Secret Flight Hacks Airlines Don't Want You To Know (Huge Savings)

5 Flight Hacks that will Save you Money on Airplane Tickets. Tested and proven travel tips and travel hacks to book cheap airline tickets in 2023. Click "Show More" to see Ad Disclosure
In this video, I share 5 powerful tactics to help you find and book affordable airfare, including a tutorial on how to use Google Flights, and my favorite cheap flight deal alert service. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, these flight hacks are game changers. Learn how to outsmart the airlines and unlock huge savings with our latest, easy-to-follow advice.
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 5 Secret Flight Hacks Airlines Don't Want You To Know
1:06 Tip #1: Google Flights
3:10 Tip #2: Google Explore
4:42 Tip #3: Faredrop
7:05 Tip #4: The 24 Hour Rule
7:56 Tip #5: Travel Rewards Credit Cards
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Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. Away Together does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

[@awaytogether]

Get $30 OFF Faredrop Here ➡️faredrop.com/offer/away-together?fpr=nik41

[@user-nl9me3er7w]

have you ever tried using a vpn to mask that you are from america? i keep hearing this works?

[@QalinaCom]

what you SHOULD pin is that Fairdrop only seems to work in certain countries

[@nickoutram6939]

NOTE: Only works for US and Canada based 'home' airports.

[@timcoil6224]

Aaaaannnnndddd don't you forget it😅

[@TalaBludhart]

A company created by full time travelers @KaraandNate I spent a week with them in Myanmar and they are just great people!

[@justinanthony8858]

Always read the comments first for videos like this...always

[@apopisso6302]

Yep, nothing new or extraordinary here.

[@Dip_Life]

What a waste of time. Unsubscribed!

[@smileychess]

Always watch videos like this at 2x speed.

[@WeddingDocumentary]

Don’t pay for baggage at time of booking. If you end up canceling that flight within 24 hours of booking, the fine print may say that baggage fees are non refundable! I learned that the hard way with air India. $300 down the drain!

[@philradspinner8847]

On the other hand if you wait to pay at the airport on the day you leave, you will typically pay much more. Also if you are afraid you might have to cancel. get a fare that includes baggage.

[@joep918]

Also, rookie mistake on my part, don’t pay for seat selection. If you cancel or change flights, they are non refundable. We paid for seats because we wanted to “comfortable” on our first time flying to Europe, had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, but the seats were non refundable.

[@cathyciolek2899]

I use google flights alot and had no idea you could enter more than one airport. Thank you- will save me so much time!

[@benediktmorak4409]

but then also dont forget the price for the taxi, the train or bustickets to your hotel. Especially if your airport,or even the hotel is out in the sticks and you want to go to town...

[@auntyv]

I used to fly from Portland, Oregon to Hawaii first class way cheaper. I would book lowest price economy fare I could get, leave on the Sunday morning 9:00 am flight, show up early and ask to upgrade to first. Would cost between $300 to $350 more, but way less than a $2100 to $2700 reserved first class seat. If there was a long line at check in, I would find a skycap, tip him/her immediately and ask to upgrade. They would walk me to the head of the line. I also saved over $2000 on a last minute flight to my goddaughter's graduation in June in North Carolina. Airline quoted me $2800.00 to Norfolk, Virginia. I looked up the closest regional airport, which was Raleigh-Durham, saw the price to fly there was around $750.00. Went on Priceline and bid $600.00 into Norfolk, they countered at $720.00 and I got to see her graduate on less than a weeks notice.

[@raspucin70]

Yeah, but for tip # 1: airline companies are doing bait-n-switch. Google Flights will give you one price, and if you follow with "Book now with (insert airline)", when you go to the airline site, it would pop up a "sorry the price you researched is no longer available" and then a higher price would pop up. I tried booking from multiple computers/locations (work, friend, VPN etc), always the same trickery.

[@blindsey1043]

😢😂❤ thanks

[@DavidB-fo5vu]

Yes , delta is very good at this

[@sammakkasarakka3696]

90% of the time in the last 15 years, i have only seen bait and switch.

[@erinmaxted5828]

I've had this happen, as well. Or even in the big companies like Expedia. DURING CHECKOUT I've had the price increase on me.

[@_LostAndFound_]

Love fairdrop Kara & Nate have been my virtual travel buddies for 5 yrs now

[@wolfmangoland7972]

Very informative. Thank you for posting it. I'm your new subscriber.

[@aginggracefully710]

Thank you for your time, and research.

[@mw5755]

Thanks for the video. some great tips. It's interesting that inputting a continent only works for the destination, not the departure.

