Don't Overpay for Summer Flights. Try These 5 Proven Tricks to Save on Airfare
mihailomilovanovic/Getty Images
Summer is well underway, making it the perfect time to plan your next vacation. Last year US travelers saw airfare prices plummet, making it more affordable to vacation away from home. While travel to the US has dropped in 2025, Americans are still vacationing as much as ever.
That doesn't mean that traveling during peak times or in the height of summer is cheap, though. Inflation has raised the prices of everyday necessities, making it more important than ever to save money where you can. Knowing when you should book your flights and how you can find the best deals help ensure you stretch every dollar.
I've already written about key travel trends but now I've compiled more tips on how to save money on airfare. Here's what you need to know about getting plane tickets for less than the sticker price. From the cheapest day to fly to our picks for the best travel credit cards, we'll give you the tips you need to score affordable flights.
Read more: Optimize Your Travels by Never Forgetting to Pack These 12 Essentials
1. Aim to fly midweek
CNET
Booking flights to take off and land on the weekend is costing you. Per Google Flights data, the most cost-effective flights are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Tuesday emerging as the most economical day based on past flight records. Choosing to fly during the early to middle part of the week can result in savings of 13% to 20% on ticket prices compared to flights on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday standing out as the priciest day for flying.
Google Flights data show there isn't a specific "best" day to book flights, but the actual day you travel does affect cost. Avoid flying on a weekend day for the best rates.
2. Consider a budget airline
If cost is more of a priority when flying, consider booking through a budget airline. Budget airlines are often smaller, less luxurious and have fewer flight options, but they can also save you hundreds of dollars over larger airlines, such as American, Delta and United.
Here's a list of budget airlines in the US:
Budget airlines often require you to give up some convenience for cheaper fares. For instance, you'll likely have to pay additional fees for carry-on bags and other amenities that are generally free through nonbudget airlines. You'll also have to pay to select your seat on the plane or be assigned randomly. It's best to add up these fees to make sure you're actually saving money in the long run.
Skipping on the amenities of bigger airlines could save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. Short-haul flights and casual weekend getaways are especially suited to budget airlines.
3. Take advantage of one-way flights and layovers
Booking one-way flights may not be as convenient as round-trip tickets but it gives you more options to choose from price-wise: You can book through different airlines for the best fares on the days you plan on flying. For example, Delta might get you to your destination for less money but American Airlines may be cheaper for the flights home.
For more savings, and especially if your schedule is flexible, consider booking a flight with one or more layovers. It's no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights, but you may not realize just how significant the savings can be. Travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight, according to Google Flight data.
4. Use a travel credit card
You can use frequent flyer miles and rewards points from travel credit cards to save even more money. Travel credit cards work by rewarding you with points or miles for travel-related and everyday expenses. Upon collecting a sufficient amount of points or miles, you can exchange them for perks such as airline tickets and hotel stays. A travel credit card may even give you extra points or miles when you use the card for travel purchases, but rates vary.
Some Airlines, like Delta and United, have their own credit cards that pay in miles, which can be redeemed for "free" flights or upgrades, and may offer perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag.
Using a travel credit card for purchases can get you rewards like discounted flights, upgrades, priority boarding and a free checked bag.
Zooey Liao/CNET
5. Try travel apps and features for finding flight deals
Apps and automated features can make finding cheap flights easier. Travelers can use apps such as Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) to discover flight deals. Going uses software and flight experts to amalgamate deals and mistake fares (when an airline or travel agency lists an incorrect price for a plane ticket that is much less than it's worth) up to 90% off, and then emails those discounted flights to members.
Apps like Going use software to discover the cheapest domestic and international flights available.
Macy Meyer/CNET
Google Flights also unveiled a new "Cheapest" tab on its platform in October 2024 to help travelers save money and find ultra-cheap flights with ease. To get started, you'll just need to enter your trip details and tap the "Cheapest" tab to browse the lowest options available.
