Planning a vacation or a short trip involves finding the right place to stay in, right things to pack, and book your flights. Finding a cheap flight that perfectly fits your budget can curb an expensive trip and help save money.

Here are some smart tips which can facilitate finding a cheap flight.

Flexibility is the key (When & Where you fly, matters)

You will experience higher fares during the upcoming holidays, or summer and winter vacations. It is good to remember that airline ticket prices would fluctuate based on the week’s day, the time of the week, and these upcoming holidays. Try flying in the middle of the week, when flight prices are lower than over the weekends. Taking a flight early morning or late at night may be cheaper.

To find a reasonably-priced flight, be flexible about where you fly. Try and use the online flight booking search services like Kayak, Google Flights, Momondo, ITA Matrix, and Skyscanner. The ‘Explore’ tools featured on such services allow you to input data on your home airport and get you results with all flights listed, enabling you to find some fantastic fares.

Budget Airlines – an alternative

There some low-cost airlines which offer no-fare tickets and you can pay just the taxes. The budget airlines make an excellent alternative to flying. You may find tickets from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur for something like only USD 30, but remember to follow all their rules regarding checked baggage and more.

Avail Student Discounts

Avail student discounts (for a student or flier under 26 years) offered by travel agencies like Flight Centre or STA Travel.

Fly to a secondary destination

Flying directly to a primary destination could be more expensive. Instead, consider looking at and flying to nearby airports and then book a budget flight to your final destination.

Frequent flier program signing-up

The airline’s reward program’s signing-up could get you some free upgrades, free flights, and free companion tickets. Look out for their special offers and consider getting a travel rewards credit card.

Mailing Lists

Join some of the mailing lists from search engines and airlines to get some special travel deals. Consider websites like The Flight Deal, Airfarewatchdog, and Holiday Pirates.

Always, invest some search-time before you book a flight.