If you're tired of hearing the same old advice about scoring cheapest fares—searching incognito, setting up alerts, and using aggregator sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights—only to end up staring at overpriced tickets anyway, you're not alone. 

Those standard hacks are great... until they’re not. So, why not switch up your strategy? Let’s ditch the usual tactics that almost always don’t work and start getting into the real ways to score cheap flights, especially on holiday season when everything is expensive. We’ve got unconventional tips that might just be the ticket (pun intended) to getting where you want to go without busting your budget.

1. Avoid searching for flights until you are absolutely ready to book

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More often than not, the cheapest flight you’ll ever find is the first one you’ve selected. So, if you still got even just a bit of hesitation, you must skip the “just checking” stage! You already know this—but airlines and booking sites use your browsing history to subtly bump up prices on the routes you’re interested in. If you’re simply browsing and undecided, hold off on searching until you’re in a position to book. That way, you can book the flight at its real price. 

2. Fly from a different airport

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It sounds inconvenient, but departing from a smaller airport nearby could mean huge savings. If you’re in Manila, look at flights from Clark or even Cebu. Sometimes, a two-hour drive or a quick domestic hop to a nearby city unlocks massive flight savings on the international leg. It may require a bit of planning, but the cost difference can make it well worth your while.

3. Compare prices in different currencies

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Here's a trick straight from the pros: check flight prices in other currencies. Look for rates in the Thai baht, Indonesian rupiah, or even Sri Lankan rupee—these can sometimes reveal surprising savings. Just be sure your credit card doesn’t have outrageous foreign transaction fees, and you’re set to save.

4. Build your credit score and travel on miles

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Now, here’s a long-term trick. Credit cards aren’t just for emergency shopping or dining splurges—they’re your secret weapon for cheaper travel. Many credit cards offer miles or points for every purchase, and if you’re clever, those points can turn into nearly free flights. The key here? Consistency. Choose a card with the best travel rewards, focus on accumulating points, and redeem those points for flights during the peak holiday season. 

READ: Must-Have Travel Credit Cards & Their Benefits

5. Consider third-party airlines for hidden deals

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You will always be told to book directly with your chosen airlines. And while that’s the most convenient and hassle-free option, it’s also not always the cheapest. Third-party apps or websites like Trip.com, Agoda, or Skyscanner sometimes offer unbeatable prices that are way, way cheaper than direct airline fares. If you look at the right places at the right time, you will surely get yourself a deal. Just be mindful of the cancellation policies to avoid any mishaps, of course! 

6. Book a one-way ticket first, then wait for the next sale for your return ticket

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Buying round-trip tickets isn’t always the deal it claims to be. Instead, start with a one-way ticket to your destination, and then keep your eyes peeled for surprise sales or promos before booking your return flights. This means you’ve got to plan ahead and leave room for spontaneity. 

No more endlessly refreshing Google Flights or Skyscanner or hoping for a seat sale miracle. With these tips, you’ll not only boost your chances of landing that dream flight at an unbeatable price but also outsmart the usual booking traps. So, get ready to enjoy your trip, spend less, and be the one giving everyone else the real travel hacks next year!