One of the most expensive things about traveling is getting there. Look, I love flying, but the last thing I’m gonna do is pay an arm and a leg for a glorified nap. Booking cheap flights is actually a lot simpler than you probably think. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to booking cheap flights, too!

HAVE FLEXIBLE DATES

Always, always, always book your flight before you book anything else for your trip. One day can make all of the difference — seriously I’ve seen it make a $1,000 difference — so being flexible allows you to score the best flight deal!

USE GOOGLE FLIGHTS

99% of the time this is what I use when I’m looking for flights. They have a low-fare calendar if you have a specific destination you’re looking for and they have an explore tab if you’re flexible and just looking to go somewhere for cheap. Plus it’s super user-friendly. Once you find the destination and dates you’re looking to go, they list all of the flights going out that day from cheapest to most expensive. Sometimes, if it’s available, they’ll also give you the option to fly out on one airline and back on another and that can make your trip a lot more affordable too!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE COST OF BAGGAGE

Some airlines have cheap flights but once you add on the cost of bags it’s actually more expensive than the expensive flight that included your bags.

USE THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM

If you want to make it even easier on yourself, subscribe to Thrifty Traveler Premium. They constantly track flights going out of the airport(s) that you select and they’ll email and text you when good deals come up! If you’re ready to book when they email you, just click the link and you’re on your way to cheap flights!