[@armenipekci]

Also if you use VPN and connect from a poor country prices drop immediately. Tested several times.No need fly to or from that connected country.

[@jr4chargers]

But wouldn’t they find out if you’re connected to another country but flying from a different one? 🤔 or how does it work?

[@armenipekci]

@@jr4chargers Karachi New York flight via İstanbul return by Turkish Airlines is cheaper than İstanbul New York return ticket by Turkish Airlines

[@LU-jo2jz]

Its not true

[@nicholasrv8834]

@@armenipekciproblem is you have to start in Karachi

[@tradeforcharity]

nice video, Nik. Used some of these tips. Works really well. God bless.

[@scdrescher1]

If London is the cheapest destination but you’re going to European “mainland” make sure you factor in how to get there because buses/trains aren’t always cheap. You might end up paying for the train ticket then have to pay for a reservation on top of that and it might end up being cheaper flying direct to whichever city you were trying to get to 8n the first place

[@dpmu1977]

I've been doing this for years. I'd also recommend punching up a city name - New York instead of JFK or EWR etc to Paris as opposed to CDG or ORY. This search gives you more options. I am using BOS to France for a summer trip deciding on where to land and if Paris direct then a train is better than BOS to MPL with a layover at CDG or Orly. The other hack I'd use if you're up for two cities is fly to lets say CDG then return via AMS. The savings easily pay for the train to Amsterdam.

[@ravannaschonlau6388]

Great advice. Now if you would kindly decipher all of your coding for those of us that are NUTD. 😊

[@dpmu1977]

@@ravannaschonlau6388 😀 they're airport codes for cities with multiple airports. New York and Paris in those two examples , it could save you loads if you're flexible

[@CL-mp4vn]

​@@ravannaschonlau6388 Oh, gees. You made me LOL 😅😂 Somehow, I think you do know those are airports codes, but just wanted to crack a joke.

[@osbornecropfield4058]

Not being from the US or Canada unfortunately makes FareDrop useless, since they do not accept "home airports" that are not in North America 😢

[@AlannaBirmingham]

Thanks for making this video! The information is gold!

[@cijmo]

One of the things that does me in is layovers both fatigue and stress. I'm a bit paranoid about flight #1 being late or canceled and I do always get insurance and of my bag not making the transfer. There's an airport that is a 3hr ride on a very dependable bus from which I can get direct flights. IE here to London involved a transfer at that airport with a 9hr layover which took me late into the next day. Instead, I got up in my city, took the bus and got to that airport the same day I flew and had a direct to London. Well worth it for me. Check close(ish) airports to see if you can do without the layover.

[@SK-tk6yh]

I'm subscribing. Thanks Nik!

[@tube.brasil]

Faredrop only works from the US and Canada.

[@Geekchica]

Thank you very much for making this content. It is valuable to me because I am benefiting from your experience, both mistakes and successes. I am a new subscriber.❤

[@joeybunbury1796]

Thanks for creating this

[@fieldsofgold775]

Yeah the Google flight info was helpful. I use it already but not as fine tuned as the video here explains. Thanks 👋 Nick. Good Tips.

[@user-me1xv6gy7u]

Great video! Thanks Nik. Do you have a video on what does one have to do at airports when traveling internationally? Let me explain. In October my wife and I went to Italy. It had been some years since we went abroad, so booked the tickets with a travel agent🫣. My wife was researching online one day and told me that she didn’t think that enough time was allowed in London. We had 2 hours, so I thought that would be plenty, but for her peace of mind, I contacted the travel agent. He told me that he travels to Italy often and that in London, Heathrow, we would just have a gate change. He said that we get off the one plane, go to the next gate, and get on the plane to Napoli. I guess that he forgot that there was passport check and then security check between. Never mind that when we landed in Heathrow we sat on the tarmac for thirty minutes waiting for a gate to open for us. We did make the connection, but it was stressful. So, I am just wondering if you have anything on this topic.

[@MaraudersWorld]

Awesome effort thanks. Just discovered your videos. Invaluable. Will share with my family.

[@lzaffke]

Thanks for this video. It will be very helpful. Is this primarily for overseas flights?

[@vickiesmith3021]

Thank you so very much.

[@Maurice181]

Good info!

[@lactran7475]

Very useful information, and they are not "hacks" but rather ways to do your homework. I use most of what you list here, except for Faredrop. I am very specific about the routes, the carriers, the aircraft types and seating arrangements. Does Faredrop handle all that? Thanks.

[@Kwameking1]

Thanks a lot.

