Want to travel the world without breaking the bank? Check out these expert flight hacks!

Dreaming of your next international getaway but dreading the high cost of flights? 

Good news! Scoring cheaper international flights isn’t a pipe dream. With the right strategies and a bit of flexibility, you can save BIG on your next trip abroad. 

Whether you’re lucky enough to live near a major airport or you’re figuring out how to make the most of the one nearby, there are ways to find deals. 

Let’s explore how you can save money and make your dream trip a reality.

• Strategic Airports: Where Deals Are Waiting

  Not all airports are created equal, and when it comes to international flight deals, some airports consistently offer lower fares. 

  If you’re near or can easily connect through one of these airports, your chances of scoring cheap flights can skyrocket. 

  According to Scott’s Cheap Flights (now known as Going.com), a website specializing in finding discounted airfares, these U.S. airports are the top spots for international flight deals:

  • New York-JFK
  • Newark
  • Chicago O'Hare
  • Los Angeles
  • Washington Dulles
  • Miami
  • San Francisco
  • Boston
  • Philadelphia
  • Dallas-Fort Worth

  If you live near one of these hubs, congratulations—you’re already in a prime position to save! 

  But what if you’re not? 

  In that case, don’t despair! 

  You can often find a cheap domestic flight to one of these airports, then connect to your international flight. While this requires an extra step, the potential savings on the international portion of your trip could make it worth the effort.

• East Coast vs. West Coast: Know Your Routes

  Another major factor in snagging affordable flights is geography. In short, where you’re flying to MATTERS. 

  For example: Flying to Europe from the East Coast is generally cheaper and offers more airline options and routes. The proximity to Europe makes it easier to find deals, and you can often find great rates, even on non-stop flights.

  On the flip side, if you’re looking to travel to Asia or Australia, your best bet is often the West Coast. Non-stop flights to these regions from cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are more common, and you can avoid the hefty prices that come with multiple layovers. 

  By knowing which coast serves which destinations best, you can tailor your trip to take advantage of better fares.

• Explore All Your Options

  When planning an international trip, flexibility is your best friend. Sometimes, a slightly different destination or travel date can lead to MASSIVE savings. 

  Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to explore various airports and destinations. You might have your heart set on Paris, but a cheaper flight to Brussels with a quick train ride could save you hundreds.

  The same goes for timing. Traveling outside peak seasons is one of the easiest ways to save. 

  Europe in the summer? Beautiful, but expensive. 

  Consider traveling in late spring or early fall to enjoy smaller crowds and lower prices. 

  Similarly, heading to Asia just before or after the monsoon season can help you avoid inflated prices while still enjoying most of the region’s attractions.

• Earn Miles and Travel for Less

  The savings don’t stop when you find that perfect cheap flight. By earning miles, you can turn your trip into a future freebie! 

  Joining an airline’s loyalty program is an easy way to rack up miles that can be used on future flights. Programs like United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, and American AAdvantage offer miles not only for flights on their own airlines but also through partners in global airline alliances. 

  For instance: Flying British Airways can earn you AAdvantage miles, thanks to its partnership with American Airlines.

  What if you’re not loyal to any one airline? 

  A travel rewards credit card can help you earn points no matter who you’re flying with. Many cards offer bonus points for travel purchases, and you can redeem those points for flights, hotels, or even upgrades.

  Some of the best travel credit cards include:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Known for its flexibility and large sign-up bonuses. You can transfer points to multiple airline and hotel partners, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: A favorite for its flat-rate rewards, meaning you earn the same amount of points on every purchase, regardless of the category.
  • Wells Fargo Autograph Card: A solid option with no annual fee, offering great rewards for travel and everyday purchases.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: Perfect for those who want high-end perks like access to airport lounges and extra travel insurance.
  • The Platinum Card from American Express: For luxury lovers, this card provides top-tier perks like elite hotel status, premium lounge access, and travel credits.
  • Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Tailored for business travelers, with extra rewards on travel and business-related purchases.

• Maximize Your Travel Credit Card Rewards

  When choosing a travel credit card, think about what matters most to you. If you’re looking for flexibility, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a top choice as it allows you to transfer points to multiple partners, giving you more freedom to book with various airlines and hotels. 

  Plus, it offers one of the highest sign-up bonuses in the market!

  If you want rewards without an annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a great option. You can earn points on travel and everyday expenses, without worrying about an annual fee cutting into your savings.

  If luxury perks are your thing, the Platinum Card from American Express is hard to beat. From access to premium lounges to concierge services and travel credits, this card makes your travel experience more comfortable. However, it does come with a higher annual fee.

See? 

International travel doesn’t really have to break the bank. 

By choosing strategic airports, being flexible with your travel plans, and taking advantage of rewards programs and travel credit cards, you can significantly cut down on your airfare costs. 

Next time you’re dreaming about sipping espresso in Paris or snorkeling in Bali, remember that with a little planning and a few smart decisions, you can turn that dream into a reality… AND without blowing your budget. 

So, safe travels, and happy deal hunting!