5 Common Myths About Finding Cheap Flights (and What Actually Works)

When it comes to booking flights, everyone seems to have their own set of rules. You might have heard that booking on a Tuesday guarantees the best price or that incognito mode is your secret weapon. But are these tips really true? In this post, we’ll debunk five common myths about finding cheap flights—and show you what actually works.

1. Myth: Tuesdays Are the Cheapest Days to Book Flights

It’s a common belief that Tuesday is the best day to snag a cheap flight, but this is no longer true. While there may have been a time when airlines released discounted fares on Tuesdays, today, ticket prices fluctuate constantly due to dynamic pricing. The best day to book depends on many factors, including the airline, route, and season. Rather than relying on a specific day, the best strategy is to set flight alerts so you’re notified whenever prices drop.

2. Myth: Last-Minute Flights Are Always Cheaper

While it’s possible to find great last-minute deals, they’re the exception rather than the rule. Airlines usually hike prices as the departure date approaches, aiming to sell tickets at a higher price to travelers who urgently need to fly. Booking in advance—generally 1 to 3 months before your trip—will give you the best chance of securing a good price. Using a tool like Airfare Alerts can keep you informed of price drops as your travel dates approach.

3. Myth: Incognito Mode Lowers Prices

Some people believe that using incognito mode or clearing cookies while searching for flights will prevent airlines from raising prices based on your search history. While this theory has been widely shared, there’s little evidence to back it up. Airlines use dynamic pricing that’s more influenced by demand than by your browser history. Instead of relying on incognito mode, it’s better to focus on setting flight alerts to track fare changes in real time.

4. Myth: Direct Airlines Always Charge More

Many assume that booking directly through an airline’s website will be more expensive than using a third-party site like Expedia. However, this isn’t always true. Airlines often offer the same or even better prices on their own websites, especially if you sign up for fare alerts or loyalty programs. Booking directly also gives you better flexibility with cancellations and changes compared to third-party sites.

5. Myth: Price Alerts Only Notify You of Small Price Drops

Some travelers avoid using price alerts because they believe these tools only notify you of insignificant price changes. However, that depends on the alert system you’re using. With Airfare Alerts, you can customize your notifications to track any price drop on your preferred routes, ensuring you’re only alerted when there’s a deal worth booking.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights isn’t about following outdated myths—it’s about staying informed and using the right tools. By relying on flight alerts, staying flexible with your dates, and booking at the right time, you can consistently save on airfare without chasing after myths that no longer hold true.

Start tracking your flights with Airfare Alerts today and get notified as soon as prices drop!