First, let's bury the myth: incognito mode doesn't lower prices. Airline pricing works by remaining seat class, not by your cookies. Here's what actually works:
1. Use the flexible-date view
Open the calendar/graph view in Google Flights: two days' difference on the same route can change the price significantly. As a rule, Tuesday-Wednesday-Saturday flights are cheaper than Friday-Sunday.
2. Set a price alert, don't panic-buy
Track your route in Google Flights. Watch the normal price band for 1-2 weeks and buy on a dip. "Last 2 seats" notices are about seat class, not how full the plane is.
3. The right time window
For intra-continental flights 1-3 months, for intercontinental 2-6 months ahead, prices are usually in their most reasonable band. A ticket left to the last week is only cheap in the off-season.
4. Try nearby airports
The difference between two airports serving the same city can be significant. In Europe, Bergamo instead of Milan, or Stansted/Luton in London, are low-cost carrier hubs.
5. Split the route (carefully)
To the Far East, a Gulf-carrier connection is often cheaper than a direct flight. If you build your own connection with separate tickets, leave at least 4-5 hours; with separate tickets, a missed flight is your problem.
6. Do an "Everywhere" search
If your dates are fixed but your destination is flexible, type "Everywhere" as the target in Google Flights/Skyscanner. The cheapest place to go is sometimes a city you never considered — that's how discovery starts.
7. Do the baggage math upfront
A low-cost carrier's "cheap" ticket can exceed a full-service airline once you add baggage + seat selection + check-in fees. Always compare on the total price. (A 40-litre cabin pack pays off here too.)
8. Season knowledge over the "Tuesday night" myth
"Buy the ticket on Tuesday night" is a statistically weak effect; the real driver is the season itself. Moving a week outside school holidays, public holidays and festival dates saves far more than the day of the week.
9. Don't underestimate points and miles
Building up a single loyalty programme plus grocery/card deals can bring an intercontinental ticket at a serious discount once a year. Focus on one star instead of letting points expire across three scattered programmes.