Backpacker’s Guide: How to Find Cheap Flights

It comes as no surprise that buying plane tickets is one of the most expensive aspects of booking a trip.  Too many times, have I scoured the internet for the best flight deals only to exit my browser frustrated and ticketless.  It’s about time that we all learn how to buy plane tickets the smart way.  That’s why we here at ITH have decided to create a guide to help you find cheap flights.

WHICH DAY IS THE CHEAPEST TO FLY INTO SAN DIEGO?

Finding cheap flights to San Diego can be daunting, especially if you don’t know your dates. People typically have a certain amount of days that they’re free, but when you don’t know what those are, saving money on flights can be rather difficult. 

So, based on research, TUESDAY is the least expensive day to fly! This, however, is not a hard and fast rule. It is always smart to do a search looking at the entire week or if you have the flexibility in your schedule, the whole month for flight options to your destination. Each place is different but on a whole, weekdays are going to give you cheaper rates. 

FIND OUT THROUGH SKYSCANNER BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS:

Step 1. Go on the Skyscanner website or download the app

Step 2. Enter your departure & arrival cities

Step 3. Select “one-way” (even if flying round trip – you’re just determining the cheapest days to fly out first)

Step 4. On a computer: click “Depart” but instead of entering a date, select “Whole Month”, and then “Cheapest Month” so you can browse all dates to see which is cheapest. Hit “Search flights” to easily see which date is cheapest.

Finding Cheap Flights Using Kiwi

I want to take this second to brag for a brief moment.  Using Kiwi, I booked a plane ticket from Washington, D.C. to San Diego for $76.  That’s right, $76.  Kiwi is a travel site that tells you which dates are the cheapest to travel on.  Not only is Kiwi perfect for people flexible with their dates, it also presents you with the cheapest airports to fly in and out of.  This site is every budget traveller’s dream.

WHAT ARE THE CHEAPEST MONTHS TO FLY TO SAN DIEGO?

San Diego is not as busy in the winter months generally. That makes  OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, JANUARY, and FEBRUARY great months to find deals to visit San Diego. In March and April, you’ll notice that prices start to rise as we get closer to peak season.  I’ve noticed that since purchasing a ticket in February, prices have nearly doubled.  

WHICH CITIES OFFER CHEAP FLIGHTS TO SAN DIEGO?

The cheapest places to travel to San Diego from are ORLANDO, PHILADELPHIA, D.C., PHOENIX, AUSTIN, ATLANTA, and NEWARK. If you are sick of waiting for Spring and ready to enjoy a scenic city that has something for everyone, hop on a flight from these major cities and skip off to the west coast. 

WHAT ARE SOME WEBSITES TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS?

Travel Pirate

With unique all-included packages and a team of pirates that search the web for the best deals, this is a great tool that has a team you know are looking out for their fellow traveler

Sky Scanner

A favorite in the budget air traveler world. You can find deals like no other including ones that are errors made by the airlines. Jump on it, and get the next great deal by using this thorough tool.

CheapoAir

Great savings daily on domestic flights and anything and everything to do with travel. THis is a source that does not discriminate. Whatever your travel needs are, this site will have a deal available for you.

 FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS ON LOCAL BUDGET AIRLINES

Local airlines should not be overlooked, especially in a city like San Diego where the airport is so conveniently located 2 miles from Downtown. I swear I every time I fly in, the plane is going to scrape its belly on the buildings.  Local airlines offer great deals on domestic flights and have great points systems when you get their travel rewards credit cards. If you spend the minimum (using it for daily expenses will do it) you can earn points that will pay for your trip! Local budget airlines to San Diego include Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, and Spirit.

So get packing, hop on your cheap flights, and meet us in San Diego!  Hopefully, you’ll stay with us when you do.

 

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