Travel Tips

7 Travel Hacks That Will Save You Hundreds on Flights in 2025

Alexis Jackson
Last updated on June 09, 2025

Are you tired of seeing sky-high airfares every time you dream of your next getaway? Do you wish there was a secret playbook to unlock cheaper flights? You're in luck! In 2025, with a little insider knowledge and strategic planning, you can significantly slash the cost of your air travel. This guide will reveal seven powerful travel hacks that go beyond the usual advice, helping you save hundreds on flights and make your travel dreams a more affordable reality. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or planning your first big adventure, these tips are designed to put more money back in your pocket without compromising on your travel experience. Get ready to transform the way you book flights and discover the secrets to consistently finding incredible deals.

Hack 1: The Hidden City Ticketing Strategy

Imagine you want to fly from New York (NYC) to Chicago (ORD), but a direct flight is prohibitively expensive. What if a flight from New York (NYC) to Dallas (DFW) with a layover in Chicago (ORD) is significantly cheaper? This is the essence of hidden city ticketing, also known as skiplagging [1]. Instead of completing the journey to Dallas, you simply disembark in Chicago, your actual desired destination. This seemingly counterintuitive strategy can lead to substantial savings, sometimes 20-50% off the direct fare [8].

How it Works: Airlines price their tickets using complex algorithms that consider various factors, including demand for specific routes, competition, and connecting flight logistics. Sometimes, a connecting flight through a city can be cheaper than a direct flight to that same city because the airline is trying to fill seats on a less popular final leg, or it's part of a broader pricing strategy for a longer route. By booking a ticket to a further destination with your desired city as a layover, you exploit these pricing inefficiencies.

Benefits: The primary benefit is significant cost savings. For travelers with flexible plans and a willingness to be a bit unconventional, hidden city ticketing can unlock deals that wouldn't otherwise be available. It's particularly effective for one-way travel or when you only need to get to the layover city.

Risks and Considerations: While enticing, hidden city ticketing comes with important caveats:

Checked Luggage: This hack is generally only viable if you're traveling with carry-on luggage. If you check a bag, it will likely be routed to the final destination on your ticket, not your hidden city stopover. Airlines typically do not allow you to retrieve checked bags at a layover point.
Missing Subsequent Flights: If you miss the second leg of a flight, the airline will usually cancel all subsequent flights on that itinerary. This means hidden city ticketing is best for the final leg of a one-way journey or the first leg of a round trip where you only intend to use the outbound portion.
Airline Policies: Airlines generally frown upon hidden city ticketing and their contracts of carriage often prohibit it. While it's not illegal, airlines can penalize passengers caught engaging in this practice. Penalties could include canceling your return flight (if it's a round trip), revoking frequent flyer miles, or even banning you from future flights. Some airlines have even pursued legal action against passengers or platforms facilitating this practice [5].
No-Shows: If you frequently skip legs of your itinerary, airlines may flag your account. It's advisable to use this hack sparingly and primarily for one-way travel to minimize risks.

When to Use It: Hidden city ticketing is best suited for: * One-way trips where your destination is a layover city. * Travelers with only carry-on luggage. * Those who understand and accept the potential risks involved.

Platforms like Skiplagged.com specialize in finding these types of fares, but always be aware of the terms and conditions and potential consequences [10].

Hack 2: Leveraging Error Fares (Mistake Fares)

Imagine booking a roundtrip flight to Europe for the price of a domestic dinner. It sounds too good to be true, but error fares, also known as mistake fares, make such scenarios possible [1]. These are essentially pricing glitches where an airline or online travel agency (OTA) accidentally lists a flight for a significantly lower price than intended. These aren't regular sales; they are genuine mistakes that, if you're quick enough, can lead to unbelievable savings.

What Causes Error Fares?

Error fares can occur for a variety of reasons:

Human Error: Someone manually entering a price might mistype a digit or misplace a decimal point.
Technical Glitches: Issues with complex pricing algorithms or software can lead to incorrect fare calculations.
Currency Conversion Errors: Mistakes in converting fares between different currencies can result in drastically reduced prices.
Omitted Fuel Surcharges or Taxes: Sometimes, the system might fail to add significant fuel surcharges or taxes, leading to a much lower final price.