[@RedMcc]

I found going straight to Turkish Airlines Biz class was way cheaper than any other secondary site. Good tips though. Tried it after your video and these rates were way more expensive than the actual sites of Turkish airlines, Virgin

[@bojankojic108]

online direct contact with airline is good option.

[@TJ_Gonser]

Don’t not download that app unless you plan on spending $100 on it because it appears they only have an annual option which is a Red flag when a company won’t let you just pay monthly even for a premium.

[@prplt]

"don't not download" so you should download it? 😂

[@TJ_Gonser]

@@prplt lmao my b

[@ruthrobles9120]

Ty

[@savvyshopper1286]

Hi, thanks for your tips. I will apply your determination and research tips and apply it to our traveling plans from London UK to Vancouver BC. Best wishes

[@phtochk7]

Ohh good tips!

[@tegabiz4232]

Awesome video , can get the creadit card video and can we together on travel agent business And also after using Google flights , how can I book again with a company

[@lisapatterson2044]

Duuuuddddeeee!!!! Getting our daughter from RI home to FL 2 days before Christmas (‘cause apparently EVERYONE comes to FL for Christmas!) … $700 … WHAAAATTT?!?! Like my heart LITERALLY stops! Then I see the $400 ticket (still easily twice what we usually pay)… and I’m all… so did ya just stick that $700 flight in there to make me think the $400 one is a “deal” ?!?! Flying SUCKS these days!!!

[@suwanatatnina]

Thank you so much Nik. Awesome !

[@Aurorageriatric]

I definitely want to take advantage of that 40% off coupon for monos. It doesn't seem to be active anymore. Is there a code I should enter?

[@JuotGabrielBang]

helpful videos

[@MeMe-ph1wd]

I like Your videos. Your tips are maybe (almost) only to USA people, except some items. I had 0 flights, I maybe travel to Colombia before 2028. :)

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video and info 😊 The 24h rule, is it just for us citizens? Thanks

[@awaytogether]

24 Hour rule is a U.S. regulation, yes. Sorry if that does not apply to your situation!

[@gaila.8830]

@@awaytogether 😔 that's too bad as I'm not from there

[@amandar3467]

Just wondering for anyone who uses Faredrop internationally, are the flights usually nonstop? I'm unfortunately limited to those when traveling with my cat.

[@CoolstixDave]

I've never booked tickets through a third party as I wasn't sure if 24/48 hrs before takeoff, if I would be able to check in and more importantly reserve my choice of seat, preferably with the airlines app?

[@awaytogether]

Always book direct with the airline. Use tools like I recommended to find the great deal, but always book direct.

[@marcelnz]

faredrop doesn't recognize my New Zealand airport options. Thus USA Only??

[@arff54]

not seeing the 50% off Faredrop did that promo expire?

[@far.k.3112]

AWESOME GOLD NUGGETS !!!!

[@b.w.9244]

So I go to the Delta site after doing this...and all they will show me is THEIR flight charge. How do I tell them all about the great deal I found? Will they care?

[@kennielsen3896]

Good video. Before the internet, I'd just call a flight consolidation service in Santa Monica and ask for the cheapest flight to continental Europe. Half the time it was Heathrow. No problem. I'd spend a day or two in London and then go to pubs and talk about travel and get great advice. Other times, BA would have adverts in the Tube and I'd wherever: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Zurich. The other half of the times, they'd say Frankfurt or Madrid for $300-400 and I'd just do it, sometimes for a long weekend! Now I go to Kayak, flexible dates, and then book directly with airline for $20 more, but it's better than dealing with a 3rd party when problems arise. Google flights is great too. Once I paid a small amount to cancel within 72 hours, and it paid off.

[@awaytogether]

I love everything about this! Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewcarlson2178]

How is Faredrop when issues arise ? I found that sometimes it's not worth it to save money if somebody doesn't stand behind their product. The cancellation or something could happen and you would just be out of your money and out of a flight. I know from experience having to buy something last minute just to get out of an international city is a great way to get reamed.

[@awaytogether]

@@andrewcarlson2178 Great question. In this case, Faredrop isn't a third party booking engine like an Expedia. They are simply a tool that does the research for you. You still go book your flight directly with the airline. So when issues arise, you've worked directly with the airlines themselves who are accountable for solving those issues.

[@Febrinasvlogs]

Thanks for your tips

[@user-sq6sj7wq3m]

What is required or how should you book return flight?

[@vickilindberg6336]

I usually go only 3 or 3 places & one of them has no choice in anything, except maybe handicapped seating.

