How to Score Cheap Flights: Tips from a Jack's Flight Club Expert

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Katy Maclure, an employee at Jack’s Flight Club (JFC), spends her days uncovering some of the best flight deals. From $250 flights to the Caribbean to cheap trips across Central Asia, Katy’s job is all about finding affordable airfare opportunities.

Founded in 2016 by Jack Sheldon, Jack’s Flight Club started as a newsletter and grew into a business that helps people find budget flights. Katy began as a flight finder and now edits The Detour, the company’s travel newsletter.

One of Katy’s key strategies for finding cheap flights is to consider less popular destinations. She found a $250 flight to Martinique by flying from Paris, a city that is easy to reach with budget airlines or trains. Flexibility, she says, is crucial when trying to find low fares—being open to changing departure cities or destinations can save significant money.

Another deal she secured was a $220 round trip to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Katy describes the trip as a nature lover’s dream, staying in a yurt and trekking through the mountains. Exploring less well-known destinations can often lead to finding some of the best deals.

Katy also keeps an eye out for error fares—flight prices that are mistakenly set far lower than usual. Jack’s Flight Club has found error fares such as a $250 return trip from Manchester to New York City and a $350 flight to Tanzania. While these deals are fantastic, Katy advises caution as airlines sometimes cancel error fares. She recommends waiting before booking accommodations to ensure the fare sticks.

Jack’s Flight Club operates a two-tier membership. The free tier sends a weekly roundup of the best flight deals, while the paid tier ($60 a year) provides more frequent updates, giving members the chance to book deals before they disappear.

Katy’s top tips for cheap travel include setting up Google Flights alerts for price drops on specific destinations and dates. She also suggests knowing in advance how much you’re willing to pay, factoring in costs like baggage and direct flights. Lastly, she stresses the importance of flexibility—being open to different destinations can increase your chances of finding great deals.

In her role at Jack’s Flight Club, Katy helps subscribers find the best travel bargains, allowing them to book flights to destinations all over the world at a fraction of the usual price. The secret, she says, is to stay flexible, set alerts, and act quickly when a great deal comes along.