How to find cheap flights: Our top tips
We’re excited to have found a great flight deal!
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
Ah, wise words—but they won’t fund your next adventure!
We hear it all the time: “You must be rich to travel so much!” The truth? We’re lucky to have the flexibility to work from anywhere, but it all comes down to choices. Most of our extra cash goes straight into travel.
The secret? We know how to travel smarter — and that changes everything.
Not all penguins waddle on gilded ice! We want to prove that travel doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we know plenty of people who burn through more money at home than we do on the road.
And one of the questions we hear the most is: “How do you find cheap flights?”. So, here are our best tips, as part of our more comprehensive article “How to travel cheaper”.
So, let’s dive in — follow our little penguin guide to budget-friendly adventures!
DIY attitude
Planning a trip takes time and a bit of hustle. If you're doing it solo — excited, flapping penguin — you’ve got to be willing to put in the work.
We get it — not everyone finds trip planning thrilling. If you’ve got the budget, there are fantastic tour operators who can handle everything for you.
But since you’re here, chances are you’re looking to save money while still having an incredible adventure. The good news? You don’t need a travel agent or a pricey package to pull off an unforgettable trip. And skipping them means big savings.
We’re lucky to live in an era where everything you need is just a click away. The only downside? There’s too much info — endless blogs, booking platforms, and travel hacks. It can be overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. The tips below (and our entire blog, really) will help you save money, time, and energy.
So, roll up your sleeves — or feathers — and let’s get planning!
Our mascot Mac just loves flying!
Travel in low season
This might sound like common sense, but do you actually know when the low season is for your destination? Spoiler: It’s probably not the same as in your country!
Take Costa Rica, for example. Eli visited in September — what locals call the green season (a.k.a. the rainy season). But don’t picture monsoon-style downpours. In Central America, rain usually comes in short bursts and won’t ruin your plans. The perk? Accommodations are way cheaper!
Or look at Finnish Lapland — its peak season is around Christmas, thanks to Santa’s global fanbase in Rovaniemi.
In most of Europe, high season means summer madness — sky-high prices, packed streets and flights that cost more than your rent. That’s why we avoid the continent in July and August… unless we’re heading north, where it’s gloriously crowd-free.
And if you’re craving sunshine but don’t want to melt (or drain your bank account), you don’t need to go far. We’ve found perfect year-round temperatures in places like:
The Canary Islands (went in January)
Portugal (went in October)
Morocco (went in April)
Timing is everything — get it right, and you’ll travel cheaper and smarter.
First, our flight to Lanzarote was cheap. Second, this top-notch apartment was not even €50 a night in January!
Seasons flip between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, which can work massively in your favor. Eli went to New Zealand in August — deep winter there — and snagged a camper van for a third of the summer price.
As a general rule, if your schedule allows, aim for the shoulder or low seasons. That’s when you’ll find the best deals, fewer crowds, and a much more relaxed vibe.
Still not convinced? We’re talking €20 flights to the Canary Islands!
How to find cheap flights
Avoid third-party booking sites
Our first tip? Skip third-party sites like eDreams. They’re great for comparing fares, but they sneak in admin fees you won’t see until the checkout page. So, while they seem cheaper at first glance, they rarely are.
Plus, flight comparison sites don’t always list every airline, especially budget carriers.
Use them to figure out which airlines fly to your dream destination. But for booking? It’s often more reliable to check the destination airport’s website or the local tourism board, then book directly with the airline.
Some sites, like Omio, can also help you find the cheapest route — even if that means bouncing through three continents and turning a six-hour trip into a 25-hour odyssey. Hey, you wanted cheap!
Another trick? Try switching the currency — sometimes flights are cheaper in dollars, euros, or another local currency.
And whatever you do, erase your cookies, search in incognito mode, or even better, ditch Chrome and use a more private browser like DuckDuckGo or Brave — airline websites track your interests and may jack up the price accordingly. It’s a very private affair.
The cheapest days to fly and book
People love to throw around “rules” about the cheapest days to book flights, but the truth? It depends entirely on your destination.
Weekends and holidays tend to be pricey, of course. But when it comes to booking in advance vs. last-minute deals, there’s no universal trick. Sometimes booking early saves you money, and sometimes waiting pays off. Your best bet? Keep an eye on prices and set alerts on sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Airlines use a complicated system called Yield Management (also used in hotels), which means prices constantly shift based on demand, competition, and even your browsing history.
