Finding cheap flights doesn't have to be a frustrating experience of endless searches and price comparisons. Expedia offers powerful tools and features that most travelers never discover. From flexible date searches to price alerts and bundle discounts, there are proven strategies to consistently find lower fares. This guide reveals the insider techniques that experienced travelers use to save on every flight booking.
Understanding How Expedia Flight Pricing Works
Before diving into specific strategies, it's important to understand how flight prices work on Expedia. The platform aggregates fares from hundreds of airlines, displaying results in real-time based on your search criteria. Prices change constantly based on demand, remaining seats, and airline pricing algorithms.
Expedia doesn't set the prices — airlines do. What Expedia offers is the ability to compare multiple airlines side-by-side, access to exclusive deals, and tools like price alerts and flexible date searches that help you find the lowest available fare.
12 Proven Strategies for Cheap Expedia Flights
Use Flexible Dates Search
Expedia's flexible dates feature shows prices across multiple days, helping you spot the cheapest travel dates at a glance.
Save 15-30%Set Up Price Alerts
Create price alerts for your route and get notified when fares drop. Expedia tracks prices and emails you about changes.
Save 10-25%Book on Tuesday Afternoons
Airlines often release fare sales on Tuesdays, and prices tend to be lowest mid-week for many routes.
Save 5-15%Use the Mobile App
Expedia occasionally offers mobile-only deals and extra rewards points for bookings made through the app.
Save 10%+ extraBundle with Hotel
Booking flight + hotel together unlocks bundle discounts even if you only need the flight.
Save up to 25%Search Nearby Airports
Check alternate airports within driving distance — sometimes flying from a nearby city saves hundreds.
Save 20-40%7. Clear Your Browser Cookies
While debated, some travelers report that clearing cookies or searching in incognito mode can prevent potential price tracking. If you've searched the same route multiple times, try a fresh browser session.
8. Consider Budget Airlines
Expedia includes budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Norwegian. Filter results to include all airlines and compare the total cost including bags — sometimes full-service carriers are cheaper when you add luggage fees.
9. Use Multi-City Search for Complex Routes
If you're visiting multiple destinations, use Expedia's multi-city search rather than booking separate one-way flights. This often reveals better pricing and lets you compare open-jaw itineraries.
10. Book Connecting Flights Over Non-Stop
Direct flights are convenient but often 30-50% more expensive than connections. If you have flexibility, consider one-stop routes — especially through hub cities where airlines compete heavily for connecting passengers.
11. Travel Off-Peak Hours
Early morning and late-night flights (known as "red-eyes") are typically 15-25% cheaper than midday departures. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are often the cheapest days to fly.
12. Join Expedia Rewards (It's Free)
Expedia Rewards members earn points on every booking that can be redeemed for future travel. Combined with member-exclusive prices on hotels, the program adds significant long-term value.
Sample Route Prices and Tips
Here are typical price ranges for popular routes from London, along with specific tips for finding the best deals:
| Route | Typical Range | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| London → New York | £450-650 | Tuesday flights often cheapest, book 2-3 months ahead |
| London → Paris | £80-150 | Eurostar sometimes cheaper, check both |
| London → Dubai | £350-550 | Best deals in late January and September |
| London → Tokyo | £600-900 | Avoid Golden Week (late April) for lower fares |
| London → Bali | £500-750 | One-stop flights via Singapore often cheapest |
| London → Barcelona | £60-120 | Budget airlines compete heavily on this route |
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even experienced travelers make booking errors that cost them money. Here are the mistakes to avoid:
- Booking too late — Last-minute flights are almost always more expensive. Plan ahead when possible.
- Ignoring nearby airports — Flying from Gatwick instead of Heathrow (or vice versa) can save significant money on some routes.
- Not checking baggage policies — That cheap fare might not include bags. Calculate the total cost before booking.
- Missing out on bundles — Even if you don't need a hotel, sometimes adding one reveals package discounts that make the total cheaper.
- Forgetting price alerts — Set them and forget them. Expedia does the work of monitoring prices for you.
Combining Expedia with Other Savings Strategies
For maximum savings, combine Expedia booking with other strategies:
- Use cashback sites when booking through Expedia
- Pay with a travel credit card for points and travel protections
- Check our Expedia partner page for exclusive deals
- Consider vacation packages for additional bundle savings
- Watch for error fares that sometimes appear on Expedia
Conclusion: Your Flight Savings Checklist
Finding cheap flights on Expedia comes down to using the right tools and being flexible where possible. Before your next booking, run through this quick checklist:
- ✓ Check flexible dates to find the cheapest travel days
- ✓ Set up price alerts if booking isn't urgent
- ✓ Compare nearby airports in your search
- ✓ Consider connections over non-stop flights
- ✓ Check if bundling with a hotel saves money
- ✓ Sign in to access member prices
- ✓ Try the mobile app for exclusive deals
By following these strategies consistently, you can expect to save 15-30% on most flight bookings compared to casual search-and-book approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest day to book flights on Expedia?
Tuesday afternoons tend to offer the lowest fares as airlines release sales early in the week. However, prices fluctuate constantly, so using price alerts is more reliable than timing your booking to a specific day.
How far in advance should I book flights on Expedia?
For domestic flights, 2-3 weeks ahead typically offers the best balance. International flights should be booked 6-8 weeks in advance. Peak holiday periods require 3-4 months advance booking for the best rates.
Does Expedia have hidden flight fees?
Expedia displays the full price including taxes and basic fees. However, baggage, seat selection, and meals may cost extra depending on the airline. Always check what's included before booking.
Is it cheaper to book through Expedia or directly with airlines?
Prices are often the same, but Expedia sometimes offers exclusive deals and the ability to compare multiple airlines quickly. Booking directly may offer better loyalty points and customer service for changes.
Does Expedia show budget airline prices?
Yes, Expedia includes major budget carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, and Norwegian. However, some ultra-low-cost carriers may not appear. For the complete picture, check budget airline sites directly alongside Expedia.
Can I set flight price alerts on Expedia?
Yes, Expedia offers price tracking. Search for your route, then click "Track Prices" to receive email notifications when fares drop. This is one of the best ways to find cheap flights without constantly checking.
Are Expedia's flexible date searches accurate?
Expedia's flexible date calendar shows fare variations across a month, helping you find the cheapest travel dates. The prices shown are generally accurate but may vary slightly when you click through to book.
Does bundling flights with hotels really save money?
Yes, bundling can save 10-25% compared to booking separately. The savings are calculated automatically when you search for vacation packages. For trips requiring both flights and hotels, always check bundle pricing.
Ready to Find Your Cheap Flight?
Start comparing prices across 500+ airlines.
Our editorial team consists of experienced travel writers and researchers who are passionate about helping travelers find the best deals and experiences worldwide.
🛡️ Why Trust TravelDealForge?
Secure Booking
All bookings are processed through trusted, verified partner sites with secure payment processing.
Best Price Guarantee
We compare prices from hundreds of leading providers to ensure you always get the best deal available.
Trusted by Travellers
Thousands of travellers use TravelDealForge to find and compare the best travel deals worldwide.
Learn more about our editorial standards and how we make money.
💡Affiliate Disclosure: TravelDealForge may earn a commission when you book through our partner links. This does not affect the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure