Flying internationally doesn’t have to drain your bank account. In fact, with the right tricks and resources, you can land cheap flights international to almost anywhere in the world—without sacrificing comfort.
I’ve spent years hunting for flight deals, from scoring a $250 round-trip ticket to Japan to snagging a flight to Europe for less than dinner at a fancy restaurant. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure, a luxury vacation, or just looking to visit family abroad, this guide will help you unlock the best flight deals.
In this post, I’ll show you how to find cheap flights international, maximize multi-city flights to save money, and even use travel now pay later options to make booking easier.
Why Finding Cheap Flights International Matters
More Money for Experiences
Let’s be honest—flights are usually the most expensive part of any international trip. The less you spend on airfare, the more you can spend on street food in Bangkok, snorkeling in Bali, or sipping wine in Tuscany.
Travel More, Stress Less
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
If expensive flights are holding you back, then finding budget-friendly options will open doors to more destinations and spontaneous adventures.
The Myth of Last-Minute Deals
Many people assume that waiting until the last minute will get them a steal. In reality, airlines price flights based on demand. The earlier you plan and use the right tools, the better deals you’ll find.
Best Tools to Find Cheap Flights International
Use Flight Search Engines
Some of the best websites for booking cheap flights include:
- Google Flights (great for fare comparisons and flexible date searches)
- Skyscanner (perfect for finding multi-airline routes)
- Momondo (helps uncover lesser-known booking sites)
- Hopper (predicts price trends so you can book at the right time)
Set Price Alerts
Most travel websites allow you to track fare drops. Set alerts and get notified when prices drop for your destination.
Consider Budget Airlines
Airlines like AirAsia, Ryanair, and Norse Atlantic offer super low fares on international routes. Just watch out for extra baggage and seat selection fees!
How to Book Multi-City Flights to Save Even More
What Are Multi-City Flights?
A multi-city flight is when you book one trip with multiple destinations, rather than a simple round-trip ticket. This is especially useful if:
✔️ You’re visiting multiple countries in one trip
✔️ You want to avoid long layovers by turning them into stopovers
✔️ You’re flying between continents and want to maximize your trip
How Multi-City Flights Can Be Cheaper
Surprisingly, sometimes adding an extra city to your itinerary can lower the total cost of your ticket. For example:
- A direct New York to London flight might cost $700
- But a New York → Lisbon → London flight could be just $500!
This works because airlines price fares based on demand, and sometimes lesser-known routes are much cheaper.
Best Platforms to Book Multi-City Flights
- Google Flights’ multi-city search tool
- Kayak’s Explore feature for creative routes
- Skyscanner for open-jaw (flying into one city and out of another)
Travel Now Pay Later: Book Cheap Flights Without Upfront Costs
What Is Travel Now Pay Later?
Sometimes, the perfect flight deal pops up—but you don’t have the money at the moment. That’s where travel now pay later options come in. These services let you book flights today and pay in installments over time.
Best Buy Now Pay Later Flights Providers
- Uplift – Available with airlines like American and United
- Affirm – Used by major travel agencies and Expedia
- Klarna – Offers flexible payment plans for flights
- PayPal Credit – A great option for no-interest financing
- SlicePay – A fast-growing BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) platform, allowing travelers to book flights instantly and split payments into easy installments.
The Pros and Cons of Buy Now Pay Later Flights
✅ Pros:
- Lock in low fares before prices rise
- Spread payments over time instead of one lump sum
- No need to max out credit cards
❌ Cons:
- Some plans charge interest if not paid on time
- Not all airlines or booking platforms support it
- Can lead to debt if not managed responsibly
Expert Tips for Finding Cheap Flights International
Be Flexible with Dates
Flying mid-week (Tuesday & Wednesday) is usually cheaper than weekends. Also, avoid peak holiday seasons like Christmas or summer breaks.
Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into a nearby airport (e.g., flying into Milan instead of Rome) can sometimes be hundreds of dollars cheaper.
Use Airline Points & Travel Credit Cards
If you have a travel credit card, use your miles to score free or discounted flights. Some of the best travel cards include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- American Express Platinum
- Capital One Venture Rewards
Book at the Right Time
Studies show that booking flights around 6-8 weeks before departure is often the sweet spot for savings.
My Personal Experience with Finding Cheap Flights International
A few years ago, I was dying to visit Thailand but flights from Los Angeles were over $900. Instead of giving up, I played around with different search tools and found a trick:
- A direct flight to Bangkok was expensive.
- But a flight to Tokyo with a separate budget airline ticket to Bangkok was only $550 total!
That’s the beauty of travel hacking—sometimes taking an extra step can save you hundreds of dollars.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking Flights
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Fares rarely get cheaper right before departure. Instead, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
Ignoring Baggage Fees on Budget Airlines
That $300 flight deal looks great until you realize they charge $75 for a carry-on bag! Always check baggage policies before booking.
Booking Without Checking Visa Requirements
Some countries require transit visas—even if you’re just connecting flights. Always check entry rules to avoid problems at the airport.
Conclusion: Travel More, Spend Less
Finding cheap flights international doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By using the right tools, booking at the right time, and considering multi-city flights, you can save big on airfare. And if you need flexibility, travel now pay later options make it easier than ever to book now without stressing about money.
So, where’s your next destination? Whether it’s Europe, Asia, or South America, there’s always a way to travel smart and save big.
“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” – Amelia Earhart
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best site to find cheap flights international?
Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak are great options for finding budget-friendly flights.
2. Do airlines offer travel now pay later?
Yes! Many airlines partner with Uplift, Klarna, and Affirm for buy now pay later flights.
3. Can multi-city flights be cheaper than round trips?
Yes! Sometimes adding an extra stop can significantly lower your airfare.
4. How early should I book an international flight?
The best time to book is 6-8 weeks before departure for most destinations.
