How to land the best flight deals

February 16, 2025

By Kim Komando

Spring break is around the corner, and Sundays are the best day to book trips, so let’s talk travel hacks. My dad worked for United Airlines, so I grew up on airplanes. I’ve explored 38 countries (and counting!) with plenty more on my bucket list. Let’s get you the best deals!

How to land the best flight deals

✈️ Check for 24-hour price drops: Booked a flight? Some airlines let you cancel within 24 hours for free. If you find a lower price, cancel and rebook. Easy savings.

🔔 Set up price alerts: Google Flights and Kayak will email you when prices drop. The best time to book? One to three months ahead for domestic flights and four to six months out for international. (Note to self: This means next week.)

📅 Fly on the cheap days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are usually the cheapest. Red-eyes and early morning flights also cost less and are less likely to be delayed or canceled.

🛫 Be flexible: Try Google’s Explore feature to spot budget-friendly dates. Skyscanner’s Cheapest Month tool is neat. Instead of choosing a date, click Flexible Dates and watch the prices fluctuate.

🛑 Hidden-city ticketing (use with caution): Skiplagged finds flights where your destination is a layover, which can save you cash. Just don’t check a bag. It won’t follow you.

VIP experience secrets

If “budget” is not in your lexicon, you can bypass many airport hassles.

PS (Private Suite) at LAX and ATL

• Get private TSA screening and a terminal with no lines. Think velvet couches and chilled champagne. Board via a private car on the tarmac and have a similar arrival service.
• PS costs about $4,000 for the first passenger. It’s an Amex Centurion cardholder perk, and that’s how I get to use it. I saw Kanye West and his wife about a month ago on my way back from Paris. Fortunately, she was clothed. I couldn’t bare it.

Airport Butler/Royal Airport Concierge fast-track service

• Royal Airport Concierge meets you at the curb, handles your luggage, escorts you through security and takes you to a VIP lounge.

Delta VIP Select

• Enjoy a private check-in lounge with champagne, canapés, private TSA screening and a ride to the plane on the tarmac.
• Costs $500 for the first passenger and $100 for each additional one. Here’s a video about it.

United Global Services

• It’s invitation-only offering private check-in for United Airlines Global Services members.

Hawaiian Airlines Premium Airport Service

• Check-in is completed before you arrive, with priority baggage handling, expedited TSA lines and an escort to your gate. You get access to a private lounge featuring a liquor menu, meals and showers.
• Prices start at $500 for two with the option to use HawaiianMiles.

Adios, beaches

I hope these hacks helped you. Now, where should I go next?