What are the best websites to find cheap flights within the United States?

Timing is key - booking flights 4-6 months in advance can save up to 40% compared to last-minute bookings.

Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekends.

Clearing your browser cookies and searching in incognito mode can help avoid dynamic pricing that raises fares based on your browsing history.

Airports with more competition between airlines, like Chicago O'Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth, tend to have lower airfares than less competitive hubs.

Flying early in the morning or late at night is generally less expensive than peak travel times.

Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier may have very low base fares, but watch out for extra fees that can significantly increase the total cost.

Flexible travel dates can unlock big savings - moving your trip by just a day or two can sometimes cut the fare in half.

Consolidator sites like Priceline and Hotwire can offer steep discounts, but you won't know the airline or flight details until after you book.

Joining frequent flyer programs, even with no-frills airlines, can unlock perks like free baggage and priority boarding.

Flights with a layover are usually cheaper than nonstop, but the time saved with a direct flight may be worth the extra cost.

Booking one-way tickets separately on different airlines can sometimes be cheaper than round-trip on a single carrier.

Using a VPN to search from another country may reveal lower fares, as airline pricing can vary by location.

Comparing prices across multiple booking sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can uncover the best deal.

Signing up for price tracking services like Hopper can alert you to fare sales and price drops.

Looking for hidden-city ticketing, where you book a flight with a layover at your destination, can provide savings - but this practice is discouraged by airlines.

Analyzing historical pricing data can reveal the cheapest times to fly to particular destinations, often a few months before major holidays.

Considering alternative airports near your destination, like flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, can lead to significant savings.

Earning credit card rewards and using them to book flights can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost.

Flexibility with your travel plans, such as being open to red-eye flights or longer layovers, opens up more opportunities for cheap fares.

Understanding the science behind airline pricing algorithms, which factor in demand, seasonality, and competition, can help you outsmart the system.