How to Find Cheap Flights

Finding affordable flights for your dream vacation can be a challenge, especially when faced with limited availability. Whether you’re new to points and miles or a seasoned pro, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of scoring those elusive award seats. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with eight tips and workarounds to help you find cheap flights when there is limited availability.

Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the best ways to increase your chances of finding award availability is to be flexible with your travel dates. Shifting your plans by a day or two can often open up more options. Peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, tend to have less award availability. Try searching for flights during off-peak times or seasons when demand is lower. By adjusting your departure or return dates, you may be surprised at the additional opportunities to use your points or miles.

Having flexibility in your travel dates significantly increases your chances of finding award availability. Major airlines often release award seats during less popular travel times, which can vary based on the destination and time of year.

Utilize Award Search Tools

Finding award availability isn’t always as simple as searching the airline’s website. Some award space is not searchable online, while others are only visible on partner airline websites. In these cases, you may have to call the airline to search for award space.

However, there are award search tools like ExpertFlyer and point.me that can make the process much easier. These tools allow you to search for award availability across multiple airlines and dates simultaneously. ExpertFlyer even allows you to set seat alerts for specific flights, so you don’t have to keep searching for availability.

Point.me is a user-friendly tool that allows you to search award space in real-time across over 100 airlines. This can save you time and uncover award space that you may not be aware of. We recommend point.me for most casual travelers, as it works similarly to popular online travel agencies like Expedia and Orbitz.

Consider Different Cabin Options

Sometimes finding award space is as simple as choosing a different cabin class. Instead of exclusively searching for economy class flights, be open to premium economy, business class, or even first class options. The difference in mileage requirement between cabins is often nominal, so if you find better availability in one cabin or the other, it’s usually worth booking what’s available.

Searching for availability across multiple cabins can also help you get the best deal possible. Many airlines have non-saver economy awards that require more miles than a saver business class ticket. By being flexible with the type of cabin you are willing to fly in, you’ll increase your chances of finding available seats.

Leverage Airline Partnerships

Leveraging airline partnerships and alliances can be a valuable strategy when you’re struggling to find award availability. If your frequent flyer program is part of an airline alliance or if you have transferable points, explore partner airlines that might have better award availability.

Sometimes, award seats are available on partner airlines even when they’re not operated by the airline you initially searched for. By leveraging these partnerships, you open up a wider range of flight options and increase your chances of securing award seats. Keep in mind that not all partner awards are searchable online, so you may have to call the airline to get the seats you want.

Consider Alternative Airports or Positioning Flights

When you can’t find award availability on your desired flights, it may be helpful to consider alternative airports. Look for nearby airports that are within a reasonable distance from your origin or destination. It might be worth driving an extra hour or two to a different airport to get the flight you need.

You can also consider using positioning flights when you can’t find award availability to or from your home airport. A positioning flight involves booking a separate, usually cheap, ticket to a nearby city or airport where award availability is more accessible. By being open to different airports, you can uncover award seats that might not otherwise be on your radar.

Keep an Eye Out for Last-Minute Deals

If you can’t find award availability when searching well in advance, you might still luck out with last-minute award seats. Some airlines open up additional award availability closer to departure. For example, Lufthansa is known to release first and business-class awards up to 15 days before departure.

United and Swiss also tend to open up unbooked seats close to departure. So, there’s still a chance of snagging that elusive award seat if you’re flexible and ready to book at short notice. Stay patient and persistent, and keep an eye out for any last-minute deals or promotions that might pop up.

Redeem Credit Card Points through Travel Portals

If you can’t find flights using airline miles, you can redeem your credit card points towards the cost of a ticket through the issuing bank’s travel portal. Different credit card programs have varying redemption rates and portals.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the option to redeem points through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. This can be a great alternative if you’re unable to find award availability and don’t want to pay out of pocket for a ticket.

Other credit card programs, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, allow you to redeem miles towards any travel purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile. This flexibility allows you to book your flight through various channels, including the airline website or third-party sites like Expedia.

Consider Alternative Modes of Travel

If all else fails and you can’t find reasonably-priced flights, consider alternative modes of travel. Cruises, trains, and buses can be excellent options, regardless of your destination. Transatlantic cruises, for example, can get you to Europe, Hawaii, or the Caribbean for less than the cost of a flight.

Trains can often be more convenient than flying, especially for short distances. They typically offer city center-to-city center travel, saving you time and transportation costs to and from the airport. Additionally, renting a car can be a useful option for positioning yourself at another airport or traveling between cities.

In conclusion, finding cheap flights when there is limited availability requires flexibility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to explore different options. By being flexible with your travel dates, utilizing award search tools, leveraging airline partnerships, and considering alternative airports or modes of travel, you can increase your chances of finding affordable flights. Remember to stay patient, persistent, and open to new possibilities, and you’ll be on your way to booking your dream vacation without breaking the bank.