10 Tips for Booking Cheap Flights | How to Buy Cheap Airline Tickets
Let’s be real—flights can take up a big chunk of your travel budget. And with so many booking sites and promos popping up left and right, finding a good deal can feel overwhelming. But the good news? Scoring cheap airline tickets is totally possible—you just need to know where (and when) to look.
Whether you're flying from Manila to Cebu, heading to your dream destination abroad, or just planning a quick weekend escape, there are smart ways to save money on flights. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 tried-and-tested tips to help you find the best airfare deals—perfect for anyone in the Philippines looking to travel without spending a fortune.
How to Book Cheap Flights
So you’re planning your first trip—how exciting! But if you're like most first-time travelers, you're probably wondering: “How do I find cheap flights without getting overwhelmed?” Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
The truth is, there are tons of simple, smart ways to save on airfare—especially if you’re flying out of the Philippines. Using flight comparison tools like Trip.com can help you quickly spot the best deals. You can also sign up for airline promos, follow travel pages that share seat sales, or even plan your trip around the cheapest travel dates.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 easy tips that’ll help you book affordable flights, whether you’re heading to Boracay, Bohol, Japan, or anywhere else on your bucket list. Let’s make sure your first adventure starts off right—and budget-friendly—with a little help from Trip.com!
Flight Deal Tip 1: Choose the Best Time to Book Your Flight
If you're flying out from the Philippines, knowing when to book can really help you save. For local flights—like Manila to Cebu or Davao—try to book at least 6 weeks in advance. For international trips, aim for around 3 months ahead. Many Filipino travelers say that Tuesday, especially around midnight, is a great time to spot cheaper fares online. You can also cut costs by flying during less popular hours, like super early in the morning or late at night. It might mean a sleepy airport wait, but the savings can be well worth it!
Flight Deal Tip 2: Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
One of the easiest ways to score cheaper flights from the Philippines is to avoid traveling during peak seasons. Airfares usually go up during local holidays, long weekends, Holy Week, Christmas, and summer vacation—basically when everyone else is flying too. If you can be a bit flexible, try flying during off-peak times like the rainy months or early December before the holiday rush. For international trips, November is often a great month to find lower fares. By planning your getaway during these quieter periods, you’ll not only save money but also avoid the crowds!
Flight Deal Tip 3: Compare Prices and Set a Budget Range
If you want the best deal on flights, don’t just stick to one website—make it a habit to check prices across different airlines and booking sites like Trip.com. Sometimes, the same flight can have very different prices depending on where you look. It also helps to set a budget or a maximum amount you’re willing to spend before you start booking. That way, you won’t get tempted to overspend or pay more than you planned. By comparing prices and knowing your limit, you’ll make smarter choices and keep your travel costs in check.
Flight Deal Tip 4: Subscribe to Travel Site Newsletters and Become a Member
A great way to catch cheap flights is by subscribing to airline and travel site newsletters—many of them send exclusive promos and discounts straight to your inbox. You can also use travel apps to set up price alerts that notify you when fares drop within your budget. For example, Trip.com has a handy “Price Alert” feature that lets you know right away when flight prices go down to your preferred range. Just keep an eye on these notifications, and you might snag a fantastic deal before anyone else does!
🔥 Save 3% Every Month on Trip.com Members’ Day!
If you’re booking flights or hotels through Trip.com, here’s a little secret to save more: every 27th of the month, Trip.com members get an exclusive 3% discount on their bookings—whether it’s for flights, hotels, or both! Plus, every booking earns you Trip Coins that you can use to get discounts on future trips. So if you want to score the lowest prices and save more for your next adventure, make sure to mark the 27th on your calendar and take advantage of this awesome deal!
Flight Deal Tip 5: Filter by Preferred Airlines to Compare Prices
If you have a favorite airline you always trust, use the filter option on flight comparison sites or apps like Trip.com. This way, you can see all the available flights but only from your preferred airline—making it easier to find the best price without sacrificing comfort or service. Don’t forget to play around with different travel dates too; sometimes shifting your trip by just a day or two can unlock even cheaper fares. It’s all about finding the balance between savings and flying with the airline you feel most comfortable with!
