Finding affordable flights is easier than most people think. The key is flexibility — with your dates, your departure airport, and even your destination. Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner let you view price calendars so you can spot the cheapest days to fly.
Set fare alerts for your target route and monitor them over several weeks. Prices tend to drop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and flying mid-week is almost always cheaper than weekends. Consider nearby airports — flying into a secondary airport and taking a short train journey can save hundreds.
Booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance is typically the sweet spot for most routes. Avoid peak travel periods such as school holidays and public holidays if budget is a priority.