How US-Based Expats Can Find Cheap International Flights

Compare Airlines to Choose the Most Suitable Option

Consider the following factors when choosing an airline, and reflect on your personal preferences to ensure the airline aligns with your needs.

• Flight Availability & Network: Choose airlines with extensive international routes and frequent flights to and from your home country. Airlines within global alliances like Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam offer broad coverage and greater flexibility in terms of connections. Look for airlines with non-stop flights if it’s critical for you to minimize travel time and reduce the hassle of multiple layovers.
• Diaspora Programs: Many airlines offer special programs for the diaspora community, providing discounted fares for expats returning home. For example, Ethiopian Airlines offers reduced fares for second-generation diaspora travelers, while GarudaMiles Diaspora Indonesia Program provides exclusive discounts for Indonesian expats. Similarly, Air India’s Maharajah Club and Philippine Airlines offer benefits for diaspora travelers during peak seasons. Airlines like Turkish Airlines and EgyptAir also have holiday-specific deals, making it easier and more affordable to visit home. Before booking, check if the airline offers these perks to make your journey more cost-effective.
• Flexible Booking Policies: Given the uncertainty of air travel, opt for airlines that offer free changes or cancellations. Carriers like JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest are known for their greater flexibility. Before booking, check if the airline allows free date changes or offers travel credits for future flights, providing flexibility without extra costs. Delta, United, American, and Southwest all issue travel credits for cancellations or changes, often with flexible policies for future use.
• Airline Credit Cards: Many travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses that can cover at least a one-way business class ticket or even multiple economy round-trip flights. You can earn miles directly through co-branded airline credit cards. Cards like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red, British Airways Visa Signature®, Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®, and United℠ Business Card offer exceptional bonuses to help you earn international travel quickly. Such credit cards might also give a variety of perks like free or discounted companion tickets and travel protection. 
• Baggage Policy: If you frequently travel with extra luggage, choose an airline with a generous baggage policy. Some airlines charge high fees for additional bags, while others offer ways to avoid them. For instance, Alaska Airlines provides free checked baggage if you have the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card or elite status with Alaska Airlines or oneworld. Check if your airline offers similar baggage perks through frequent flier programs or credit card partnerships.
• Airport Hubs: If you live near a major airline hub (e.g., New York for Delta or Chicago for United), choose that airline for more direct flight options and lower fares. Avoid smaller airports with fewer connections if possible, as they can lead to more layovers and longer travel times. Most airlines list their hub airports on their websites under sections like “About Us” or “Route Maps”.
• Stopover Deals: Some airlines offer stopover deals that may reduce the total cost of your ticket while allowing you to explore another destination for free or at a low cost. Check for airlines that offer free stopovers or cheaper flights with one or two stops, especially on long-haul flights. Some notable examples of stopover programs include Emirates’ Dubai Stopover and Iberia’s Hola Madrid.

Read also: 8 Best International Economy Class Airlines for US Travelers

More Life Hacks on How to Get Cheap International Flights

• Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card: You can earn miles directly through co-branded airline credit cards we discussed above. Otherwise, you can opt for more flexibility with credit cards that offer transferable points. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum allow you to earn travel rewards points that can be transferred to various airlines and redeemed for flights. Like airline cards, they often provide different perks and great sign-up bonuses.
• Opt for Quality Flight Booking Services: Trusted booking services like Ovago specialize in helping expats navigate complex flight routes, particularly from regions with limited travel options. Ovago offers access to unpublished fare deals, often providing cheaper options for US-based expats. These exclusive fares, especially around the holiday season, are ideal for last-minute travelers looking for cost-effective options. Additionally, Ovago’s value-added services, such as Flexible Ticket, Support Bundles, Cancel For Any Reason, Price Drop Protection, and 24/7 customer support, ensure peace of mind, helping travelers manage any unexpected situations with ease.
• Consider Alternative Airports: Flying into or out of alternative airports can sometimes be much cheaper. For example, if you’re flying from New York, consider checking flights from Newark or Philadelphia.
• Book & Travel at the Right Time: Research shows that the best time to book flights is typically between 3 weeks and 2.5 months before departure, when fares are often more competitive. Mid-week flights tend to be cheaper. Fridays and Sundays are generally the most expensive days to fly.
• Pay in Installments: Services like Affirm let expats book flights and pay in installments, helping secure deals without upfront payment. Affirm offers transparent terms, including the interest rate (if applicable), payment schedule, and total loan cost, ensuring no hidden fees or surprises.

Read also: How Ovago and Affirm’s Partnership Makes Buying Flight Tickets Easier

Discounted International Flights to Countries with Constrained Flights

Traveling to countries with restricted or limited flights can be a frustrating challenge for expats. Constant flight cancellations, limited availability, and soaring ticket prices often make reaching unstable destinations difficult. Explore our tips on navigating these travel hurdles, so you can plan with more confidence and ease.

• Look for Diaspora Discount Programs: For expats traveling from unstable regions, some frequent flier programs offer essential reliability and perks. El Al’s Matmid Frequent Flyer Program, for instance, provides Israeli expats with miles, discounted fares, priority boarding, and extra baggage—while maintaining flights even during unrest. Other programs like EgyptAir Plus or Royal Jordanian Royal Club also offer similar benefits, helping travelers from volatile areas secure more reliable travel options. Research the best program for your specific destination to ensure smoother, more flexible travel during uncertain times.
• Stay Updated with Travel Advisories: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the US State Department to receive alerts and advisories related to travel to the country of interest. This helps you stay informed about security risks and possible airline suspensions.
• Utilize Flight Tracking Tools: Use tools like FlightAware (website and app) to set up notifications for specific airlines or routes, keeping you updated on any flight schedule changes. Airline websites and apps also provide the latest updates on flight suspensions or resumptions, so sign up for real-time alerts to your mobile or email. For broader airline news, platforms like RoutesOnline or Simple Flying regularly post updates on industry-wide developments, including airline partnerships for better flight availability and flight cancellations or resumptions.
• Opt for Flexible Booking: Choose tickets with flexible cancellation or rebooking policies. Many airlines, including Delta and El Al, have enhanced their flexibility options due to the pandemic and political instability.
• Use Secondary Hubs for Travel: US-based expats can rely on larger regional hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt to connect flights back to the US when traveling from restricted areas like Israel or Lebanon. These hubs have well-established routes to the US through airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United, with options for flexible booking.
• Consider Multi-Leg Flights: US-based expats can opt for multi-leg flights through nearby stable countries (e.g., traveling from Israel via Cyprus or Turkey before reaching the US). This often results in cheaper fares and provides alternatives when direct flights aren’t available. At Ovago, we’ve made this easier with our virtual interlining service, eliminating the need to manually plan and book each leg of your journey. Learn more about this convenient and cost-effective flight option here.
• Get Travel Insurance: Having comprehensive travel insurance can provide peace of mind. Companies like Allianz and Travel Guard offer comprehensive travel insurance policies that can cover trip cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to political unrest, terrorism, or flight suspensions, making them relevant for any unstable destination worldwide.

Read also: Unlock the Full Spectrum of Travel Rewards and Benefits You Can Get Based on Your Travel Habits

With these expert tips, you’re now equipped to find the best flight prices and ensure reliable availability for your travels. Explore Ovago’s current offers to secure the perfect flight, and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing access to exclusive deals and valuable travel insights. Your next great journey starts here!