Where can I find cheap flights in U.S.?
Looking for cheap flights in the U.S.? Discover the best flight search websites, budget airlines, and expert tips to save money on airfare.
Where to Find Cheap Flights in the U.S. – Best Websites & Travel Hacks 
Looking for cheap flights within the U.S.? Here’s a complete guide on the best flight search websites, budget airlines, and smart booking strategies to save money.Best Websites to Find Cheap Flights in the U.S.
These platforms compare airline prices, track fare changes, and show the best deals:1. Google Flights – Best Overall
✔ Powerful search engine that compares fares across multiple airlines✔ Shows cheapest dates to fly using a price calendar
✔ Allows you to set price alerts and get notified when fares drop
✔ Directs you to airline websites for booking (no hidden fees)
Pro Tip: Use the Explore feature to find cheap destinations from your city.
2. Skyscanner – Best for Flexible Travelers
✔ Searches flights from both airlines and third-party booking sites✔ Shows "Cheapest Month" feature for finding the lowest fares over time
✔ Can search for flights to "Everywhere" if you're open to different destinations
Pro Tip: Click on "Whole Month" view to compare prices day by day.
3. Hopper – Best for Price Predictions
✔ Uses AI to predict future flight prices and recommends the best time to book✔ Allows you to freeze a price for up to 7 days before booking
✔ Alerts you when prices are expected to increase or decrease
Pro Tip: Hopper offers "secret fares" that are sometimes cheaper than booking directly.
4. Kayak – Best for Filtering Cheap Flights
✔ Compares flight prices from airlines and travel agencies✔ Has a “Hacker Fares” feature that combines one-way tickets for cheaper deals
✔ Offers a price forecast tool to help decide when to buy
Pro Tip: Try the "Flexible Dates" filter to see if shifting your trip by a day or two lowers the cost.
5. Expedia – Best for Bundling Flights & Hotels
✔ Offers discounts when booking flights + hotels together✔ Provides travel insurance options during checkout
✔ Sometimes includes free seat selection for basic economy tickets
Pro Tip: If you book through Expedia Rewards, you can earn points for future discounts.
6. Southwest Airlines – Best for Southwest Flights
✔ Southwest flights don’t appear on most flight search engines✔ Allows 2 free checked bags (unlike other airlines that charge for luggage)
✔ Has frequent fare sales like the "Wanna Get Away" deals
Pro Tip: Sign up for Southwest's Click 'N Save emails to get notified about flight sales.
Best Budget Airlines in the U.S.
If you're looking for low-cost flights, these budget airlines offer cheaper fares but charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other add-ons:| Budget Airline | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | Very low base fares | Charges for everything (bags, seats, water) |
| Frontier Airlines | Cheap flights, especially for short trips | Strict bag policies, extra fees for carry-ons |
| Allegiant Air | Cheap non-stop flights to small airports | Limited flight availability |
| JetBlue | Free Wi-Fi, more legroom than other budget airlines | Higher prices than Spirit/Frontier |
| Sun Country Airlines | Cheap fares to select U.S. cities | Fewer routes, extra fees for baggage |
10 Expert Tips for Finding Cheap Flights in the U.S.
Book 3-6 Weeks in Advance - Domestic flights are usually cheapest 21 to 60 days before departure.
- Last-minute flights are almost always more expensive.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates - Tuesdays & Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly.
- Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays, as these are peak travel days.
Fly from Nearby Airports - Compare flights from alternative airports (e.g., Long Beach instead of LAX).
- Major hubs (like JFK, LAX, ATL) can sometimes be more expensive than regional airports.
Set Price Alerts - Use Google Flights and Hopper to track fare changes.
- Book when prices drop instead of waiting until the last minute.
Use "Hidden City" Ticketing (With Caution) - Sites like Skiplagged show cheaper flights where your destination is a layover.
- Risk: Airlines may cancel return tickets if they catch you doing this.
Book One-Way Tickets Instead of Round-Trip - Sometimes, booking two separate one-way flights on different airlines is cheaper.
Use Incognito Mode for Searches - Some believe airlines track your searches and raise prices accordingly.
- Solution: Use private browsing mode when searching for flights.
Consider Budget Airlines + Carry-On Only - If you don’t need checked bags, budget airlines can be much cheaper.
Use Airline Miles & Credit Card Points - If you have travel rewards credit cards, redeem points for free flights.
- Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit often run flash sales with big discounts.
- Subscribe to airline newsletters for exclusive deals.
Summary: Best Way to Find Cheap Flights in the U.S.
✔ Best for Flexible Travelers: Skyscanner & Google Flights✔ Best for Predicting Price Drops: Hopper
✔ Best Budget Airlines: Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue
✔ Best for Bundling Flights & Hotels: Expedia
✔ Best for Southwest Deals: Book directly at Southwest.com