This post was updated on October 24, 2023. 

When Cyber Monday comes around, many of us prepare for all the different deals we want to take advantage of. But remember that Cyber Monday applies to more than just big-screen TVs and air fryers. You can score travel deals as well! Booking flights on Cyber Monday is a great way to save on trips for later in the year.

But, there are some important things to be aware of before you start your search. It can seem a bit overwhelming at first, especially because Cyber Monday means you’ll have access to so many deals all over the internet being offered to you in just one day.

So, where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Take a look at some of our tips and pieces of advice for scoring cheap flights this November, and enjoy planning your next trip!

Be Flexible About Your Travel Dates

One of the best ways to save money on airline travel during the holidays is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying out two days before Christmas is inevitably going to cost you more money than flying out a week before the holidays. Even flying on Christmas itself will save you more. You’ll also encounter smaller crowds and fewer headaches if you’re purposeful about traveling during the less popular times. The airline’s prices are generally better when they know the demand won’t be as high. So, cash in on this knowledge and find cheap flights on Cyber Monday by going against the crowd and choosing alternative travel dates. 

Invest in Trip Insurance

When it comes to booking flights on Cyber Monday, the importance of protecting your trip from possible mishaps can not be overstated. You never know when life — or Mother Nature — will throw you a curveball, sending your travel plans into flux. You’ll want to find an insurance policy that will cover extensive travel delays and any other issues that may hurt your wallet. While it’s always a good idea to read all of the fine print on a policy before handing over the extra money, those extra dollars will be worth it if you find yourself in a bind. 

Consider Using Alternate Airports

Even if you have a preferred airport that you normally fly from, you may find that you’ll save money and time if you fly out of an alternate location. You may have more than one choice when it comes to airports, especially if you live in a big metropolitan area. Smaller airports are almost always easier to get through. In addition, you’ll likely pay less for parking and other amenities, making it worth your time to drive the extra distance. A different airport may also give you more airlines to choose from, providing you with more options as you price out your flights. 

Try to Fly as Early in the Day as Possible

While it may be difficult to drag yourself out of bed when it’s still dark outside, you’ll be glad that you did when you arrive at your destination with time to spare. You’ll also boost your odds of an on-time departure if you book the first flight of the day. Flight delays and cancellations tend to have a domino effect, leading to a greater chance of issues as the day goes on. Flying out first thing in the morning will mean that you aren’t at the mercy of the flights before yours. 

Mix and Match Airlines

Don’t limit yourself to sticking with the same airline for the duration of your travel experience. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you’ll save money and time if you’re willing to fly out and back on different airlines. This is even easier if you’re not checking in luggage. An online travel agent can help you consider all of your options at one time, making it easy to pick and choose and find the itinerary that works the best for your needs.  

Go Incognito and Clear Your Cookies

There are some who say that, especially on Cyber Monday, prospective travelers should search for flights in incognito mode or clear their cookies before booking. But why? Well, there’s a longstanding belief among many travelers that airlines and booking sites use your browsing data, like cookies, to potentially show you higher prices if they detect repeated interest in a specific route or date. The idea is that by showing you a slightly increased price upon return visits, you’ll be nudged into booking quickly out of fear that prices will continue to rise.

However, some industry experts argue that the evidence for such dynamic price tracking is mostly anecdotal. They suggest that any price fluctuations that users see might be due to more mundane factors such as seat availability, time of booking, or simple demand and supply dynamics. While the jury might still be out on this tactic, one thing is clear: using incognito mode or clearing cookies provides a fresh slate for your searches. At the very least, it ensures that past searches don’t clutter your current view, making comparison shopping that much easier.

You Might Also Enjoy: Booking Your Holiday Travel on Cyber Monday? Use These Tips to Save Money

Other Tips

So much info, so little space! Here are some additional tips that could save you money on Cyber Monday:

Set Fare Alerts: Before Cyber Monday, set fare alerts on travel booking websites or apps. These alerts will notify you when there’s a significant price drop, ensuring that you grab the best deal as soon as it becomes available.

Leverage Credit Card Points and Rewards: Cyber Monday can be a good time to use or accrue credit card points. Some credit cards offer extra points or cash back on travel booked during promotional periods. Always check if your card has any special offers during Cyber Monday.

Check Social Media: Some airlines and travel agencies promote exclusive deals on their social media channels. Follow your favorite travel brands on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram leading up to Cyber Monday to stay updated on special offers.

Read Reviews: While hunting for deals, don’t forget to check reviews on airlines, hotels, and package deals. A cheaper price isn’t always indicative of good value. Sometimes paying a bit more for a much better experience is worth it.

Bundle Services: Sometimes, booking a flight, hotel, and car rental together can yield greater savings than booking them separately. Check if there are package deals available that cater to your needs.

Be Quick but Cautious: While it’s important to act swiftly to secure great deals, always ensure you’re booking through a reputable site. Watch out for any hidden fees, and always double-check the cancellation policy.

Plan for the Unexpected: With the uncertainty around travel conditions, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with an airline or hotel’s cancellation or rescheduling policy. This ensures you aren’t caught off-guard if plans change.

Think Beyond Flights: Cyber Monday isn’t just for flights. Look for deals on tours, excursions, or event tickets in your destination as well. You might find discounted activities that can enhance your trip.

FAQs: 

Q: What is the best time of day to look for Cyber Monday travel deals?

A: Many deals are launched at midnight, but offers can roll out throughout the day. It’s a good idea to check early and revisit sites periodically.

Q: Are Cyber Monday deals refundable?

A: It varies by airline and booking site. Always read the terms and conditions before purchasing to understand the cancellation policy.

Q: Can I find Cyber Monday deals for both domestic and international flights?

A: Yes, both domestic and international flight deals are typically available, but offers vary by airline and route.

Q: Do travel agencies offer Cyber Monday discounts?

A: Absolutely! Many travel agencies offer package deals or discounts on Cyber Monday. It’s worth checking their websites or contacting them directly.

Q: How do I know if a Cyber Monday travel deal is genuine?

A: Ensure you’re on the official website of the airline or booking agent. Be cautious of extremely low prices from unfamiliar sites. If in doubt, research the site’s reputation.

Q: Can I combine loyalty points or frequent flyer miles with Cyber Monday deals?

A: Policies vary by airline. While some may allow it, others might exclude promotional fares from loyalty programs. Check with the specific airline for clarity.

Q: Are hotels and car rentals also discounted on Cyber Monday?

A: Yes, many hotels and car rental companies offer Cyber Monday discounts. Consider bundling these with flights for additional savings.

What other tips for booking holidays flights on Cyber Monday can you think of? Tell us in the comments below!