This blog post was updated on November 20, 2023.

One of the busiest times for online shopping is Cyber Monday. Every year, millions of people look for the best deals out there…with cheap flights being highly on demand too! But with all the marketing clutter popping up on your screens in the lead up to the big day, how do you nail down the best flights for your holiday? Even seasoned travelers are prone to making some crucial mistakes that could make them miss out on the cheapest flights out there. So, whatever you do, make sure you avoid these gaffes when looking for cheap Cyber Monday flights this year!

Ignoring the Fine Print

If you haven’t looked closely enough at the terms and conditions of the deal you think you may have snagged, you may be paying more than you initially thought. Make sure to check for baggage fees. Depending on the airline and how long your flight is, you may have to pay extra for checked baggage. In addition, make sure that your bags meet the airline’s weight and dimension requirements. If they go over the limit, you may have to pay extra, or be forced to buy a smaller one at the airport in order to get on your flight! It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to read the details of the print for any other hidden fees.

Not Signing Up for Airline and Booking Alerts

It can be extremely helpful to download apps for booking flights, sign up for notifications on good deals, and subscribe to airline newsletters. By doing these things, you will not miss out on hot deals. You can receive notification on your phone and through your email wherever you may be and whenever a big sale hits on days like Cyber Monday.

Being Inflexible on Destinations or Travel Dates

Too often, travelers have their mind set on just one location. But it’s not a bad idea to be a bit flexible on where — and when — you travel. If your top destination search doesn’t show any great deals, there just might be big savings waiting for you on your 2nd or 3rd next best choice. You’re also more likely to find cheap tickets on days that are less likely to be booked by others. Airlines  usually release their lowest fares on these days, and you may even be able to book Premium Economy seats at Economy prices!

Sticking to Just One Airline

While loyalty to a particular carrier can have it’s benefits, it never hurts to mix airlines from time to time to find the perfect combination that meets your budget. Sticking to one airline throughout the entire flight may be convenient, but you can save a lot of money by using connecting flights.

Limiting Yourself to Non-Stop Flights Only

Many people think that direct flights are the same as non-stop flights, but this is just a common misconception. Actually, direct flights may sometimes make at least one stop along the route to board more passengers. Since there is a stop anyway, why not take advantage of connecting flights? Boarding connecting flights will help you save money on flight tickets. Just remember that both direct and non-stop flights tend to be more expensive. Consider a variety of options and choose the one that best fits your budget. With the money you save, you can embark on one more adventure at your destination!

Choosing Sites That Don’t Offer 24-Hour Cancelation

Although most sites offer this option, it doesn’t hurt to double-check first. If you come across a better deal within 24 hours, you can always cancel your current flight and book a new one with no additional costs. Forget to do this, and you might be stuck with unwanted flights that do nothing for you but draining your wallet!

Not Considering Flights with Long Layovers

Oftentimes, people view long layovers as inconvenient and bothersome. However, they could be quite the opposite. Think of it as getting a 2-in-1 deal. Long layovers can serve as a mini trip before you arrive to your final destination. Along with saving money, there are many advantages of having a long layover. Make meaningful memories by going sight-seeing, exploring the city, going on a foodie adventure, or doing activities that are unique to that destination. This requires planning and researching activities ahead of time, sure, but it will all be worth it if you put the effort in this November!

You may also like: 4 Mistakes That Can Keep You from Boarding Your Flight

Other Tips

Start Early: Begin your search weeks before Cyber Monday. This gives you a baseline to understand the usual prices so that you can identify a genuinely good deal when it comes along.

Use Incognito Mode: When browsing for flights, use your browser’s incognito mode. Some believe that airlines and booking sites might raise prices if they see you repeatedly searching for the same flights. Others think the evidence for this tactic is anecdotal at best, but it certainly couldn’t hurt.

Set Fare Alerts: If you’re planning a trip but not ready to book, you can set up fare alerts for specific routes. These alerts will notify you when the price drops, ensuring you don’t miss a great deal.

Check Nearby Airports: If you’re flying to or from a city with multiple airports, check fares for all of them. A slightly further airport might have a much cheaper fare, and the savings could outweigh the inconvenience.

Factor in All Costs: When comparing fares, consider the total cost of the trip, including transportation to and from the airport, any airport parking fees, and other related expenses. A cheaper flight from a distant airport might not be such a good deal once all costs are factored in.

Be Aware of Time Zones: If you’re eyeing international deals, be mindful of time zones. Cyber Monday deals might start or end at different times than you’re used to, depending on the airline’s home country.

Join Frequent Flyer Programs: Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, joining an airline’s loyalty program can give you access to exclusive deals or early sale notifications.

Take Advantage of Time-limited Deals: Some airlines offer “flash sales” that last only a few hours. Stay alert and be ready to act quickly if you spot a fantastic bargain.

Remember to Factor in Comfort: While everyone loves a good deal, don’t sacrifice too much comfort for a lower fare. An extremely long layover or a flight with multiple stops might not be worth the savings for everyone.

Check Social Media: Many airlines and travel companies announce special promotions on their social media channels. Make sure to follow your favorite airlines and travel influencers to stay updated on any exclusive deals.

Recheck Your Fares: After booking, keep an eye on the fare. If it drops significantly, some airlines may allow you to rebook at the lower fare or give you a credit for future travel.

FAQs: 

Q: What time do most Cyber Monday flight deals go live?

A: While it varies, many deals go live at midnight of the hosting website’s local time zone. However, deals can also appear throughout the day.

Q: Can I trust smaller airlines offering Cyber Monday deals?

A: Yes, but always research any airline you’re unfamiliar with. Check for reviews, safety records, and service quality before booking.

Q: How can I ensure a deal isn’t a scam?

A: Book directly through the airline’s official website or trusted travel agencies. Avoid deals from unfamiliar sites or those requesting payment via unsecured methods.

Q: Can I combine Cyber Monday deals with other discounts?

A: Generally, no. Cyber Monday deals are often standalone and can’t be combined with other offers or discounts.

Q: Do Cyber Monday deals only apply to solo travelers?

A: No, deals can apply to solo travelers, couples, families, or groups. However, seats at promotional prices might be limited.

Q: If I find a good deal, should I book immediately?

A: While acting fast is essential, always cross-check the deal with other sources to ensure it’s the best available.

Q: Are return flights also discounted on Cyber Monday?

A: Yes, both one-way and return flights can be discounted. However, always check the return fare’s conditions and blackout dates.

Do you have any tips to share on how to get great Cyber Monday deals? Tell us about them in the comments below!