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How to Spot a Real Flight Deal (and Skip the Fake Ones)

Airfare changes constantly. The same seat can cost three different prices in one afternoon, so "cheap" only means something when you compare it to what that route usually costs. That is the whole idea behind the flight deals we post.

Compare to the usual price, not the last price you saw

A $180 round trip sounds fine until you learn the route normally runs $150. A $240 fare to somewhere that usually costs $520 is a real deal even though the number looks bigger. Every flight deal on this site shows the price next to the typical price for that route over the past year, and we only post fares that are at least 40% below that typical price.

Fresh fares only

Deal prices come from real searches. A price someone saw five days ago may be long gone, so we only post fares that were found in the last day and a half. Even then, cheap seats sell out. Treat a posted deal as a head start, not a guarantee, and check the live price on the booking page before you pay.

Check the details before you celebrate

  • Stops: a nonstop at $200 can be worth more than a two-stop at $150.
  • Airports: "New York" can mean JFK, LaGuardia or Newark. Make sure the airport works for you.
  • Bags: basic economy and low-cost carriers often charge for carry-ons. Add bag fees before comparing.
  • Dates: deal fares are often tied to specific days. Moving your trip by one day can double the price.

How to book fast

Decide your limits before a deal shows up: which airports you will fly from, which months you can travel, and the most you would pay. When a fare matches, book it. In the US, most airlines let you cancel within 24 hours of booking without a fee when you book at least a week before departure, which gives you a short window to confirm time off and plans.

See today's flight deals

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