For more travel tips, learn whether travel insurance is worth the cost and expert tips for picking and packing carry-on luggage.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
3 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Signs Someone Is American, According To Europeans
Want to know how to spot an American abroad? Ask a European. 'As someone who works closely with American clients through destination weddings and food tours, I've picked up on quite a few telltale signs,' Portuguese tour guide and food critic Carol Batista told HuffPost. From coffee orders to outfit choices to general vibes, many different kinds of signals can indicate someone is from the U.S. While some are endearing, others might raise more than a few eyebrows. 'I try to avoid generalizations ― a Brooklyn creative won't travel the same way as someone from Texas or the Midwest,' said Stéphanie Pons, the founder of Lisbon Insiders. 'But there is a shared sense of optimism, confidence, and curiosity.' Below, find 23 signs that someone is American, according to Batista, Pons, and other Europeans: Comfort-First Fashion 'You'll often see Americans in athleisure, sneakers, baseball caps, or hoodies, even when traveling, which is often a contrast to more polished local fashion in such European destinations like Italy, for example.' ― Jane Iskra, Iceland-based elopement photographer at ISKRA Photography 'That unwavering confidence of walking into a centuries-old basilica dressed like you just left a reformer Pilates class. Think: athletic leggings, oversized hoodie, and maybe ― just maybe ― sandals with socks. Practical? Extremely. Contextual? Not quite.' ― Luli Monteleone, Lisbon-based digital marketing specialist Big Spending Habits 'At supermarkets or stores abroad, Americans often buy in bulk or stock up more than locals, who tend to shop daily.' ― Iskra 'Americans love to spend ― and often do so more generously than other nationalities. But they also like to feel they're getting great value in return. I would say that the mix of enthusiasm and practicality is very American. Coming from a country with much higher wages, they sometimes don't realize how large the gap is. For example, in Portugal, the average monthly salary is about 1,100 € (~$1,250), so what feels affordable to them can seem extravagant to locals.' ― Batista On The Hunt For Iced Coffee 'The iced coffee hunt. Even in the middle of winter ― and ideally in a 500ml cup. There's a kind of dedication there that I honestly admire.' ― Monteleone 'I would say if they have a drink with lots of ice (either water or iced coffee).' ― Steffi Crivellaro, U.K.-based blogger at Steffi Daydreamer Loud Confidence 'One of the biggest indications is usually that you can hear them before you see them. It's not necessarily that they're loud, but they command attention wherever they are, which also leans into how confidence is built in America. I have often found that Americans are very confident. Even if it does not come naturally to each individual, they seem to have been conditioned or taught to be confident, which means they tend to take up space wherever they are.' ― Ronke Lawal, PR and communications consultant in London 'Americans tend to find everything 'amazing,' and they're not shy about saying so ― out loud and often. They speak with a volume that's just slightly above local norms, even when whispering. And in a world where many cultures lean toward discretion, that kind of openness stands out.' ― Pons Stanley Cups 'Reusable Stanley-style coffee mugs are a giveaway ― they seem to go everywhere with them, even when traveling!' ― Iskra 'Carrying a Stanley or huge water bottle.' ― Crivellaro Large Engagement Rings 'The big, sparkly engagement ring tradition is very American. In some countries, engagement rings aren't as flashy or aren't even a thing sometimes.' ― Iskra Jumping Straight Into English 'It's not the accent ― it's the cheerful assumption that English will always do the job. Most locals do speak it, but trying a simple 'ciao' or 'bonjour' tends to unlock a different kind of experience. It's a small gesture, but it changes everything.' ― Monteleone Seeking Air Conditioning 'In the summer, Italians love to stay outdoors: The squares fill up, and the outdoor tables are always the most desired. Americans, on the other hand, almost always choose the indoor spaces with air conditioning. For them, climate comfort is an absolute priority.' ― Diana De Lorenzi, Rome-based lifestyle blogger 'Americans are notoriously hot all the time and expect lots of air conditioning and ice when they travel, two things that aren't so easy to come by in Italy!' ― Livia Hengel, founder of The Italy Edit Warmth and Friendliness 'I've traveled extensively in the US, and if there's one thing I've consistently noticed, it's their amazing ability to start a conversation: openly, spontaneously, as if they already knew the person in front of them. It can be quite disconcerting for us Europeans, but it's a deeply rooted part of their culture. In France in particular, this kind of attitude is sometimes seen as insincere or self-serving. But I've always defended it, I actually find it refreshing to have