9 Internet Hacks for Booking the Cheapest Flights

If there's one universal truth that millennials have embraced, it's that we want to see the world, but our wallets often have other ideas. It's like they're on a perpetual juice cleanse, and plane tickets are the metaphorical cheeseburger. But fear not, fellow wanderlust warriors. I'm here to give you the insider's 4–1–1 on how to book the cheapest flights possible. Buckle up, and get ready for some price-shattering, world-traveling, pop-culture-laden advice.

1. Embrace Your Inner Ninja: Incognito Mode is Your Friend

First things first. Did you know that airline websites are sneakier than Loki on a bad day? They use cookies to track your searches and hike up the prices when they know you're interested. Enter: incognito mode. Just like Batman in his Batcave, this feature on your browser hides your search history, ensuring flight prices remain as grounded as Ross in 'Friends' post his third divorce.

2. Be as Flexible as an Olympic Gymnast

Unless you're traveling for an event (or you're Kanye, and you've decided to throw a concert in Antarctica because why not), try to keep your travel dates flexible. Skyscanner, Google Flights, and other similar sites have tools that let you compare flight prices across an entire month. Just pick your destination, click on the calendar, and voila! You're now Simone Biles of the flight booking world.

3. Set up Price Alerts like Sherlock Holmes

Setting up flight price alerts is the internet equivalent of employing Sherlock Holmes to solve the case of the overpriced ticket. Websites like Airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner will do the detective work for you, sending you notifications when prices drop. It's like getting a heads up from The Oracle in 'The Matrix.' Without the creepy twins.

4. Fly Budget Airlines: The 'Aldi' of Aviation

Unless you absolutely can't live without a hot towel and extra legroom (we're looking at you, Shaq), flying budget airlines can save you major bucks. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest have stripped down the flight experience to the essentials (like, you know, the flying part), and pass the savings on to you. Just be prepared for no free peanuts, slightly tighter legroom, and the occasional cheeky charge. After all, budget airlines can be as surprising as a new Taylor Swift album drop.

5. Become a Frequent Flyer – Without the Fear of Heights

Frequent flyer programs are like the Chuck E. Cheese of adulting – you accumulate points for doing what you were going to do anyway (flying instead of playing skee ball), and then redeem those points for free stuff. Every major airline has a loyalty program, and some even have partnerships with credit card companies for even more point-hoarding opportunities.

6. The Two Ticket Tango – Booking Separate Flights

Here's a move straight out of Kevin McAllister's playbook: Sometimes, it's cheaper to book two separate tickets instead of a round-trip fare. Websites like Kiwi.com are great for finding these sneaky deals. Just make sure you give yourself enough layover time to catch your connecting flight – you don't want to be "Home Alone" at the airport!

7. Chase the Fare, Not the Destination – The 'Anywhere' Option

Get ready to channel your inner Elsa and "Let It Go" (at least when it comes to picking your travel destination). Tools like Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' search feature lets you find the cheapest destinations from your selected airport. It's the digital equivalent of throwing a dart at a map, only with fewer holes in your wall.

8. Book on the Right Day – And No, It's Not a Full Moon

The Internet is a virtual Hogwarts when it comes to finding cheap flight hacks, but here's a simple muggle trick: booking your flight on the right day. A study by Expedia found that Sunday is the best day to book flights for less than the average price. It's as reliable as a Marvel post-credit scene, folks.

9. Social Media Stalking – For Airlines, Not Exes

Social media is great for keeping up with the Kardashians, but did you know it can also help you snag a deal on your next flight? Airlines often announce special deals and flash sales on their social media channels, so follow your favorites and turn on post notifications. It's like getting a DM from Chris Hemsworth, only with less abs and more airfare discounts.

Now that you're armed with these nifty tricks, you're ready to conquer the globe without conquering your bank balance. Remember, in this era of smart technologies, it's not about working hard, but working smart. Happy flight hunting!

Happy globetrotting, and may your flights be cheap, your seats be spacious, and your layovers be nonexistent. And remember, millennials: the world is our avocado toast. Let's go out there and take a bite.