Cheap international flights are often tricky and expensive to book. This stems from extensive taxes on flights, as well as the duration of the flight you're planning on booking. If you are looking to book cheap international flights, below are a few tips that might help you out.
Discount Global Tickets
Although there are many domestic websites (Priceline, Expedia, etc.) that specialize in reduced airfares, there are several sites that focus on discount international tickets and flights. Sights such as FlyCheapAbroad and Globester will help you find cheap international flights. These sites work the same way as Expedia and Orbitz. Compiling all of the cheapest fares throughout the country, they'll will give you a list of the cheapest tickets you can buy.
Remote Destinations
While many people decide to hit the major cities of Paris and London for their abroad trips, flying to a more remote part of the world might actually be a cheaper option. However, there is a fine line between a remote part of town and a town that is impossible (and expensive) to get to. While a remote Canary Island might cost you a fortune to get to, flying to one of the islands of Croatia might be a cheap and luxurious vacation. In addition, flying into a major airport, such as Heathrow, and then transferring to a discount airline might end up being the cheapest way to get to your required destination.
Priceline
While Priceline often caters to domestic flights, their "Name Your Own Price" feature is also available to international flyers. If you're willing to be flexible with respect to what time you will be departing, Priceline allows you to name your own price for your trip. While all prices are not accepted, you usually will be able to get a great deal on an international flight.
Frequent Flyer Miles
Many companies have frequent flyer programs that encourage travelers to exclusively use their airline. If you have a particular airline that you're satisfied with, it might be beneficial to sign up for their frequent flyer program. In addition to earning miles from flying, many programs allow members to earn miles through alternative means. Some allow travelers to earn miles through specific credit cards and shopping at certain stores. If you earn enough miles, you can get cheap international flights, or possibly even fly for free.
Promotional Fares
Certain discount airfare sites offer promotional fares to places all over the world, for a limited time. If you sign up to be notified by sites (such as TravelZoo) you will be rewarded with limited time offers that usually only last for about 24 hours. If you're flexible with your flight plans and able to pull the trigger quickly, you will get amazing deals on both international and domestic flights.
Off Seasons
Although flying internationally is always going to be relatively expensive, if you decide to travel during the quieter months of the year, you will be rewarded with cheaper fares. If you want cheap off season tickets, look up when a particular bad weather season has ended and book your flight just after it's died down. You'll still get cheaper fares and hopefully avoid the bad weather.