How to Spot and Find Them

Finding error fares requires a combination of vigilance, speed, and knowing where to look:

Dedicated Deal Websites and Forums: Several websites and online communities specialize in hunting down and sharing error fares. Popular ones include Secret Flying [5], The Flight Deal, and forums like FlyerTalk. These platforms have dedicated users and algorithms constantly scanning for unusual price drops.
Flight Deal Alert Services: Subscribing to services like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) or Thrifty Traveler Premium can give you a heads-up when mistake fares are found [1, 9]. These services often have teams dedicated to finding these deals.
Social Media: Follow travel deal accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook groups dedicated to cheap travel. Deals are often shared rapidly on these platforms.
Be Flexible: Error fares are rarely for specific dates to specific destinations. You need to be highly flexible with your travel plans to take advantage of them. The deal might be for an obscure route or during an off-peak time.

The Golden Rule: Act Fast!

Error fares are like shooting stars – they appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly. Airlines and OTAs usually correct these mistakes within hours, sometimes even minutes, once they are discovered.

If you find an error fare that fits your general travel desires:

Book First, Ask Questions Later: Don't hesitate. Complete the booking as quickly as possible. You can usually cancel for free within 24 hours if you change your mind (see Hack 3).
Don't Call the Airline: This is crucial. Contacting the airline to confirm the price will likely alert them to the mistake, and they will correct it before you can book, or even cancel your ticket if you've already booked it.
Wait Before Making Other Non-Refundable Plans: Once you've booked an error fare, wait for the e-ticket confirmation. Even then, it's wise to hold off on booking non-refundable hotels or tours for at least a week or two. While many airlines honor mistake fares (especially if e-tickets have been issued), there's always a small chance they might cancel them.

While rare, error fares offer the most dramatic savings in air travel. Being prepared and knowing where to look can land you the deal of a lifetime.

Hack 3: The 24-Hour Rule and Price Drops

Have you ever booked a flight, only to see the price drop significantly hours later? It's a frustrating experience, but thanks to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 24-hour rule, you might be able to take advantage of such a scenario.

This rule mandates that airlines operating flights to, from, or within the United States must allow passengers to cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the booking was made at least seven days before the flight's departure [1, 3].

How to Leverage the 24-Hour Rule for Price Drops

This rule isn't just for canceling plans; it's a powerful tool for price protection:

Book with Confidence: When you see a fare that looks good, but you're worried it might drop, book it. The 24-hour rule gives you a safety net.
Monitor Prices: After booking, continue to monitor the flight's price. Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to set up price alerts for your specific itinerary. Many travel sites and airlines also offer their own price tracking features.
Rebook if the Price Drops: If the price of your flight drops within that 24-hour window, you can cancel your original booking for a full refund and immediately rebook the flight at the lower price [7]. This effectively allows you to secure the best available fare without penalty.

Important Considerations

Origin/Destination in the US: This rule applies to flights where the origin or destination is in the United States, or if it's an American airline [4]. International carriers flying to or from the US are also subject to this rule.
Booking Window: The rule only applies if you book your flight at least seven days (168 hours) before its scheduled departure. If you book a last-minute flight within seven days of departure, the 24-hour rule typically does not apply.
Direct vs. Third-Party Bookings: While the rule generally applies to all airlines, it's often easiest to exercise this right when booking directly with the airline. If you book through a third-party online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Kayak, ensure you understand their specific cancellation policies, as they may have their own terms in addition to the DOT rule.
Fare Class: The rule applies to all fare classes, including non-refundable tickets. This is what makes it so valuable for price protection.

By understanding and utilizing the 24-hour rule, you can book flights with greater peace of mind, knowing you have a window to adjust your booking if a better deal emerges. It's a simple yet effective hack to ensure you're always getting the best possible price on your airfare.

Hack 4: Strategic Use of Incognito Mode and VPNs

For years, a popular travel hack circulating online suggested that searching for flights in incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies could help you find cheaper fares. The theory was that airlines and travel sites track your searches and increase prices on routes you frequently view.

While the idea of dynamic pricing based on demand is real, the effectiveness of incognito mode in combating it is largely a myth [2, 7].

Incognito Mode: The Myth Debunked

Incognito mode (or private browsing) primarily prevents your local browsing history and cookies from being saved on your device. It does not hide your IP address or prevent websites from identifying your general location or tracking your activity once you are on their site [7].

Therefore, airlines and OTAs can still see your location and potentially adjust prices based on that, regardless of whether you are in incognito mode or not. The price you see is often the same for everyone searching from your geographical location at that moment.

VPNs: A More Nuanced Approach

While incognito mode might not be your magic bullet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a more tangible—albeit sometimes limited—advantage. Airlines and OTAs often employ geo-specific pricing, meaning the price of a flight can vary depending on the country from which you are booking [5].

