How to Save Money on Flights
We asked airfare reservation and travel agents about the best places for booking cheap flights. And, it turns out, there is no one place to get the cheapest airplane tickets. Booking services sell tickets at a cost set by airline companies, and most places will be similar in prices. Being flexible on timing is where you will save the most money. And the more flexible you are - the more money you can save. There are also some best money-saving tips while traveling by planes.
Cheapest Times and Places to Buy Plane Tickets
There are several factors that determine plane ticket prices. You can use a few of these factors as tools to get a bargain on airfare. The starting point (origin airport), end point (destination airport), season, days of the week, and times of the day are some of the factors that affect the demand for flights, and thus, ticket prices.

Being Flexible is Where You Save the Most
Start by evaluating the demand for each of these factors. Your best way to get a good fare is to book for less desirable seasons and destinations. Holidays, summer, and warmer times of the year are when everyone wants to travel. Expect to pay significantly more for your ticket during these times. But if you are willing to avoid these periods, you will get a significant discount. Certain places are more popular destinations and will be populated by tourists during a specific time of the year. If you are traveling simply for the sake of traveling - picking less popular destinations will result in a cheaper fare.
There are also less desirable days to travel. Usually, it is Tuesday and Wednesday. And finally, consider the less desirable times. Most people look for times that are convenient for them. These times overlap for most people and are in greater demand. Understandably, people don't want to get up at 3 am to catch a flight at 6 am, and then fly back at 9 pm to arrive at midnight. But those flights are often priced the lowest, precisely because fewer people want them.
How to Find These Cheaper Flights?
You can start your research by using one of the many flight ticket aggregators - websites that search a large number of booking engines, airline sites, travel agencies, and airfare discounters. Google Flights, for example, has an easy search and compare options. Kayak.com and Skyscanner.com are two other popular aggregators.
Keep in mind that prices can vary dramatically from one week to the next, and even one day to the next. Watch for a good sale in flight aggregators over a while and always use the "flexible dates" option. Once you find the price you like - book the ticket. You have 24 hours to think over your decision. Airlines are required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a full refund if you cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking. But if you miss a deal - it may be gone forever.
If you are used to flying from or to a nearby domestic airport but there is a large, international airport within the driving distance from your origin or destination, look that up, too. Even when you factor the commute into the final cost, you may get a better price. In large airports, more airlines compete with each other and may offer discounts to win over their competition. They may also have greater availability of open seats and may offer tickets at a larger discount.
Other Air Travel Money-Saving Tips
Watch Out for the Fees
Worth mentioning that there are "ultra low-cost carriers" (ULCC) that offer the lowest fares. These carriers keep fares low by excluding regular perks such as a free carry-on bag, free checked bag, inflight entertainment, snacks, drinks, or meals. These inclusions are considered add-ons for extra fees.
These carriers will be included in the search results in flight aggregators and you don't have to look for them specifically. But you should be aware of these airlines' carry-on and checked bag policies and their costs, as well as of all other added costs. This will prevent a $99 fare from ending up costing you $199.
Foods and Drinks
Airport food prices can be several times higher than what you would normally pay in other places. At some international airports, it's just bananas. They are not selling only bananas, but you get what we mean. Pack your own food. Sandwiches, nuts, dried fruits, homemade trail mix, or even snacks from a convenience store picked up on your way to the airport will save you some money. Bring anything that tastes good at room temperature, doesn't spoil too quickly, and isn't smelly or messy to eat. Just remember that anything liquid or spreadable will have to follow the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 rule.
According to TSA, "Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage."
Eventually, you will need to drink. Buying bottled water can easily cost you a fiver for each drink. But water and other liquids are not allowed through airport security. Bring an empty bottle and fill it up from the drinking fountains installed throughout every airport. If you get tired of drinking plain water, bring some powdered drink-mixes and flavorings.