Finding cheap flights: the ultimate guide

Everyone wants to fly cheaply, but few people know how it really works. Why do prices fluctuate so wildly? When's the best time to book? And which comparison sites actually help you - and which ones steer you in the wrong direction? In this guide, we share everything you need to know to consistently pay less for your flights.

Why flight prices vary so much

Before you can save money, it helps to understand how flight pricing actually works. Airlines use a system of booking classes. These aren't physical classes (economy, business), but price categories within the same cabin. An economy seat can be in booking class Q for €120, but in class Y for €380 - same seat, different fare.

Each booking class has a limited number of seats. Once the cheapest class is full, the price jumps to the next one. That's why the same flight can cost €150 on Monday morning and €280 on Thursday afternoon - not because fuel got more expensive, but because the cheap booking classes sold out.

On top of that comes dynamic pricing: algorithms that adjust prices in real time based on demand, season, competition, and even how many people are looking at that same flight at that moment.

The basic rules for cheaper flying

There are no secret tricks that always work, but there are principles that consistently help.

Be flexible with your dates. This is by far the biggest saving. Departing one day earlier or later can save you tens of euros. Flying midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday) is almost always cheaper than Friday or Sunday. Use the calendar view on comparison sites to spot the cheapest day.

Be flexible with your destination. If you don't have a fixed destination yet, use the "Everywhere" feature on Skyscanner or the "Explore" map on Google Flights. You'll see at a glance where you can fly to most cheaply from your airport.

Always compare across multiple platforms. No single comparison site consistently finds the lowest price. Skyscanner is strong on budget airlines, Google Flights on speed and major carriers, Kayak on packages. Check at least two or three platforms before booking. Or use a platform that compares fairly without sponsored results - more on that later.

Book at the right time. For European flights, six to eight weeks before departure is on average the most affordable. For intercontinental flights, two to three months. In peak season, the rule is: the earlier, the better. Last-minute deals are rarely genuinely cheap - that's largely a myth kept alive by travel providers.

Compare the total price, not the ticket price. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air lure you with low base fares, but charge significantly for hand luggage, checked bags, seat selection and payment. A €29 flight can easily become €95. Always calculate what you'll actually pay.

Smart techniques that really work

Beyond the basics, there are a few strategies that can improve your search results.

Search in an incognito window. Some booking sites use cookies to track your search behaviour. If you look up the same flight multiple times, the price may artificially rise to create urgency. Using a private or incognito window prevents this.

Set up price alerts. Most comparison sites offer the option to track a route and get notified when the price drops. This is far more effective than checking manually every day. Google Flights and Skyscanner both have solid features for this.

Consider alternative airports. Flying from Amsterdam? Also check Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven, Brussels or even Düsseldorf Weeze. Budget airlines often fly from smaller airports at lower fares.

Split your trip. Sometimes it's cheaper to book two separate one-way flights with different airlines than a return with the same carrier. Kayak's "Hacker Fare" does this automatically, but you can do it manually too. Just be aware: with two separate bookings, you have less protection if something goes wrong.

Consider a stopover. Direct flights are fastest, but flights with a connection are often significantly cheaper. A layover of one and a half to two hours is perfectly manageable and can save you tens to hundreds of euros, especially on intercontinental routes.

Where most travellers get caught out

There are a few common pitfalls that cost you money without you realising it.

Sponsored results. When you search on a flight comparison site, the top results aren't always at the top because they're the cheapest. Airlines and OTAs pay commission, and that commission influences the ranking. Always check whether there's an "Ad" or "Sponsored" label.

The scarcity trick. "Only 2 seats left!" sounds alarming, but it often means: 2 seats in that specific booking class. There are probably still dozens of seats available - just at a slightly higher price. Don't let yourself be rushed.

Drip pricing. A flight ticket for €39 that turns out to cost €109 after clicking through, once baggage and payment fees are added. This is a deliberate strategy to lure you in with a low price. Always focus on the total cost.

Booking through unknown OTAs. The cheapest option on a comparison site is sometimes an obscure booking platform with poor reviews. Saving a few euros isn't worth it if you can't reach customer service when problems arise. Preferably book directly with the airline.

We wrote extensively about these mechanisms in our article on why your flight ticket costs more than it should.

The role of the search engine

This is where the big difference lies. Most flight comparison sites are free for you as a user. That sounds great, but it also means they need to make their money elsewhere - namely from the providers they display.

That revenue model isn't inherently bad, but it creates a tension. The search engine helping you find the cheapest flight earns more when you choose a pricier option - or at least one from a partner paying higher commission.

At Yurnee, it works differently. Search results are ranked based on what's best for you: price, travel time, convenience. No provider can pay to rank higher in the results. Sponsorship exists, but is always separate from search results and clearly labelled.

We call this algorithmic integrity. Not a marketing term, but a promise: what you see is what there is.

Your checklist for cheap flying

To wrap up, a summary of everything we've covered.

Know what you want before you start searching - budget, dates, flexibility. Always compare across multiple platforms or use a fair comparison site. Search in an incognito window to prevent price manipulation. Pay attention to the total price, not the teaser price. Book six to eight weeks ahead for Europe, two to three months for long-haul destinations. Consider alternative airports and flights with connections. Set up price alerts and only book when the price feels right. Preferably book directly with the airline.

And remember: the cheapest flight isn't always the best one. Sometimes paying €30 more for a direct flight or a reliable airline is more than worth it.