even a short exchange with someone who is smiling, warm, and quick to compliment your outfit or haircut. Personally, I love good energy, and I take the good where I find it.' ― Kenza Sadoun el Glaoui, Parisian digital creator 'In Ireland, people are known for their friendliness, but we don't have a patch of the Americans. They say hello to everyone, they chat to locals, they ask questions, and it's lovely to see. There's a sort of genuine, open curiosity about an American abroad that I, personally, find very endearing.' ― Tara Povey, blogger at Where Is Tara? Genuine Enthusiasm 'Americans are often very expressive ― big smiles, open curiosity, confident energy. And when they feel they've been well taken care of, they're incredibly grateful. I've had food tour guests react like it was Christmas morning just because of a market tasting or a pastry they'd never tried before, and a bride bringing me a full suitcase with gym clothes as a souvenir from LA — and it's truly heartwarming.' ― Batista 'My partner Luca Veralli is a master gelato maker, and his gelato has been awarded by Gambero Rosso. Every time an American tourist tastes it, they always ― without fail ― say the same phrase: 'Oh my God!' For us, it's a joy. They say it with genuine enthusiasm that truly makes us happy. But it's funny how this exclamation is almost always identical, as if it were a ritual.' ― De Lorenzi, Generous Tipping 'One immediate giveaway is that American travelers are generous tippers ― even though the U.S. is one of the only countries in the world where a 20%-plus tip is expected as the norm. On the other hand, with average salaries nearly double those in Italy, tipping makes sense and is a great way to show appreciation for good service, especially in places where it's not expected.' ― Hengel 'America has a very generous tipping culture, unlike any other country I've ever visited. When Americans travel outside the U.S., leaving large tips is a sure sign of where they are from. In Ireland and most of Europe, we only leave tips if the service or the food has been particularly good, and servers definitely do not expect or rely upon tips.' ― Povey Paying By Credit Card 'Americans always pay by card, even for very small amounts like a 1 euro espresso. This is another cultural difference we see every day.' ― De Lorenzi Wide Smiles and Perfect Teeth 'Americans are known for having great dental care and wide, confident smiles. Smiles and perfect teeth are often one of the first giveaways.' ― Iskra Full Of Compliments 'I've always found Americans to be sweet and genuine! I can especially tell when a woman is American because she'll go out of her way to give me a compliment, and it's usually thoughtful and specific. It happens multiple times a day whenever I'm traveling in the States, and I've never experienced that kind of spontaneous kindness anywhere else in the world.' ― Kelsey Heinrichs, blogger at Kelsey in London Wanting To Customize Everything 'There's a kind of customization instinct ― asking for dressing on the side, almond milk in the cappuccino, or a dinner reservation at 6 p.m. (which still feels like mid-afternoon in Portugal). I see it as a reflection of their strong sense of personal agency, the belief that services can and should adapt to you, not the other way around.' ― Pons, Saying "Like" All The Time Paramount / Via 'The overuse of the word 'like' — especially with people from LA. Sometimes you'll hear 'like' eight times in a single sentence! It's a casual, filler-filled way of speaking, and of course, there's the unmistakable clarity of American English.' ― Batista 'Saying things like 'awesome,' 'you guys,' or the ever-present filler word 'like' always catches my ear with a 99% probability I hear it from an American.' ― Iskra Limited Geographic Knowledge 'A general lack of geographical knowledge is a sure sign. Americans tend to refer to any country in Europe as 'Europe,' as if we are all the same. There is a huge difference between Norway and France; they're completely incomparable. Referring to us all under one sweeping term of 'Europe' or 'Europeans' is sort of ridiculous. I once met an American man who asked me where I was from. When I told him I was from Ireland, he said that he had just been visiting my neighbors. I assumed that he must mean the United Kingdom (which I could understand). However, he then declared that he had visited Italy. Needless to say, neither Italy nor Ireland would ever refer to the other as a neighbor. It would take 27 hours to drive from Dublin to Rome. That's the equivalent of Miami to Minneapolis. Florida and Minnesota are not neighbors.' ― Povey Cappuccino With Dinner Peeradon Warithkorasuth / Getty Images 'If someone asks for a cappuccino with pasta or pizza and also at dinner, you can be sure: They are an American tourist. It's a cultural habit that always makes us smile because for us Italians, cappuccino is a morning ritual, part of breakfast, but it's nice to see how every culture experiences food in its own way.' ― De Lorenzi, Different Portion Size Expectations 'I notice this a lot during food tours ― Americans are frequently surprised by how small European portions can be (while we are shocked when we see their portions). I've heard more than once 'Wait, this is for one person?' and it's always funny.' ― Batista Fast-Moving Itineraries ''I've been to Europe' often means a whirlwind through Paris, London, and Rome in under two weeks. Honestly, impressive cardio — but also, you just missed the good bakery next door. And truthfully? Europe's charm often lives in the quieter, slower corners.' ― Monteleone 'Rushing to include their ancestry in an opening conversation. Don't get me wrong, I love that Americans are so enthusiastic about their heritage, and it certainly does wonders for Ireland's tourism industry. However, they are the only country that does it. Never have I met anyone from outside the US who has launched into their grandparents' origin story when we have just been introduced. While charming, it's definitely a telltale sign that someone is from the US.' ― Povey Steves' Love Of Rick Steves Guidebooks 'In Reykjavík, I immediately pick out Americans out of the bunch because they explore the country using Rick Steves Iceland as their compass. Not Lonely Planet. Or ,odors. Or even a local source. Good 'ol American Rick Steves ― who I met in person when I was his local guide in Reykjavík and is as 'Merican as they come. I'm sure other nations use guidebooks too, but Americans carry Rick with pride. Not tucked away in their backpack, ashamed of getting caught with something as gauche as a guidebook, but loud and proud. Out in the open.' ― Auður Ösp Ólafsdóttir, Iceland-based marketing professional walked That Intangible American Vibe 'As someone who works across lifestyle and hospitality in Europe, I often find myself noticing subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues that someone is American. The most obvious is the accent, but beyond that, there's a specific energy that's easy to spot.' ― Pons 'I somehow pick Americans out of a crowd, but I can't put my finger on how. It's something about how they're built and how they're dressed ― I really can't articulate it. They're just so essentially American that their Americanness shines, even in a culture where you'd think it would be harder to pick them out. Once upon a time, I think Americans just walked around with a certain air of confidence about them. They were proudly American, and you could tell in the way they walked. Nowadays, many conversations with Americans start with apologies. Their once-proud stance has been replaced with slightly hunched shoulders. Like they're aware that tolerance for American politics is wavering around the world and they don't want to take up too much space. But it's still something about how Americans walk in the world that makes them recognizable.' ― HuffPost.
New York Post
7 hours ago
- New York Post
There's a specific reason why those familiar double chime noises go off on airplanes, pilot says: ‘My anxiety is maxed out until I hear those'
There's a science to it. Oftentimes, as a passenger on a plane, various noises signal different things to the flight staff. Aside from the obvious seatbelt sign, passengers rarely know what communication is taking place around them – until now. While it sounds more serious than it is — the familiar double chime noise that goes off when a plane is taking off and landing is nothing of concern. The pilot, well-known on TikTok, shared the reasoning behind those random chimes. Getty Images/iStockphoto 'Those dings you hear throughout the cabin are when the pilots are climbing through or descending through 10,000 feet to significant altitude… a critical phase of flight so they double ding the flight attendants to let them know we're no longer in 'sterile'' and they can move around the aircraft, as explained by airline pilot @ in a recent TikTok video. 'Not before those double chimes and not after those double chimes when we're coming into landing,' can there be movement around the aircraft. Considering the helpful video has almost 3 million views — clearly this ding noise has piqued a lot of flyers' interest. Thankfully, this reassurance eased many anxious flyers in the comment section of the video. 'I wish you could literally talk to us the entire time; that would massively help me as an insanely nervous flyer.' Many flyers felt reassured by the pilot's explanation. Getty Images 'Every noise terrifies me, I'm constantly looking at the cabin crew to see if they look relaxed.' 'My anxiety is maxed out until I hear those first two dings and then I immediately relax. I like knowing the flight attendants are moving around and your turned on the WiFi – it gives 'we chill' vibes.' 'Thanks, explanations like this ease my flight anxiety.' This helpful pilot's TikTok account has become a go-to place for many travelers to get their flying questions answered. In another video, an inquiring mind asked what a pilot's family life is like. 'I think it's one of the best jobs because of the time you get home and the family life you can have outside. The average airline pilot works half a month…' the well-known pilot said. 'And when they're home, they're home — there are no emails to answer, there are no Zoom calls, no late-night 'Can you get this project done?''
