Holiday travel can get expensive fast — especially with higher demand, crowded airports, and unpredictable delays. But with the right strategy, you can still find affordable flights without stressing or overspending. This guide breaks down the most effective and beginner-friendly ways to save on airfare, based on current travel data and tools travelers use today.
1. Fly on Cheaper Days of the Week
Airfare prices change depending on the day you travel, not the day you book. Google Flights data shows:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.
- Sundays are almost always the most expensive.
- Weekday flights can save 13%–20% compared with weekend travel.
Why it matters:
Airlines raise prices when demand is high. More people fly on Fridays and Sundays, especially during holidays, making midweek travel the smarter budget choice.
Easy tip:
If your schedule is flexible, set departure for Tuesday or Wednesday and return on Monday or Wednesday for the biggest savings.
2. Check Budget Airlines for Cheaper Options
Budget airlines offer lower base fares but charge for extras like carry-ons, selected seats, and snacks. These airlines include:
- Spirit
- Frontier
- Allegiant
- JetBlue
- Southwest
- Breeze
- Avelo
When budget airlines make sense:
- Short trips
- Weekend getaways
- When traveling light
- When time flexibility isn’t a problem
Tip: Always compare the final price after baggage and seat fees before deciding.
3. Book One-Way Tickets Instead of Round Trips
Most travelers assume round-trip tickets are cheaper, but that’s not always true anymore.
Booking two separate one-way flights lets you:
- Mix different airlines
- Choose the cheapest time for each direction
- Catch flash deals on certain routes
Example:
Fly out on a budget airline on Tuesday and return on a mainstream airline on Wednesday.
This makes your trip more flexible and often lowers the total cost.
4. Use Flights With Layovers to Cut Prices
Nonstop flights are the most convenient — and airlines know that. That’s why they’re often more expensive.
According to Google Flights:
- Booking flights with layovers can save around 25% compared with nonstop routes.
Who this works best for:
- Travelers who aren’t in a rush
- People comfortable with longer travel days
- Those looking for major holiday savings
5. Use a Travel Credit Card to Earn Points & Perks
Travel credit cards help you save money throughout the year — not just during holidays.
Benefits include:
- Points/miles that convert into free or cheaper flights
- Free checked bags (saves $30–$70 per trip)
- Priority boarding
- Airport lounge access
- Discounts on partner hotels and rental cars
Popular airline cards include:
- Delta SkyMiles
- United Explorer
- American Airlines AAdvantage
If you’re a frequent traveler, these perks can save hundreds annually.
6. Use Tools and Apps That Track Cheap Flights
One of the easiest ways to save money is to let apps monitor flight prices for you.
Top Tools:
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
- Alerts you to rare deals and mistake fares up to 90% off
- Google Flights
- Offers filters, price alerts, flexible date search
- Recently added a “Cheapest” tab, making discount flights even easier to find
These tools help you catch sales without refreshing airline websites constantly.
Extra Tips for Smoother Holiday Travel
- Travel insurance: Useful for winter weather delays and cancellations
- Carry-on instead of checked bags: Saves money and avoids lost luggage issues
- Book early morning flights: Fewer delays and cheaper prices
- Check nearby airports: Sometimes driving 30 minutes can save $100+
