Tips for Saving Money on Flights This Fall

Fall is one of the smartest times of year to travel if you know how to shop for airfare. From booking at the right time to choosing cheaper travel days and avoiding unnecessary fees, these simple strategies can help you spend less, stress less and keep more money for the fun part of your trip.

Key Tips

Use every money-saving tool available. Fare alerts, airline loyalty points, independent carrier websites and airport transportation discounts can all add up to meaningful savings.
Book strategically. Start tracking fares early, book holiday trips before prices climb and consider flying on less popular days for the best deals.
Compare more than just price. Read fare rules, check alternate airports and compare booking options before you buy to avoid costly surprises.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

1. Book at the right time

Lowest fares: now through mid-October
Thanksgiving flights: book by mid-October
December holidays: book before Halloween
Even if you don’t know your dates, start tracking now

2. Fly on the cheapest days

View of an airline wing as the sun sets.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays = lower fares and shorter lines
Fridays and Sundays = busiest and priciest
Holiday hack: fly on the actual day (Thanksgiving morning is often cheap)

3. Search incognito

Private browsing can prevent old cookies or cached search results from affecting what prices you see.

How to open a private browser window:

Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N or Command+Shift+N
Mac, Safari: File > New Private Window

Use Google Flights, Hopper, or Kayak to track price drops
FlightHub shows comparisons but can add booking fees
Once you know the deal, book directly with the airline for fewer headaches

5. Read the fine print

“Basic” fares = no cancellations, no credits, strict bag rules
Some include only a personal item, others allow a carry-on but charge for checked bags
Often worth paying $30–$50 more for the next fare level with bag allowance and change flexibility

6. Check alternate airports

Two women on the tarmac at a regional airport.

Southern California: Santa Ana, Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara
New York: White Plains, Tweed in New Haven, Islip on Long Island
Smaller airports often mean faster security, less stress and better fares—even if it requires a connection

7. Visit independent airline sites

A Frontier Airlines airplane in the hanger with portable stairs and a van parked nearby.

Check sites directly for Breeze, Avelo, WestJet, Frontier
Fares can be fantastic, but budget for extras like carry-on fees or seat selection

8. Pool your points

Combining balances can get you to a free ticket faster.
JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates: free family pooling
Capital One: send miles to another user at no cost

9. Get to the airport stress-free

FARE rideshare app lets you request the same driver. I saved 30% on my last ride. Only available in CA and GA right now. You need a referral code to sign up: ODJA7YDH.

FAQs

When is the best time to book fall flights?

For most fall trips, book between mid-summer and mid-October, especially if you are trying to book Thanksgiving flights.

What are the cheapest days to fly?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually offer the best fares and shorter airport lines. Fridays and Sundays tend to be the busiest and most expensive travel days. If you’re traveling over Thanksgiving, flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can often save you money.

Should I book through a travel website or directly with the airline?

Comparison sites are great for finding deals, but I recommend booking directly with the airline once you’ve found the fare you want. It can make changes, cancellations and customer service much easier if your plans change.

SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.