Best Flight Deals on Skyscanner

How I Scored the Best Flight Deals on Skyscanner This Month

By Elena Moretti
Tips from my latest hunt for unbeatable airfare savings.

The Thrill of the Flight Deal Hunt

Traveling the world on a budget is a passion for many, myself included. One of the most significant expenses in planning a trip is airfare, and finding the best deals can make or break your travel budget. Over the past month, I dedicated time to mastering Skyscanner, one of the leading flight comparison tools, and I’m excited to share how I scored unbeatable flight deals that saved me hundreds of dollars — all without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, these strategies will help you unlock savings and make your travel dreams more affordable.

Understanding Skyscanner: More Than Just a Flight Search Engine

Before diving into the tips, it’s important to understand what Skyscanner offers. It’s not just a flight search engine — it’s a comprehensive travel tool that compares prices across hundreds of airlines, travel agencies, and booking platforms. It also offers features like:

• Flexible Date Searches: To find the cheapest days to fly.

• “Everywhere” Search Option: To discover the cheapest destinations from your departure city.

• Price Alerts: Notifications when prices drop.

• Multi-city and One-way Search: For custom itineraries.

This versatility makes it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to maximize value without endless hours of manual searching.

Step 1: Set Clear Travel Goals and Be Flexible

I started by defining my travel goals but remaining open to options. Instead of locking into a fixed destination, I allowed flexibility in travel dates and airports. This flexibility is key: airlines often vary prices dramatically based on days of the week, seasons, and nearby airports.

For example, flying mid-week instead of weekends often saved me up to 30%. Also, considering nearby airports — say, flying into a secondary airport an hour away — unlocked cheaper fares. Skyscanner’s “Nearby Airports” feature made this easy to explore.

Step 2: Use the “Everywhere” Feature to Find Bargains

One of Skyscanner’s standout features is the “Everywhere” search. By entering your departure city and “Everywhere” as the destination, you get a list of the cheapest places to fly. This was a game-changer for me when I was flexible about where to go but wanted the best deal.

On my recent search from London, I discovered affordable flights to Lisbon, Budapest, and Marrakech — destinations I might not have considered otherwise. This broadened my travel horizons and helped me plan spontaneous getaways based on price.

Step 3: Leverage Flexible Date Searches for Maximum Savings

Prices fluctuate wildly depending on the day you fly. Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” and “Cheapest Month” views allow you to see price trends at a glance. I used this to identify the cheapest travel windows — sometimes shifting my trip by just a day or two saved me $100 or more.

For example, I planned a trip to Rome and found flying out on a Tuesday and returning on a Thursday was significantly cheaper than weekend flights.

Step 4: Set Up Price Alerts and Monitor Regularly

Patience pays off. I set up price alerts for my desired routes, which notified me via email or app notifications when prices dropped. This allowed me to book at the optimal time, often catching flash sales or airline promotions I might have missed otherwise.

I recommend checking prices frequently, especially 6-8 weeks before your trip, which is often when airlines drop fares to fill seats.

Step 5: Clear Cookies or Use Incognito Mode — Myth or Must?

There’s a common belief that flight prices increase if you repeatedly search the same route. While this isn’t conclusively proven, I found it helpful to clear browser cookies or search in incognito mode to avoid any potential price inflation from targeted ads or cache.

It’s a simple step that costs nothing and might save you a few dollars.

Step 6: Compare One-Way Flights Instead of Round-Trips

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) can be cheaper than a traditional round-trip ticket. Skyscanner’s multi-city search made this easier to compare, and I frequently saved money by mixing and matching airlines.

However, watch out for baggage fees and ensure connection times are reasonable.

Step 7: Consider Budget Airlines and Their Limitations

Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, or Southwest often offer incredible deals, but come with trade-offs — strict baggage policies, additional fees, and fewer amenities. Skyscanner includes these options in its results, but I learned to carefully factor in total costs, including checked bags and seat selection.

Still, for short-haul flights, budget airlines were often the best choice, saving me significant money without sacrificing too much comfort.

Step 8: Book Flights at Optimal Times — When to Buy

Based on my research and experience, the best time to book international flights is generally between 2-3 months before departure, and for domestic flights, about 1-2 months ahead. Prices tend to rise as the date approaches, so early booking pays off.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares, thanks to airline sales launched early in the week.

Step 9: Use Skyscanner’s App for On-the-Go Deals

Downloading the Skyscanner app kept me connected to deals in real time. I could check price alerts, search last-minute flights, and even book directly through the app. The app also has a “Quick Search” feature for spontaneous trips.

Having this tool in my pocket meant I never missed a deal while out and about.

Step 10: Be Ready to Act Fast — Deals Don’t Last

One important lesson: the best flight deals don’t stick around. When I spotted an unbeatable fare, I booked immediately. Prices can change within minutes, especially during sales or limited-time promotions.

If you’re ready to travel and the price is right, don’t hesitate — hesitation often means missing out.

Bonus Tips: Hacks I Discovered Along the Way

• Use Alternative Payment Methods: Some airlines offer discounts if you pay with certain cards or via PayPal.

• Check Currency Conversion: Sometimes booking in a foreign currency on Skyscanner’s partner sites can save money.

• Explore Nearby Departure Cities: If you live near multiple airports, compare all options.

• Follow Airlines on Social Media: Flash sales and promo codes are often shared there first.

My Personal Success Story: Booking a Dream Trip to Lisbon

Applying these tips, I recently booked a round-trip from London to Lisbon for just $75 — including baggage! I found a Tuesday flight departing mid-morning and a Thursday return that fit my schedule perfectly. The price alert feature notified me of a sudden price drop, and I jumped on the deal within minutes.

This trip turned out to be one of the best travel experiences — all made possible by strategic searching and a little patience.

Mastering the Art of Flight Deals

Scoring the best flight deals requires a blend of flexibility, tools, research, and timing. Skyscanner’s features empower travelers to take control of their airfare budget without sacrificing quality.

With a little practice, you too can master the hunt for unbeatable deals and unlock incredible adventures around the world — all without breaking the bank.