How VPNs Might Help

Changing Your Virtual Location: A VPN allows you to mask your actual IP address and appear as if you are browsing from a different country.
For example, if you are in the US but connect to a VPN server in a country with a lower cost of living or different market dynamics, you might sometimes see different, potentially lower, prices for the same flight [4].
Accessing Local Deals: Some airlines or travel agencies might offer special promotions or lower fares exclusively to customers in certain regions.
A VPN could theoretically allow you to access these localized deals.

Important Considerations for VPN Use

Inconsistent Results: The effectiveness of using a VPN for cheaper flights is highly inconsistent.
There's no guarantee you'll find a better deal—and sometimes prices might even be higher. It depends heavily on the airline, the route, and the specific country you connect to.
Payment Issues: Even if you find a cheaper fare using a VPN, you might encounter issues during the payment process if your credit card billing address doesn't match the country you're virtually presenting yourself from.
Some airlines might also block VPN usage.
Ethical Considerations: While not illegal, some argue that using a VPN to manipulate prices is ethically questionable. It's a personal decision whether you're comfortable with this approach.

Don’t rely on incognito mode. For VPNs, it’s worth a quick check—especially if you’re searching for international flights and suspect geo-specific pricing.

However, it's not a guaranteed money-saver and should be used with caution.

Hack 5: Flying on Off-Peak Days and Times

One of the most consistent and reliable ways to save money on flights is to adjust your travel dates and times to periods of lower demand. Airlines use dynamic pricing models, meaning prices fluctuate based on demand, time of year, and even the day of the week and time of day.

By understanding these patterns, you can strategically choose when to fly for the best deals.

Cheapest Days to Fly

Domestic Flights: The cheapest days are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday [3].
International Travel: Weekdays (Monday through Thursday) are generally cheaper than weekends [2].

Why?

Business travelers often fly on Mondays and Fridays, increasing demand and prices.
Leisure travelers prefer weekend departures and returns, making Fridays and Sundays the most expensive.

Cheapest Times to Fly

Early Mornings: Flights before 8:00 AM are often cheaper because fewer people want to wake up that early.
Bonus: They tend to have fewer delays.
Late Nights: Flights after 9:00 PM can be more affordable due to lower demand.
Mid-Day Lulls: Flights between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM (on weekdays) can also be good value since they fall outside the peak travel rush hours.

Why These Patterns Exist

Business Travel: Heavily influences weekday pricing. When business demand is low (mid-week), airlines lower prices to attract leisure travelers.
Leisure Travel Habits: Travelers try to maximize weekends, creating higher demand on Fridays and Sundays.
Airline Scheduling: Airlines price off-peak hours more flexibly to fill seats that would otherwise go empty.

Practical Tips

Use Flexible Date Search Tools: Always use flexible date search on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner.
These tools let you compare prices across dates and quickly spot cheapest options.
Consider Red-Eye Flights: Overnight flights are often significantly cheaper due to their inconvenient timing.
If you're able to sleep on planes, this can be a great way to save.

By being flexible with your travel dates and times, you can tap into periods of lower demand and secure more affordable airfares—stretching your travel budget much further.

Hack 6: Connecting Flights vs. Direct Flights

When searching for flights, you'll often notice a significant price difference between direct (non-stop) flights and those with one or more layovers. While direct flights offer convenience and save time, connecting flights are almost always cheaper, sometimes by hundreds of dollars [2, 5]. This hack is about understanding why this price disparity exists and how to leverage it to your advantage.

Why Connecting Flights are Cheaper:

Airline Hubs and Network Optimization: Airlines often route passengers through their major hubs to fill planes more efficiently. A flight from a smaller city to a hub, and then from the hub to your final destination, might be part of a larger, optimized network strategy that allows the airline to offer a lower overall price [1].
Increased Competition: Routes with layovers often involve multiple airlines or combinations of airlines, leading to more competition and thus lower prices.
Demand for Convenience: Travelers are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of a direct flight. Airlines capitalize on this demand by pricing direct routes higher.

Tips for Making Layovers Manageable:

While connecting flights save money, long or multiple layovers can be tiring. Here are tips to make them more palatable:

Choose Optimal Layover Times: Look for layovers that are long enough to comfortably make your connection (at least 1.5–2 hours for domestic, 3+ hours for international, especially if you need to clear customs), but not so long that they become an inconvenience. Some travelers even intentionally book longer layovers (e.g., 6–8 hours) to explore the layover city for a few hours.
Research the Airport: Before booking, check out the layover airport. Does it have comfortable lounges, good dining options, free Wi-Fi, or even sleeping pods? Knowing what to expect can make a big difference.
Pack Smart: Keep essentials like a change of clothes, toiletries, and entertainment in your carry-on for longer layovers.
Consider Overnight Layovers: If the price difference is substantial, an overnight layover can be an opportunity to explore a new city briefly or get a good night's sleep in an airport hotel.