Flight Deal Tip 6: Take Advantage of Airline Promotions
One of the easiest ways to find cheap flights here in the Philippines is by taking advantage of airline promos and sales. Airlines often offer special discounts during big local events and holidays—like the Christmas rush, long weekends, or even during big online sales. Just like how travelers in other countries watch out for major travel fairs, Filipino travelers can score awesome deals by keeping an eye on Trip.com. Their events page is regularly updated with the latest promos and exclusive discounts, making it super easy to find affordable flights. So, make sure to check Trip.com often—you might just catch a great deal that makes your next trip even sweeter!
Flight Deal Tip 7: Use Credit Cards, Travel Site Partnerships, and Points
Want to get the lowest airfare possible? One smart way is to take advantage of credit card perks and travel site partnerships. When you book your flights with a credit card, you can earn reward points or miles that you can use for future trips—meaning more savings down the road. For example, Trip.com offers special promotions like instant discounts on all international flights when you pay with a Samsung Card, or discounts on all flights if you use Mastercard World or World Elite. So don’t forget to maximize your credit card benefits and airline loyalty programs—these little extras can really add up and help you travel more for less!
Flight Deal Tip 8: Book Flights Separately
Book Individual Tickets for Group Travel
If you’re traveling with family or barkada, here’s a tip: booking flights for everyone all at once can sometimes show higher prices. That’s because the system looks at the most expensive seat available for the whole group. So, if there’s only one cheap seat left but you’re booking for two, you might end up paying the higher fare for both tickets. To get around this, try searching and booking one ticket at a time—especially if your group has fewer than 10 people. This little trick can help you find cheaper fares on Trip.com and save you some pesos!
Book Outbound and Return Flights Separately
When you’re planning your trip, try booking your departure and return flights separately. Flights in the middle of the week, like Mondays and Tuesdays, usually have lower prices compared to weekends or Fridays. Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip—but not always! So it’s always smart to compare your options on Trip.com. With all the promos and deals available, a little flexibility with your travel dates can go a long way in helping you save.
Flight Deal Tip 9: Choose Transit Flights Over Direct Flights
If you don’t mind a longer travel time, booking flights with layovers can often save you a lot compared to direct flights. Plus, it gives you a chance to stretch your legs and maybe even explore a new city for a few hours! Popular transit spots like Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Tokyo are perfect for quick layovers where you can grab a bite or do a mini city tour. Just remember, if your stop means staying overnight, you’ll need to budget for a hotel. Before you book, check Trip.com to see if the savings are worth the extra time and costs—it could turn your trip into a fun adventure right from the start!
Flight Deal Tip 10: Search in Incognito Mode
When you’re searching for flights online, here’s a handy tip: try using incognito mode or clear your browser cookies before you start. Some websites can actually raise prices based on your previous searches, which isn’t fair, right? So, before you look for flights again, close all your browser tabs, clear your cookies, and open a private or incognito window. This way, you’ll see fresh, unbiased prices and have a better chance of snagging a great deal on Trip.com!
Check Out the Best Flight Deals on Trip.com Today!
And there you have it—our best tips to help you score cheap flights without the hassle! From booking at the right time and comparing prices, to choosing the best travel days and grabbing those sweet promos, these tricks can really stretch your peso. Plus, don’t forget to use your credit card rewards and airline discounts to save even more. We hope this guide makes your flight booking a breeze. Ready to find great deals and start your next adventure? Check out Trip.com now and see what awesome flights are waiting for you!
Important Information About Booking Airline Tickets
Reservation Confirmation
After booking your flight, don’t forget to double-check your confirmation email or document. Make sure all the details are correct—like your departure date and time, flight route, and especially your name, which should match your passport exactly. Small mistakes here can cause big headaches during check-in or boarding.
Passport Validity
Before you get too excited, check your passport’s expiry date. Most countries want your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, so better be safe than sorry!
Visa Requirements
If your destination needs a visa, be sure to find out the requirements and apply early. Missing a valid visa could mean you won’t be allowed to enter, and that’s the last thing you want on your trip.
Baggage Policy
Before you book, take a quick look at the airline’s baggage rules. Know how much weight and what size your carry-on and checked luggage can be, and watch out for extra fees so you won’t be surprised at the airport.
Changes and Cancellations
Life happens, so if you think you might need to change or cancel your flight, check the airline’s policies ahead of time. When in doubt, it’s worth booking a flexible or refundable ticket to avoid penalties or losing your money.
With these tips in mind, your Trip.com booking will be smooth and stress-free—so you can focus on enjoying your trip!