Best Websites for Discount Plane Tickets

When hunting for cheap airfare, it’s wise to search multiple platforms because each uses slightly different algorithms and partnerships. Below is a curated list of the most reliable sites, what they specialize in, and tips for maximizing savings.

1. Google Flights

• Strength: Powerful flexible‑date calendar and price‑trend graphs.
• Why it works: Quickly scans major carriers and many low‑cost airlines.
• Tip: Use the “Flexible dates” view to spot the cheapest days within a month.

2. Skyscanner

• Strength: Broad coverage of airlines, OTAs, and regional carriers.
• Why it works: Shows price variations across “everywhere” searches and alerts you to price drops.
• Tip: Set price alerts for specific routes to get email notifications.

3. Kayak

• Strength: Meta‑search engine that pulls data from hundreds of travel sites.
• Why it works: Includes both major airlines and niche budget carriers, plus a “Price Forecast” tool.

4. Momondo

• Strength: Compares fares from over 1,000 airlines and travel sites.
• Why it works: Often surfaces lesser‑known low‑cost options and displays a “Best for” breakdown (e.g., cheapest, quickest).

5. Skiplagged

• Strength: Exploits hidden‑city ticketing (booking a flight with a layover at your desired destination).
• Why it works: Can cut costs dramatically—up to 80% in some cases—but be aware of airline policies and avoid checked luggage.

6. Airfarewatchdog

• Strength: Human‑curated deals and alerts for specific airports/routes.
• Why it works: Real‑time monitoring of airline promotions and error fares that algorithms might miss.

7. Major OTAs (Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity)

• Strength: Occasionally bundle flights with hotels or car rentals for extra savings.
• Why it works: Offers package discounts and loyalty programs.

8. Booking Timing Tips

• Best days to book: Many travelers report lower fares when searching on Sundays or Tuesdays ⁸.
• Advance window: For domestic flights, 4–6 weeks ahead; for international, 2–4 months is often optimal.

How to Use These Tools Together

1. Start with Google Flights to get a quick price overview and flexible‑date options.
2. Run the same route on Skyscanner and Kayak to capture any price gaps.
3. Check Momondo for any additional low‑cost carriers not shown elsewhere.
4. Try Skiplagged if you’re comfortable with hidden‑city itineraries.
5. Set alerts on Airfarewatchdog for your preferred airports.
6. Cross‑check OTA sites for bundle discounts before finalizing.

By layering these searches, you maximize the chance of finding the lowest possible fare. Happy traveling!