Practical ways to pay less for the same seat: flexible dates, nearby airports, timing and what the price really includes.
Be flexible by a few days
Fares change a lot from one day to the next. Midweek departures are often cheaper than Fridays and Sundays, so check the days around your plan before you decide.
Try nearby airports
Big cities often have more than one airport — London, New York, Rome, Istanbul and Tokyo all do. A different airport, or a nearby city, can open up cheaper routes.
Compare the total, not the headline
A low fare can grow with baggage, seat selection and payment fees. Open the final checkout page and compare what you will actually pay.
Book at the right time
There is no magic day, but very last-minute fares are usually higher, and peak holidays fill early. For school holidays and festivals, book well ahead.
Check the connection
A cheaper itinerary with a short connection on separate tickets is risky: if the first flight is late, the second airline may not wait. Allow enough time or keep both flights on one ticket.
