Planning a family trip can be exciting, but when it comes to booking flights, things often get a little tense. Between managing your travel budget, finding seats together, and navigating endless ticket options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Add the pressure of juggling varied schedules and making sure that everyone—from toddlers to teenagers—is comfortable, and the stress might feel unavoidable.

But here’s the good news: booking affordable flights for the whole family doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, strategies, and a little patience, you can find great deals while keeping the peace. This guide will walk you through some practical tips to streamline the process, get the best prices, and ensure your family trip gets off to a smooth start.

Start Planning Early (But Stay Open to Deals)

When it comes to booking flights, time is your biggest advantage. Airlines tend to offer the best prices on tickets roughly two to three months before departure for domestic flights and about five to six months for international ones. Start shopping early to take advantage of these early-bird discounts.

That said, keep an open mind about dates and destinations if you’re willing to adapt. Flexible travelers often score the most affordable deals by flying during off-peak times or weekdays instead of weekends. Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to compare dates and prices, so you can pinpoint the least expensive options.

For family travelers, it’s especially important to consider school schedules. If your kids have a winter break or mid-season holiday, try adjusting your trip by a day or two on either end. A Monday return might be significantly cheaper than a Sunday one.

Set Up Fare Alerts

Most people don’t have the time (or the patience) to check flight prices constantly, so let technology do the work for you. Fare alert systems from websites like Hopper, Airfarewatchdog, and Skyscanner allow you to track ticket prices for your chosen destinations and dates.

Once you set an alert, you’ll receive notifications about price drops, saving you the headache of manual searches. Fare alerts are helpful because airline pricing can fluctuate, with ticket costs often changing multiple times a day.

If you’re traveling as a group, make sure the alert reflects the total number of travelers so you can budget accordingly. Some airlines have limited seats at the lowest prices, so you may need to act fast when you get the notification.

Be Strategic About Booking

It might sound surprising, but the day and time you book your flights can impact the price. While there’s no magic formula, studies suggest that booking on a Tuesday or Wednesday often results in cheaper fares compared to weekends. This is when airlines typically release mid-week promotions or adjust fares based on demand.

When booking for a whole family, consider buying all tickets at once. Airlines sometimes hike up prices if they notice repeat searches for the same route from one account. To avoid that, clear your browser cookies or switch to private/incognito mode while browsing.

Additionally, try booking directly through an airline’s website. While third-party platforms like Expedia or Kayak are great for finding deals, booking directly can sometimes unlock perks like free seat selection or easier cancellation policies.

Take Advantage of Family Discounts

While it isn’t well-advertised, some airlines offer family-specific deals on ticket purchases. Airlines such as Southwest and British Airways allow children under a certain age to fly for reduced prices, and lap infants (under 2 years old) can often fly for free or at a steep discount if seated in a parent’s lap.

Be sure to research each airline's family-friendly options and policies. Some carriers also provide discounts for groups of a certain size, so if your family is large enough, you might qualify for extra savings. Contacting the airline’s customer service team to ask about these offers can often lead to surprising discounts.

Keep an Eye on Luggage Costs

What looks like the cheapest flight isn’t always the most affordable once you factor in extra fees. Many low-cost airlines charge for checked bags, carry-ons, or even seat selection. When traveling with a family, those charges can add up quickly.

Before booking, calculate the full cost of the flight, including luggage fees and any additional add-ons. Some airlines, like Southwest, offer free checked bags, which can make a big difference when flying with multiple family members. Consider packing light and sharing suitcase space if that helps reduce the cost.

Alternatively, if you’re flying with a baby or small children, many airlines allow strollers and car seats to be checked for free. Be sure to check the specific baggage policies for your airline to avoid unexpected surprises at the airport.

Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Credit Card Rewards

If you have credit card points or frequent flyer miles, family trips are the perfect opportunity to cash them in. Points can significantly reduce the cost of flights, and in some cases, you might pay next to nothing for tickets.

Some airlines and credit cards also offer companion tickets, which allow you to bring a friend or family member for free (or heavily discounted) when you purchase one full-price ticket. Programs like Delta’s Companion Pass or Alaska Airlines’ annual discount make it easier to budget for group travel.

If you don’t already have a rewards credit card, consider getting one before you book your flights. Many travel cards come with welcome bonuses after meeting a minimum spend, which can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings.

Consider Alternative Airports and Routes

When booking flights, it’s easy to default to the most obvious airport near your destination. However, choosing a smaller or nearby alternative airport might save you big bucks. For example, flights into Long Beach Airport might be cheaper than Los Angeles International (LAX), and flying into Oakland can cost less than San Francisco.

Similarly, consider flights with layovers instead of non-stop options. While direct flights are more convenient, connecting flights are usually cheaper and can even give your family a chance to stretch their legs and explore new airports. Just be sure to allow enough time between connections to avoid a mad dash between gates.

Pack Snacks and Entertainment

While this step happens after booking, it can significantly reduce stress during the travel process. Long flights (or unexpected delays) can feel exhausting, especially for kids. To avoid mid-flight crankiness, pack snacks from home instead of relying on expensive airport food.

Entertainment is another key factor when traveling with a family. Download movies, games, or audiobooks onto your devices to keep everyone distracted during the trip. For younger kids, small toys or coloring books can go a long way in keeping them content while you manage the logistics.