5 Smart Ways to Save on Flights and Maximize Fun

Dreaming of visiting loved ones, taking that well-deserved break or finally starting that passion project? Booking your flight should be an exciting first step! However, bridging the gap between your travel dreams and your budget can often be challenging. 

The good news? Finding affordable airline tickets for your next adventure is easier than you think, with these simple steps.

 

1. Timing Is Everything 

Is there a perfect time to book a flight? Not exactly—but some patterns can help you save.

Instead of rushing to book as early as possible, aim for the ideal window. If you’re headed to the Caribbean or somewhere in the United States, you’ll generally find the best flight deals by booking 1 to 3 months before departure.¹

Heading to Europe or Asia? For longer trips like these, try to book 3 to 5 months in advance to get the best options.²

The day you buy also matters. According to Expedia, booking your flights on a Sunday instead of a Friday could save you up to 24% on international fares!1 It’s a simple tip that could make a big difference to your budget. 

 

2. Flexibility: Your Key to Cheaper Flights 

When it comes to finding the best deals on flights, flexibility can go a long way. Being open to changing your travel dates, departure times, or even your destinations can lead to big savings.

Here are a few ways to make flexibility work for you:  

• Play with your travel dates: Use the “flexible dates” feature on fare comparison sites to see which days offer the best prices, often earlier in the week. You can also extend the search over several weeks or months to find the best rate. 
• Skip peak travel periods: Flights tend to be higher during school breaks and major holidays. Off-season travel means lower costs, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.
• Look at nearby airports: Consider flying through smaller or alternate airports—they can often lead to significant savings. While they may be slightly out of the way, the trade-off is often worth it. Plus, you might just discover a new favourite spot.
• Embrace stopovers: If you have some time in your schedule, consider flights with longer layovers. They’re often cheaper and can give you the chance to explore an unexpected city on the way.
• Let your budget guide your adventure: A great way to discover affordable, and often unexpected destinations is to search by budget using the “anywhere” feature on travel sites. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you didn’t plan!

 

3. Compare Before You Commit

Before booking, take the time to compare prices on different tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak. These let you compare prices across multiple airlines, track fare changes, and set up alerts for your dream destinations. 

Quick tip: Use private browsing while researching and clear your browser’s cache to help avoid sudden price jumps. Switching devices before booking can also help keep pricing consistent.  

 

4. Keep an Eye Out for Deals

Flight deals come and go fast—sometimes within hours—so it pays to stay in the loop.

Sign up for airline newsletters and follow travel deal sites like Yul Deals, Yulair, Flytrippers for alerts on discounted fares from Canada.

And when a great deal pops up? Be ready to act fast! The best prices require a little spontaneity.  

 

5. Make the Most of Rewards Programs

If you have a credit card connected to a travel rewards program, you might already be sitting on savings. Everyday purchases can add up to discounted flights, seat upgrades, and sometimes even free tickets.  

Programs like Aeroplan or Air Miles offer flexible ways to earn points, even without a credit card. By shopping with participating retailers, you can slowly build up your points balance just by going about your routine.

It’s a simple way to let your day-to-day spending bring you one step closer to your next adventure.  

 

Bonus Tip: Save on Travel Insurance Too 

Travel insurance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about reducing costs, but if you travel more than once a year, it’s worth a closer look.  

With Québec Blue Cross® Multi-Trip Annual insurance, you’re covered for an unlimited number of trips over 12 months, all under one plan. Instead of buying separate insurance every time you travel, this option offers savings.   

You can customize your coverage based on your needs: whether it’s Emergency Medical Care, Trip Cancellation, Baggage. Or all the above. Plus, get 24/7 travel assistance and Flight Delay Service at no additional cost.

This could be the smartest way to have the right coverage at the right price.  

 

Yes, saving on flights is possible. 

With some planning, a bit of flexibility, and the right tools, you can make your travel dreams more affordable without sacrificing comfort or confidence.  And when you’re on the go, having the right insurance is a key part of travelling smart.