you to search flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Search Bar: Enter departure and destination cities.
Date Selector: Choose specific dates or explore “cheapest month.”
Filters: Narrow results by airline, stops, time, and price.

Pro tip: Use Skyscanner’s mobile app for on-the-go searches with real-time alerts.

2. Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flexibility is key to snagging the lowest fares.

Cheapest Month Feature: Select “Whole Month” or “Cheapest Month” instead of fixed dates to discover the most affordable travel times.
Midweek Travel: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have cheaper fares compared to weekends.

Pro tip: Flying during shoulder seasons—just before or after peak travel periods—can yield significant savings.

3. Use the ‘Everywhere’ Search Option

If your destination is flexible, use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature.

Input your departure city and select “Everywhere” as your destination.
View a list of destinations ranked by price.

Pro tip: This feature is ideal for spontaneous travelers or those seeking the best value for their money.

4. Set Price Alerts

Flight prices fluctuate, but Skyscanner’s price alerts help you monitor them.

After conducting a search, click “Set Alert.”
Receive email or app notifications when prices drop.

Pro tip: Create multiple alerts for different dates or destinations to compare trends.

5. Leverage Multi-City and Stopover Options

Skyscanner’s multi-city feature can turn long layovers into cost-saving opportunities.

Multi-City Search: Book flights to multiple destinations in one trip. This is often cheaper than booking separate one-way tickets.
Stopover Cities: Break up your journey and explore a new city at no extra cost.

Pro tip: Airlines like Icelandair and Qatar Airways often offer free stopovers.

6. Filter and Sort Results Strategically

After performing a search, refine your options using filters and sorting tools.

Sort by Price: View the cheapest flights first.
Stop Filters: Choose between direct flights, one stop, or multiple stops.
Airline Preference: Filter by preferred airlines or alliances for better deals or loyalty benefits.

Pro tip: Combine filters to balance affordability with convenience, such as finding flights with minimal layovers at a lower cost.

7. Book at the Right Time

Timing is crucial when booking flights.

Best Booking Window: Research suggests booking flights 1-3 months before domestic trips and 2-6 months for international journeys.
Avoid Last-Minute Searches: Prices usually increase closer to the departure date.
Seasonal Trends: Book flights during off-peak seasons to save.

Pro tip: Use Skyscanner’s historical price trends to gauge the best time to book for your route.

8. Utilize Budget Airlines

Budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and AirAsia often provide low-cost options.

Use Skyscanner to compare budget airline prices, but check baggage fees and other costs.
Consider flying to secondary airports, which are usually cheaper than major hubs.

Pro tip: Combine budget airlines for a round-trip journey to maximize savings.

9. Explore Hidden-City Ticketing

Hidden-city ticketing involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination.

Example: If flying from New York to Miami is expensive, search for a flight from New York to a third city with a layover in Miami.
Use Skyscanner to identify such routes, but only bring carry-on luggage as checked bags will reach the final destination.

Pro tip: Hidden-city ticketing can violate airline policies, so use it cautiously.

10. Clear Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Airline prices can increase based on repeated searches due to browser cookies.

Use incognito mode or clear your cookies to avoid price hikes.
Alternatively, search flights on multiple devices for unbiased results.

Pro tip: Use Skyscanner’s app for private browsing and uninterrupted searches.

11. Compare Booking Sites

Skyscanner redirects you to third-party websites for booking.

Compare prices across platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Check reviews of third-party sites before booking.

Pro tip: Book directly with the airline whenever possible to avoid additional fees and ensure better customer service.

12. Check for Discounts and Promotions

Always look for promotional codes or airline deals before finalizing your booking.

Visit Skyscanner’s deals page for exclusive offers.
Check with airlines for student discounts, group rates, or seasonal sales.

Pro tip: Subscribe to Skyscanner’s newsletter for alerts on flash sales and discounts.

Conclusion

Skyscanner is a powerful tool for travelers seeking affordable flights. By leveraging features like flexible date searches, price alerts, and the ‘Everywhere’ option, you can uncover unbeatable deals.

Combine these strategies with smart booking habits to make your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

Start exploring today—your next adventure is just a Skyscanner search away!

Also Read

Frontier Airlines’ newest routes and destinations for 2024

How to find the best JetBlue deals: A guide for budget travelers

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