Our plane about to land in the Faroe Islands
How to find flight deals
Airlines regularly roll out special deals, so subscribing to their newsletters is a no-brainer. Some of the best sales happen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday — it’s hands down our favorite time to snag bargain flights!
If you tend to fly with the same airline or within a specific alliance, consider joining their rewards program. Signing up for airline loyalty schemes and racking up miles (especially through credit card bonuses) can lead to big savings. We personally get a lot of mileage — literally — from Vueling’s Avios program.
How to save on luggage
When comparing flights, always check the airline’s luggage policy. Does the fare include a carry-on? A checked bag? If not, how much does it cost?
Budget airlines are notorious for offering dirt-cheap fares, then doubling (or tripling!) the price with baggage fees. Sometimes, a tiny 10kg carry-on costs almost as much as a full 23kg checked suitcase.
If you’re flying with multiple airlines, factor in luggage costs twice—you might find that booking everything with one airline, even if it looks pricier, actually saves you money when you consider baggage fees. Plus, if there’s a delay or cancellation, a single airline is more likely to rebook you. If you mixed airlines? You’re on your own.
And, of course, pack as lightly as possible. Depending on where you’re going, it might be cheaper to buy things when you arrive rather than lugging them across the world.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Before packing, check if your accommodation has a washing machine or laundry service. If so, you can bring fewer clothes — or just hand wash as you go.
How to navigate the flight booking maze
You’ve finally landed — yes, pun intended — on a flight? Congrats! Now, let’s book it.
These days, booking a flight feels like navigating the Overlook Hotel’s maze. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but if you’re not used to it, it can feel just as confusing.
Keep your eyes on the final price, because airlines will always try to sneak in extras — baggage fees, meals, travel insurance (get a 5% off with our partner HeyMondo instead), special luggage charges, credit card fees, and even last-minute hotel and car rental offers.
Most airlines offer different fare tiers that include perks like priority boarding, seat selection, flexible dates, or checked luggage. Do the math and pick what actually makes sense for your trip—sometimes that “cheap” ticket ends up more expensive after all the add-ons.
Luggage is almost always cheaper to book at the same time as your flight rather than adding it later, so plan ahead. And don’t forget: some airlines charge for airport check-in, so save yourself the hassle (and money) by checking in online before you go.
What are the alternatives to flying?
Since penguins can’t fly, naturally, they’d be more at home on a train or bus !
If your destination isn’t too far, opting for land travel can be a more eco-friendly choice. And let’s be honest—there’s something undeniably poetic about a long train ride (at least according to Eli).
That said, trains can sometimes be pricier than flights, but the upside? No surprise luggage fees!
Did you know?
Airplane cabins are dry and pressurized, which dulls your sense of taste by up to 30%. That’s why airline food often tastes bland — or why tomato juice suddenly seems appealing!
On the picture: Flying over Sweden (don’t you love the name of this plane?) It’s magical, but food is still bad!
Once you arrive, skip the rental car and embrace public transportation like a true local. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s also way cheaper than splurging on taxis or rental fees. Buses, trains, bikes, ferries — there’s a whole world of affordable ways to get around if you know where to look.
If you’re renting a car, comparison sites like DiscoverCars can help you find the best deals. Just be sure to read the fine print — especially when it comes to insurance and deposit requirements. Many rental companies and booking platforms push their Premium coverage, and while you don’t always need it, the one time we did (through Booking.com), we got our refund quickly after submitting the required documents.
For less touristy destinations, big platforms might not cut it. A little online digging can lead you to better deals with local rental companies, often with more flexible terms.
Also, don’t forget to research gas prices and toll systems—every country has its quirks, and some are pricier than others!
Flying over Norway on our way to the Lofoten.
With these tips in your arsenal—tried, tested, and Penguin-approved—you’re ready to travel cheaper, smarter, and with a spirit of adventure. The world is out there, and you don’t need a fortune to explore it.
And if you want to dive even deeper into saving money while traveling, check out our most comprehensive guide to budget travel. It’s packed with insider hacks, real-life experiences, and everything we’ve learned from years of globetrotting on a budget.
Because the best adventures often come with the smallest price tags. Safe—and budget-friendly — travels to all our fellow penguins out there!
