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Travel Guides Updated on March 19, 2026

How to find cheap flights?

Our 10 expert tips for finding the cheapest plane tickets. Techniques, tools and strategies tested by our travel experts.

Finding a cheap flight is not a matter of luck, but of method. Here are the proven strategies from our experts to maximize your savings.

1. Book at the right time

The golden rule: book between 6 and 8 weeks before your departure for European destinations, and between 3 and 6 months for long-haul flights.

2. Be flexible on your dates

Traveling mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) generally costs 20 to 30% less than departing on Friday evening or Sunday.

3. Use price alerts

Activate price notifications on flight comparison sites. LesVolsIllico offers personalized alerts.

4. Consider connecting flights

Direct flights are more convenient, but connecting flights can be up to 40% cheaper.

5. Check alternative airports

Compare all airports near your departure city. Budget airlines often operate from secondary airports.

6. Travel light

On low-cost flights, checked baggage is often charged extra. Flying with cabin baggage only saves you money and time.

7. Browse in incognito mode

Airlines use cookies to track repeated searches and sometimes increase prices. Use private browsing to get unbiased results.

8. Follow flash sales

Airlines regularly launch flash sales. Subscribe to newsletters and follow them on social media.

9. Use a reliable comparison site

Rather than checking each airline individually, use a comparator like LesVolsIllico that analyzes hundreds of offers simultaneously.

10. Consider flight + hotel packages

Sometimes booking a complete package is cheaper than booking the flight and hotel separately.