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11 Expert Tips for Booking Cheap International Flights in 2025

Although finding cheap foreign flights can be difficult, you can travel the world without breaking the bank if you follow these tips. This post will provide you with 15 practical suggestions to help you get the best deals, ranging from using flight comparison sites to becoming more flexible. Come on, let's get started!

1. Start Early & Stay Flexible with Dates 
The cost of airfare varies according on demand. When traveling abroad, plan two to three months in advance and steer clear of busy times. Compare date grids using sites such as Google Flights (external link); flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays throughout the week generally results in savings of 10–20%

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Aggregators like Skyscanner and Kayak scan hundreds of airlines for the lowest fares. Enable "everywhere" destination mode to discover unexpected cheap routes.

  • 3. Set Up Price Alerts
  •  Hopper and other apps monitor fare trends and alert you to price reductions. Pro tip: To get the most discounts, combine this with flexible date searches.4.
Consider Alternative Airports
Airfare prices can really vary based on how many people are looking to travel. If you're planning an international trip from Kathmandu, it's a smart move to book your flights two to three months ahead of time and steer clear of the busy travel seasons. Tools like Google Flights are great for comparing prices on flexible dates—flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday might just save you between 10% and 20%.
Also, think about landing at smaller airports instead of the big ones. For example, opting for Frankfurt Hahn (HHN) instead of Frankfurt Main (FRA) can lead to some serious savings. Kiwi.com is a fantastic resource for checking out alternative airport options near your destination, especially when you're flying from Kathmandu, where direct flights can be hard to come by or quite pricey.

5.Browse in Incognito Mode 

Dynamic pricing doesn't always rely on cookies, but using incognito mode can stop airlines from hiking up prices after you've searched multiple times.

6. Redeem Points & Miles
Looking to get the most out of your travel? Consider maximizing your travel credit cards (check out our link to the “Best Travel Credit Cards of 2024”) or signing up for frequent flyer programs. Websites like AwardHacker can really help you make the most of your point redemptions.

7. Book at the Right Time
Research indicates that the best days to snag a deal on flights are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, particularly between 12 PM and 4 PM GMT. It's wise to steer clear of booking on weekends when demand tends to spike.

8. Check Budget Airlines
Carriers like Air India and Air Arabia provide budget-friendly fares without the frills. Just make sure to double-check the baggage fees and terminal locations—some of those budget airports can be quite a distance from the city center!

9. Split Tickets (Hidden City Ticketing)
If you're looking to save some cash, consider booking two separate flights, like flying from NYC to Paris with a stop in London. Just a heads up: if you skip any segments, airlines might cancel your return flight.

10. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
If you're thinking about traveling, consider skipping the summer rush in Europe or the holiday season in December. Instead, aim for the shoulder seasons April to May or September to October. You'll find better deals and fewer crowds during these times!

11. Check Visa Requirements Early
Some countries provide discounts for those who apply for their visas early. To steer clear of any last-minute fees, make sure to check the entry requirements on Sherpa.

Pro Tip: It's always a good idea to double-check the baggage policies and cancellation terms. Those “cheap” fares can sometimes come with sneaky hidden fees!

Conclusion
With these handy tips, you’re all set to plan your next international getaway without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on prices, stay open to options, and don’t forget: the world is more accessible (and affordable) than you might think!

CTA : Enjoyed these tips? Pass this post along to your fellow travelers or drop a comment below sharing your best flight-hacking trick!