CNBC
10 hours ago
- CNBC
I'm a travel expert who has visited 70 countries—these 7 phrases make you sound like ‘an obnoxious American'
I know what it's like to have inconsiderate houseguests — the kind where you can't wait for them to leave. I don't ever want to be that person when I'm in another country. I've been traveling almost as long as I've been alive. I've made it to all seven continents, 70 countries, and 47 U.S. states. Along the way, I've learned how much what we say and how we say it matters, especially when navigating different cultures. For example, words like "conquer," "explore," and "discover" have colonial undertones that may not be welcome in countries still recovering from the impacts of colonization. Calling a place "unspoiled" can erase its indigenous history. The last thing I want when I'm abroad is to be labeled an obnoxious American. As a professional traveler, I've learned through experience the best way to avoid that is by not saying things that can come off as rude, offensive, or ignorant. Here are 7 phrases I'd never say that Americans traveling abroad often use: I can't tell you the number of times I've seen an American whip out their dollar bills at a foreign market only to be met by a shopkeeper's blank stare. The U.S. dollar isn't the only currency in the world. Acting like it is — or demanding locals tell you how much something costs in dollars or "real money" — can make you look clueless and self-centered. Look up a country's currency before you visit, and use a currency conversion app to keep track of your spending. You may as well walk around wearing a sweatshirt that says "entitled and privileged." There are many reasons other countries may be more affordable than where you're from, and they often involve violence, exploitation, and systems designed to perpetuate global inequality. Canada has provinces. Singapore and Monaco are city-states that aren't divided into smaller sections. Asking what state a person is from outside of the U.S. is a quick way to show you haven't researched your destination or can't respect that things are different elsewhere. When you go to a foreign country seeking out corporate chains, you're missing out on an opportunity to try something new and to support local businesses. I could have gotten Starbucks on a trip to Athens a few years ago, but then I wouldn't have had a chance to taste incredible Greek coffee and visit several cute cafes I hope to get back to one day. On another trip to Mexico City, I stop at Starbucks — the closest coffee shop to my hotel and a place where I knew for sure I could get a cold brew on a hot day. I got so much side eye from my friends and so many questions about why I didn't opt for better coffee while supporting the local economy. Next time, I'll remember my own advice. English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with an estimated 1.5 billion speakers around the globe. It's an official or widely spoken language in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Malta, Singapore, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and several Caribbean islands and African countries. It should never come as a surprise to encounter someone who has impeccable English in a predominantly English-speaking country. Yet, I've lost track of the number of times people have said that to me in the U.S. and shudder to hear it when I'm traveling. Calling a country — especially one you're visiting — a "third-world" country can come off as judgmental. Instead, I use "developing country," a phrase that doesn't carry the same connotations. It just doesn't feel right to judge a place whose people I hope will welcome me. I was once invited to a tasting menu dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant not far from Paris. After the second or third course, an American at our table interrupted the meal to request a green salad like he normally eats at home. I've never seen such a mortified waiter, and I don't think the chef ever complied with the request. One of the best things about travel is that it exposes you to new ways of thinking and doing things. Focusing on how it's done at home can blunt the transformative impact. Visiting countries all over the world has opened my eyes to so many different ways of living — and that's exactly the life-changing perspective that makes me so excited to book my next trip.