When to Choose Connecting Flights:

When budget is your top priority.
When you have flexibility with your travel time.
For long-haul international flights where a layover is often unavoidable anyway.

Hack 7: Utilizing Flight Comparison Sites and Deal Alerts Effectively

In the vast and ever-changing landscape of airfare, relying on a single airline website or a casual search won't cut it. The key to consistently finding cheap flights lies in strategically using flight comparison sites and setting up comprehensive deal alerts. These tools are your best friends in the hunt for affordable airfare in 2025.

Top Flight Comparison Sites to Master:

Don't just check one; cross-reference across several to ensure you're seeing the broadest range of options and prices:

Google Flights [7]: Excellent for its calendar view that shows prices across an entire month, its Explore feature for discovering cheap destinations, and its robust price tracking capabilities. It pulls data directly from airlines and OTAs.
Skyscanner [4]: Known for its flexible search options, allowing you to search for flights to an entire country or even "Everywhere" to find the cheapest destinations from your origin. It also includes a price alert feature.
Kayak: A comprehensive meta-search engine that pulls data from hundreds of travel sites at once. It offers price forecasts and price alerts.
Momondo: Often finds slightly different results than other sites, sometimes unearthing unique deals. Its interface is user-friendly for comparing different flight options.
Hopper: This app predicts future flight and hotel prices with 95% accuracy, advising you whether to book now or wait. It also sends push notifications for price drops.

Setting Up Comprehensive Deal Alerts:

Don't just rely on passively checking these sites. Be proactive by setting up alerts:

Specific Route Alerts: If you have a specific destination and dates in mind, set up alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak. You'll receive email notifications when prices change.
Flexible Destination Alerts: If you're open to where you go, set up alerts for flights from your home airport to "Everywhere" or to a broad region (e.g., "Europe") on Skyscanner or Google Flights. This can uncover unexpected deals.
Deal Aggregator Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from dedicated flight deal websites like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) or Secret Flying. These services often find and curate mistake fares and exceptionally cheap flights that might not appear on standard search engines.

Tips for Effective Use:

Be Patient: Flight prices fluctuate constantly. Setting alerts and waiting for the right moment can save you a lot.
Clear Your Cache/Cookies (Occasionally): While not a primary hack (as discussed in Hack 4), occasionally clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or using a different browser, can sometimes refresh the results you see, ensuring you're not viewing cached, higher prices.
Consider Nearby Airports: Always check prices from nearby airports. Sometimes, flying out of a slightly further airport can result in significant savings.

By diligently using these comparison sites and setting up smart deal alerts, you transform from a passive flight searcher into an active deal hunter, significantly increasing your chances of snagging those elusive cheap flights.

Important Considerations and Warnings

While these flight hacks offer incredible opportunities to save money, it's crucial to approach them with a clear understanding of the associated risks and responsibilities:

Ethical and Policy Considerations: Hacks like hidden city ticketing, while not illegal, are often against airline terms and conditions. Airlines can penalize passengers who engage in these practices. Always weigh the potential savings against the risks, and understand that airlines have the right to enforce their policies.
Read the Fine Print: Before booking any flight, especially one found through unconventional means, always read the airline's and the online travel agency's terms and conditions carefully. Pay attention to baggage policies, change fees, and cancellation rules.
Flexibility is Your Friend: Many of the best flight deals, particularly error fares and those found by flying on off-peak days, require a high degree of flexibility with your travel dates, times, and sometimes even your destination. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a bargain.
Act Fast, But Wisely: Error fares and flash sales disappear quickly. While speed is essential, ensure you're booking with a reputable source and that the details of the flight (dates, times, airports) are correct before finalizing your purchase.
Travel Insurance: Even when traveling on a budget, consider purchasing travel insurance. It can provide a safety net for unexpected issues like flight cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies, especially when dealing with potentially less stable bookings like mistake fares.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when finding cheap flights felt like a stroke of pure luck. In 2025, with the right strategies and a bit of savvy, you can consistently unlock incredible airfare deals. From the unconventional tactics of hidden city ticketing and leveraging error fares to the more straightforward approaches of flying off-peak and mastering comparison sites, these seven hacks empower you to take control of your travel budget.

Remember, the key is to be informed, flexible, and proactive. Start implementing these strategies today, and you'll be amazed at how much you can save on your next adventure. Happy travels, and may your flights always be cheap!