Below, we’ll explore travel hacks and Skyscanner features that make finding cheap flights feel less like roulette and more like wizardry. Tabs? Tamed. Prices? Decoded. Let’s get into it.

Top travel hacks for finding cheap flights

Whether it's booking with budget-friendly airlines, being flexible with your travel dates, or using one (or more) of Skyscanner's smart tools, Canadians have plenty of options for finding the best flight deals.

1. Search for deals on budget airlines

It can't hurt to shop around 

You'll be surprised at all the cheap flights you can find on budget-friendly airlines. 

Flair Airlines is currently Canada's only ultra-low-cost airline, offering cheap flights to top Canadian destinations from coast to coast. The airline has expanded over the years, offering routes to popular sun destinations in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 

You can also find some of the cheapest flights departing from Canada with other local, budget-friendly airlines, such as Porter, Air Transat, and WestJet. If you're US-bound, then search for flight deals with JetBlue, Southwest, and Allegiant Airlines, which was recently named the best low-cost airline in North America at the Skytrax Awards.

Planning a trip to Spain but want to add London or Edinburgh to your itinerary? You'll be happy to know that Europe is filled with budget airlines, offering loads of opportunities to book an international flight for $50 or less. Check out flight deals with Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet, for instance.

2. Get flexible

Play around with departure dates

Being flexible with your travel dates is one of the best tricks to getting cheap flights. If you've got a destination in mind, use Skyscanner's flight search on the app or desktop and simply select 'Whole Month.’ The next screen will display the days of that particular month with the lowest flight prices. Even shifting your trip by a few days can lead to big savings—especially around long weekends and school holidays.

3. Try our 'Everywhere' search

Explore someplace new

Open to ideas and want to expand your horizons? Skyscanner's 'Explore Everywhere' search is a great way for curious travellers to discover cheap flight deals to destinations across the globe. Just enter your departure city, select your travel dates, and type ‘Everywhere’ in the destination box.

The cheapest flights across Canada will usually come up first, followed by the top daily flight deals to destinations in the US and beyond.

4. Consider booking single-journey tickets

One way could be the cheaper way

Many people think it’s cheaper to buy plane tickets as a round-trip, but sometimes finding the best cheap flights means purchasing two one-way tickets.

So the next time you're searching for flights, check the one-way prices for your chosen route and see if there's a deal waiting for you.

5. Book multiple flights at once

Don't leave one for the last minute

If you plan to travel with a single airline, booking multiple flights together can often be more cost-effective.

For instance, if you want to fly between several European cities with a budget airline, it may be cheaper to plan your journey, choose your travel dates, and book all your tickets at once rather than booking each flight individually at the last minute.

6. Set up Price Alerts

So that you're ready when flight prices drop

Skyscanner Price Alerts allow you to track flight prices and book when fares are at their lowest. You’ll be prepared when flight prices drop and can take advantage of the cheapest flights before they disappear.

Simply download the Skyscanner app, search for flights, and set a price alert for your selected routes. We’ll notify you as soon as prices change, so you can secure a great deal before it’s gone for good.

7. Travel with carry-on luggage

Avoid checked bag fees and save big on flights

Minimalism isn't just a trend—it's the latest travel hack. Travelling with carry-on bags is a top tip for finding cheap flights, as the price of a checked bag can exceed the cost of the flight ticket itself! So if you can swing it, travel light, and your wallet will reward you. 

Just make sure your baggage meets the airline’s size and weight limits to avoid surprise charges at the gate.

Find cheap flights on Skyscanner

Ready to plan your next getaway? Explore Skyscanner to start planning your trip and find cheap flights to destinations across the globe. With helpful tools like Price Alerts and Explore Everywhere, you can find the best deals on flights and travel for less.