How to save money on flights: Top tips for business travelers

Booking flights for work trips can feel like a guessing game—one day prices are low, and the next, they’ve doubled. If your employees travel for work often, the flux between prices can increase your travel budget substantially. 

Find out how to stretch your travel allowances without sacrificing comfort or convenience—read on to discover why airfare fluctuates and how to save money on flights. 

Why do flight prices fluctuate?

Airlines use a mix of factors to set their prices, and while it might feel random, here are a few reasons airfares go up and down.

Supply and demand

Like hotel rooms or event tickets, flight prices depend on the seats available and the number of people who will potentially want them. If a route is popular—like flights to a big city or holiday destination—prices will rise as seats fill up. And airlines may drop prices to encourage bookings if demand is low.

Fuel costs

Jet fuel is one of the largest airline expenses, and ticket prices often rise when fuel prices rise. While airlines try to absorb some costs, major fuel price spikes can lead to higher fares, especially on long-haul international flights. 

Airline competition

If multiple airlines fly the same route, they’ll often adjust their prices to stay competitive. A new budget airline entering the market can cause price drops, while a major airline cutting routes might make fares climb due to there being fewer options.

Flight prices can change multiple times a day because of these (and plenty of other) factors. But don’t worry—there are ways to work around fluctuations and score the best deals.

10 ways to save money on flights

Save on airline tickets while ensuring employees travel efficiently and comfortably by following one or more of these 10 strategies.

1. Book flights in advance

If you're wondering how to save money on international flights, booking early is one of the most effective strategies. Last-minute bookings—especially on popular business routes—tend to come with premium pricing.

Corporate travel planners should aim to book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead and international flights 3–6 months in advance to lock in the best rates. 

2. Leverage corporate travel discounts

Many airlines offer negotiated corporate rates for frequent business travelers. If your company doesn’t receive corporate travel discounts, consider working with a travel management company (TMC) to secure lower fares and additional perks like priority boarding, flexible cancellations, and access to venture rewards.

3. Use a centralized business travel platform

Platforms like Engine give businesses access to multiple flight options, allowing you to compare fares and streamline expense reporting. Engine also helps companies manage travel efficiently by providing visibility into spending and compliance.

4. Consider alternative airports

Looking at flights from nearby airports could land you a better deal. For example, flying into a secondary airport may be cheaper than a central hub, even when factoring in transportation to the final destination. The savings could add up to $100–150 per ticket for larger groups.

5. Enforce a smart fare class strategy

While economy class is often the best choice for domestic flights, businesses should consider fare class based on travel distance and employee needs. For long-haul flights, premium economy may provide a better balance between comfort and cost. And you might justify booking business class for high-impact executive travel. 

6. Use business credit cards with travel rewards

A corporate credit card with travel rewards helps you gain free flights, upgrades, and other perks, like additional luggage allowances. Many business cards also offer bonus points or venture rewards on airfare, making it easier to rack up savings for future trips.

7. Take advantage of airline loyalty programs

Sticking with the same airline can lead to big perks like free tickets, luggage upgrades, and priority boarding. Some airlines even offer extra business rewards, so it pays to stick with the airline that has the best program. 

8. Be flexible with travel dates

Whenever possible, scheduling business trips midweek or during off-peak seasons can result in significantly lower airfare. For example, if you’re planning a trip from New York to San Francisco, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can reduce costs by up to 20%. 

9. Mix and match airlines

Instead of booking round-trip tickets with the same airline, businesses can save on flights by booking one-way flights with different carriers. This is useful when return flights with an alternate airline offer better timing or pricing. For example, instead of booking a round-trip ticket on the same airline, a company could book a one-way flight with Delta and a return with JetBlue. 

10. Set up price alerts and avoid dynamic pricing

Companies may set up dynamic pricing algorithms in highly competitive markets to raise prices if a flight or location retains sustained interest over time. Make sure you search in incognito mode or clear cookies to keep airlines from raising prices based on repeated searches. And set price alerts to catch fare drops before they disappear. 

Manage your business travel with Engine

The best way to save on flights is to find great fares, take advantage of travel perks, and keep your team moving without draining the budget.

Engine helps by connecting you with multiple airlines to compare fares, pick the best option for your budget, and find flights that suit your schedule. You can also book hotels and car rentals in one place, making travel planning much more straightforward.

If you’re booking a quick trip or coordinating travel for your whole team, Engine helps you find the best options—hassle-free.