[@ashman4827]

Be very careful with the no. 4 tips. I booked a flight from Asia to US with Emirates and they refuse to honor the 24-hour rule although it clearly states in the DOT website that carrier needs to abide by this rule for flights originating or TERMINATING in the US. Reported to DOT, they merely did the governmental thing and Emirates didn't even care. Safe to say, Emirates will be at the bottom of my list moving forward....

[@praneethkottapalli9961]

Emirates is bypassing this rule by redirecting you to emirates website associated with the country of origin (in this case the country in Asia) thus not honoring the rule. I wonder if it is a legit way for Emirates to get away with it.

[@sm2009ist]

If you dispute this charge with the credit card company as non legit

[@michaeli160954]

Does Airdrop work for UK based flights ?

[@tammyjohnson6822]

Even non-refundable flights are refundable within 24 hours? Have you ever had to site that rule when asking for your refund? And I assume you have to call the airline for this? Great info and keep the videos coming. Thank you.

[@s.d.m.1840]

it's called a 24 hour Risk Free Cancellation on economy seats, I believe

[@robertthomson1587]

It would have been useful to note that Faredrop is restricted to North America departures.

[@TomBedlammusic]

If anyone knows any similar service for Europe / rest of the world, that would be awesome!

[@debbie1247]

Agree, wasted time trying to sign up with Honolulu as home base.

[@knecting]

Wow, that is a just a bit misleading when he is talking about international destinations throughout most of the video, not sponsored...right

[@TomBedlammusic]

@@knecting not necessarily. You can use fairdrop to fly to all those destinations if your from the US.

[@knecting]

@@TomBedlammusic This is with your one airport deal. The one airport deal is a joke, you cannot control and preferences. No international and no destinations anywhere, including in the US. I also just tried to the app to see what deals anywhere and it appears as though you pay to gain information already available on Google Flights. Moreover, the deal said $175 to Denver but when I went to see it, the flight was $217 for a stopover at JFK to take 8 hours from DC. I found the flight elsewhere direct on my own for $205 direct.

[@camaramario]

what if I dont live in the US? I can't select a home aiport, is there any other choice?

[@nj2552]

Looks like Fair Drop is a US site? Can't enter Melbourne as my closest airport. Only US airports listed. :(

[@jtshark5817]

faredrop only works in the US

[@suehofkamp8594]

I don’t mess around, I go straight to a Travel Agent that knows what they are doing. They save me hundreds.

[@RobiOne313]

What is a “travel agent “ ?

[@denncorby4115]

You think……..

[@vickyburton2434]

I have found Southwest Airlines continues to be the best price for domestic flights when you factor in what you save with extra fees like luggage fees.

[@pinkfreud62]

I used google flights from Cleveland to anywhere Europe & it's still freaking expensive.

[@oliverzhao1005]

GOOD

[@monikaz7484]

The prices ale every minute different. Maby is that in the USA you can enytime get refund by canceling but in Europe you have to by very expensive tickets for that opportunity.

[@user-zu4pn5uu9u]

There was no link where you pointed at the end of the video.

[@carnagegames2121]

Not sponsored by faredrop but receives compensation from faredrop 😆 ok pal

[@blindsey1043]

​@gwarlow nobody said it effects the prices but I though it was fun that's funny we grateful still to him

[@francinef9884]

So even if the airline website says a flight is non-refundable, the 24 hour cancellation rule still applies??

[@awaytogether]

Yes if you live in the USA

[@francinef9884]

I had no idea! Thank you and thanks for the quick reply!

[@francinef9884]

Also, I bought the travel water bottle you recommended this past summer for my summer travels and it was great.

[@joep918]

Usually yes, but they charge a fee.

[@markhorst3628]

I tried Google flights search and have a question. When I put the parameters in and do the search, it comes up with the departing flight and it says round-trip. How do I see the returning flight times?

[@awaytogether]

After you select your departing flight, then you'll be shown results for the return! If you only want to explore the return options, just plug those in as one way flights during your research process.

[@johnkean6852]

LUGGAGE l always get charged for 30kg luggage to be put in the hold even tho l never put luggage in the hold. How do l stop this?

[@alexwaynemiller]

Faredrop tho 👀

[@michaelmcginnis8056]

Does this 7 day rule apply to Spirit?

[@allisonjslehtinen9517]

Faredrop, its only if you are in USA

[@ramonanussbaum]

Would have loved to use fare drop, but it seems to be for US based people. My home airport is Zurich and unable to sign up.

