20 Tips for Finding Cheaper Airfare in 2020

Flying is easily one of the priciest components of any trip, but that doesn't mean you should overpay. If you're creative and flexible, there are plenty of ways to save big when you fly. The following tips can help you find cheap airfare, even to far-flung destinations that are difficult to get to.

Airlines frequently post sales and lower pricing for some destinations, although these deals don't always last longer than a day or two. To stay on top of the best flash sales, subscribe to websites that cover the best deals daily. Some of the top sites include The Flight Deal and Secret Flying.

Make sure you're earning airline miles each time you fly. You can do this by signing up for a frequent flyer account and adding your new number to your flight reservation. You won't earn a ton of miles per flight unless you fly on a pricey international ticket, but even small amounts of miles can add up fast.

If you don't fly often but still want to earn miles, you may want to consider picking up an airline credit card. Many let you earn a signup bonus worth a few free flights right off the bat, so these offers can be very lucrative.

If you don't want to be tied down to a specific airline or loyalty program, you can also pick up a flexible travel credit card that lets you transfer points to airline partners. Several cards that let you earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards make this option a reality.

If you have your heart set on flying to a specific destination, you're in the worst possible position to save on airfare. Try considering more than one spot for your vacation, then comparing pricing for each. If you want to go somewhere with a beach, for example, consider several spots in the Caribbean instead of just Aruba or Antigua.

Traveling off-peak usually means lighter crowds and lower prices, but this is especially true when airfare is involved. If you can take a vacation when most schools are in session, you'll pay a lot less for airfare, hotels and several other components of your trip.

If you're flying to a destination served by a discount airline like Allegiant or Frontier, make sure to check them out. You'll typically pay for baggage, seat selection and any other flight "extras" you want with discount airlines, but their fares can be insanely inexpensive.

Several frequent flyer programs and airline credit cards offer companion passes that let a friend or family member fly free or with a discounted rate. The Southwest Companion Pass is probably the most popular in this niche, since those who qualify can take a designated companion with them when they fly for the cost of airline taxes and fees.

Most airlines offer a Basic Economy option these days, and these fares tend to be a lot cheaper. In exchange for a lower price, you may have to pay for carry-on luggage and you will likely be barred from selecting your seat ahead of time.

Also check with your favorite airlines for discounts and sales to select destinations. Most airlines have a "deals" page on their website, which lets you snag lower pricing if a sale lines up with your plans. Also check for vacation packages that bundle airfare and hotels for a lower price than you'd pay if you booked separately.

You can also find out about sales and special deals faster if you sign up for newsletters from your favorite airlines. Most have deals throughout the year, although they may only last for a week at most. By signing up for newsletters and checking them often, you'll be one of the first to know.

Social media is also a great place to find out about airfare deals from your favorite airlines, as well as from travel discount sites. Follow all your favorite airlines and travel deals websites on Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites you use, and you'll find out about sales a lot faster.

Studies have shown that midweek is often the cheapest time to fly, so try to book airfare on Mondays, Tuesdays or even Wednesdays if you can. More importantly, try to be flexible with the days you fly so you can lock in the lowest price possible for your destination.

Also be sure to consider more than one airport in your area if your goal is saving money. You may have to drive an hour or more to reach another airport, but the trip could easily be worth it if you save a few hundred bucks on your flight. Of course, the savings may be magnified even more if you're flying with a spouse and kids in tow.

Also see if you can track prices for the flights you want online using a service like SkyScanner or the Hopper app. Both try to predict when prices will be the lowest, making it easy to score a deal if you're willing to be patient and trust in the process.

Google Flights is another valuable tool to use if your goal is saving money on airfare. This website lets you compare pricing for specific dates to any destination across all major airlines. You can also search for deals to any region of the world, such as Europe, Asia or the Caribbean.

If you're able to plan travel extremely early, you have the potential to score big savings. Flights can be a lot cheaper when you're 9 months out or longer from your trip, and they tend to go up from there.

Airline loyalty can have its perks if you're an elite member, but it rarely makes sense for the rest of us. Consider flying with more than one airline - and even new airlines - if you want to pay as little as possible for airfare this year.

Hidden city ticketing takes place when you book a flight that has a layover in your desired destination. These flights can be cheaper, but you should exercise this strategy with caution and only use hidden city ticketing for your flight home or a one-way flight. If you don't show up for the remainder of your flight in most cases, the rest of your itinerary will be canceled.

Finally, savings are usually plentiful for people who are willing to fly first thing in the morning. As you compare pricing for airfare, look at flights that depart at 7:00 a.m. or earlier to score the best deals. The good news? You'll arrive at your destination bright and early.