How to Book the Cheapest Flights
Finding a great flight deal isn’t just about luck. It’s about knowing where to look and how to search. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ireland or anywhere else, a few smart strategies can help you save money. My go-to starting point? Google Flights. It’s free, easy to use, and powerful once you know its tricks. Use Google Flights to search and then book directly through an airline.
Start with Google Flights
Start your search at Google Flights. It’s one of the best tools for comparing flight options across nearly all major airlines. You can:
Enter your destination and immediately see prices across multiple days.
Click “Explore” to browse destinations based on your budget.
Use the Date Grid or Price Graph to find the cheapest travel days. The Date Grid option allows you to search a few days before and after your chosen dates. The Price Graph option allows you to pick a number of days for your trip and shows you flexibility over several months. Midweek flights (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often much lower than weekends.
Pro tip: Try different date ranges like “1-week trip in June” to see where prices drop.
Be Flexible with Dates
If you can shift your travel dates even slightly, you can often save big.
Toggle the “Flexible dates” option to compare weekend, one-week, or two-week trips.
Flights that leave on a Thursday and return on a Tuesday are usually cheaper than classic Friday-to-Sunday weekend trips.
Compare Nearby Airports
This is one of the easiest ways to uncover cheaper fares:
For Ireland trips, check Dublin, Shannon, and Cork.
In the U.S., look at alternate/nearby airports. For example, if you’re based in New England and you search for a flight from Providence (PVD), Google Flights might suggest that Boston (BOS) is a cheaper option.
Sometimes it’s worth a short drive to a different airport if it saves you hundreds, especially for international flights.
Consider One-Stop Flights (Within Reason)
Nonstop flights are convenient, but they’re not always the best deal. Adding one stop (especially through a hub like London, Amsterdam, or Atlanta) can significantly reduce your fare.
Use the “Stops” filter in Google Flights and compare total travel time. Sometimes a short layover can make a difference in cost.
Track Prices and Set Alerts
Prices fluctuate, but Google Flights lets you track a specific route and receive email notifications when fares change.
Turn on “Track prices” after selecting your route.
You’ll get an email alert if prices drop.
Most experts say the sweet spot for booking is 2–3 months before your trip (and slightly earlier for peak summer travel).
Use or Earn Airline Miles
If you fly regularly, this is where you can really maximize savings.
Always add your frequent flyer number when booking, even if it’s a partner airline.
If you have a travel credit card (like a Delta SkyMiles Amex or Aer Lingus AerClub Mastercard), check if booking through their portal gives you bonus miles or travel credits.
Even if you don’t have enough miles for a full reward flight, they can help offset future trips.
Try Private Browsing (Just in Case)
Some travelers swear that prices creep up after repeated searches. While there’s debate about how much this really matters, it doesn’t hurt to:
Open a new Incognito/Private window in your browser, or
Clear cookies between searches.
It’s a small step, but it can give you peace of mind that you’re seeing the real lowest fares.
Book Directly with the Airline
Once you’ve found the best fare on Google Flights, book directly on the airline’s website. It’s usually the safest way to:
Make changes or cancellations more easily
Access loyalty program perks
Avoid third-party issues if your flight gets delayed or rerouted
🌍 Final Tip: Flexibility Wins
In the end, flexibility is the biggest money-saver. The more open you are with dates, airports, and connections, the more likely you’ll land a great deal.
So the next time you’re dreaming about Ireland (or anywhere else), spend some time exploring your options. You might be surprised how affordable your next adventure can be.