[@awaytogether]

Hi - check out 'Mighty Travels Premium'. I was unaware of them when I made this video, but a similar type of service and you can set any airport in the world as your home airport!

[@user-ph7hh2oo4s]

Fare drop sounds cool but appears to only work from USA, not for me in Aus.

[@awaytogether]

Check out Mighty Travels - a little more expensive but works for any airport.

[@LucSchots]

Faredrop doesnt' know BRU (Brussels international airport in Zaventem, Belgium) ...

[@andrewhollingsworth7882]

Any of these tips good for Canadians?

[@awaytogether]

All are good except tip number four. There is no blanket law for Canadians in regards to 24 hour cancellation like there is for American consumers, unfortunately. However, there are certain airlines in Canada that have such policies. I would research directly with those airlines.

[@travelvideos]

Those aggregator websites will not have any special deals. Still it is best to check on airline websites directly and often.

[@awaytogether]

No special deals mentioned. Ability to essentially check all the airlines sites at the same time. Then go book direct.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

Sometimes the fares shown by the aggregator no longer exist when you go to book.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

I don’t get the inclusion of all airports within a two hour drive. The cost of tolls, fuel and car parking will eat into the savings.

[@markandrewterry1813]

Faredrop is US based. Doesn't work here in Europe...

[@danieledistioromanmendoza47]

Coworkers' communication team drops transportation budget family

[@chicanica64]

So, joined and we can’t figure out a way to choose the destination we are planing to go to next year. Are we missing something? Are we to wait will we receive offers?

[@awaytogether]

Did you download the app? Should be a walkthrough for you to set everything up!

[@inaballik2643]

Faredrop only works in the US....

[@rolesroys12]

Holafly is not working in venice italy.

[@user-kf7wm6kt6o]

I beat them every time, I don't fly..😊

[@josephcuriale2293]

Please knock off the juvenile popping sounds. I GET IT.

[@Brysharth]

You've failed to mention that Ryanair flights can be $20 if you travel without a luggage, I doubt tourists do that.

[@user-uw6qe8up2z]

Is this all for americans and from america only or UK as well

[@awaytogether]

These tips work no matter where you live. The cheap flight service I mentioned, Faredrop, is specifically North America only - but there are alternatives such as Mighty Travels.

[@user-uw6qe8up2z]

Thanks

[@knecting]

Dude, Faredrop only for the US, super deceptive and I guess when you get a fee for each sign up, how exactly is it that no "sponsor" relationship exists. To me it is simply if you promote a service and you get money, that equals sponsor.

[@reginagillis7201]

I wish I had seen this earlier. I would pay $49.😤

[@outdoormatt2177]

FYI Faredrop doesn't work in Australia

[@jamesf791]

I fly for free on all my domestic flights and a small fee for international flights. If you know you know 😉

[@jscharlie2350]

With people's experience with Google Gemini, I'm just afraid that, when I use Google Flights to book tickets to Paris or Rome, I may end up in Rwanda or Zimbabwe

[@tkozikow]

Positioning flights are a game changer, but what about sharing that with a little bit of strategy and planning you can cut your flight costs to nearly zero? We have not paid for a flight in a couple of years including multiple trips to Europe in business or premium economy using points and miles leveraging purely organic spend. Closing in on a combined 30 cards with $0 balance.

[@awaytogether]

Living the dream!

[@tessapascual3732]

that must be a lot to keep track of?

[@tkozikow]

@@tessapascual3732 the cards? Piece of cake with everything in a spreadsheet, but we typically only use 2 or 3 at any one time to maximize bonus category spend and never travel with more than 2. We never carry a balance and have everything on auto-pay. Right now we will probably add 5-6 new cards in 2024.

[@tkozikow]

@@tessapascual3732 what? 30 cards? Piece of cake...I only use 2-3 at any time and often just 1 if am working on a SUB. I keep a spreadsheet to track which cards maximize my spend and pay the entire balance every month.

[@philhounam523]

Instead of focusing on one word, why not comment on the interesting video. In British English we use quite a lot of French words and that’s how we get Centre. As soon as you land in France you will encounter Centre Ville for example.

[@sugarbear1225]

👍🏾

[@clement2780]

hotels flights trains cruises? visas?

[@kuzeyboy]

I was very excited about the title however, it is hugely more relevant to the US. Please make this clear as I could have saved my time

[@TheUnitedStatesofAmericaUSA]

There are better tips in the comments section. I’ve actually learned a few new techniques.

[@JeffSpicoli007]

I like your commercial

[@georgep1358]

FAREDROP does not allow me to add ATHENS GREECE