Looking to save money on your next flight? You’re not alone. If you’re planning a trip to visit family, explore new places, or return home, the big question remains: Where to book cheap flights? The reality depends on how flexible you are—and whether you’re willing to look beyond the usual booking websites.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the most popular platforms and reveal where true savings are hidden.
Popular Platforms for Booking Cheap Flights
Many websites promise cheap airfare, but not all of them deliver the same value. Some platforms are great for research, while others offer convenient packages but may not show the lowest possible prices. To help you understand your options, let’s take a closer look at how these popular booking sites compare, what they’re best for, and where they might fall short.
Google Flights
Google Flights is an excellent tool for tracking prices and browsing multiple airlines at once. However, it doesn’t display all carriers, particularly many budget or international airlines.
Having said that, it’s a good place to start to get an idea of the kind of prices you can expect to pay for your itinerary.

Skyscanner
Skyscanner lets you search with flexible dates and destinations. It’s helpful for general planning, but prices can change quickly, and it redirects you to third-party sellers.
Basically, it tries to aggregate all the travel agencies and airlines in one spot. But it’s algorithms aren’t perfect: it may show you a very offbeat itinerary with an airport change in a city, but miss an obvious connection that can be arranged by a travel agent.
But like Google Flights, it’s a good place to do your flights research and see the difference in flight prices.

Expedia, Orbitz, and Similar Sites
These platforms are easy to navigate and often include convenient features such as hotel and car rental bundles. In fact, many travelers enjoy using them for the simplicity of booking everything in one place. However, it’s important to note that these sites usually display retail fares, which are not always the lowest prices available. As a result, you might end up paying more than necessary.
Additionally, while these websites may work well for straightforward itineraries, they often fall short when it comes to more complex travel needs. For example, if you need to modify your booking, request a refund, or address sudden changes, you may find that the customer service options are limited or even frustrating. Instead of speaking with a person who can solve your problem quickly, you’re often redirected to automated systems or third-party providers.
Therefore, while Expedia, Orbitz, and similar platforms might seem like a one-stop solution, they’re not always the most affordable or flexible choice, especially for international, multi-city, or family trips.

Airline Websites
Booking directly through an airline can sometimes provide added perks. For instance, if you’re a frequent flyer or part of a loyalty program, you might earn more miles or receive upgrades and preferred seating. In some cases, airlines also offer exclusive discounts for members, making it feel like a secure and straightforward option.
However, there are also significant limitations. When you book through a single airline, you’re restricted to its routes, schedules, and pricing. This means you could miss out on cheaper or more convenient options available with other carriers, or on combinations of flights that aren’t available on one airline alone.
Moreover, if you’re traveling to a destination that requires connections or if you’re booking for multiple travelers, your flexibility becomes even more limited. And while booking directly might seem like the safest route, it doesn’t always lead to the best value.
So, where do you turn when none of these options give you the deal you need?
Where to Book Cheap Flights: The Hidden Deals You Don’t See Online
Here’s a little-known fact: some of the cheapest flight deals are never published online. These are called unpublished fares, and they’re available only through certified travel agencies with special airline partnerships.
Unpublished fares often save travelers hundreds of dollars, especially on international routes. These deals are perfect for:
- Visiting family overseas
- Traveling to Africa, Asia, or Europe
- Booking multi-city or group itineraries
And, that’s where ASAP Tickets comes in.
Why Book with ASAP Tickets?
ASAP Tickets is more than just another booking site. It’s a full-service travel agency with access to insider deals and real human agents ready to help you save on your next flight.
Here’s what makes ASAP Tickets different:
- Unpublished Fares – Access to exclusive deals not listed online
- 70+ Airline Partners – Including top carriers to Africa, Asia, and beyond. Plus, ASAP Tickets can book flights with over 200 airlines via GDS.
- Custom Trip Planning – Especially helpful for long or multi-stop flights
- 24/7 Live Support – Speak to a real person anytime you need help
- Multilingual Agents – Over 20 languages spoken
- Flexible Booking Options – For families, seniors, and last-minute travelers
Just by calling to book your flight, many travelers save $300 to $500 or more on their flights.
For more information, see our blog, which explains how ASAP Tickets can offer such cheap flights.
Real Savings, Real Support
Online booking tools are convenient, but they’re not always the cheapest. With ASAP Tickets, you can speak directly to a travel expert who compares multiple airlines and dates to find the best possible fare.
Planning a family trip? Visiting relatives in multiple cities? Need to rebook at the last minute? ASAP Tickets can help!
Platform | Best For | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Google Flights | Price tracking & initial research | Clean, fast interface Flexible date views |
Doesn’t show all budget/international airlines |
Skyscanner | Flexible destination/date searches | Shows multiple agencies “Everywhere” search tool |
Prices change quickly Redirects to 3rd parties |
Expedia, Orbitz, etc. | Flight + hotel packages | User-friendly Bundle options available |
Retail fares only Limited support |
Airline Websites | Loyalty program members | Direct booking benefits Clear rules/policies |
No fare comparison Limited to airline’s own routes |
ASAP Tickets | Complex trips, family visits, savings | Unpublished fares 24/7 agents 200+ airlines supported |
Requires a call to book (not fully online) |
Final Tips on How to Book Cheap Flights
Here are a few more tips to help you save:
- Book 2 to 5 months in advance for international flights
- Be flexible with travel dates—midweek flights are usually cheaper
- Compare nearby airports if you’re traveling to large regions
- Call a travel agent for complex or international trips
When you’re ready to book, skip the guesswork and get expert help from experienced travel agents at ASAP Tickets.
Ready to Save?
Now that you know where to book cheap flights, why not try a better way to travel? Call 844-300-7983 to speak with an ASAP Tickets expert.
Let us do the work and find you the best deal! But if you’ve got the time and want to compare the different approaches, try the other websites mentioned in this article.

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