As with any travel plans, flexibility can be your best friend when hunting for cheap flights. Consider adjusting your travel dates to avoid peak times and holidays, NYC to lax as prices tend to skyrocket during these periods. Midweek flights are often more economical than those on weekends, so be open to departing and returning on non-traditional days to snag the best deals. While last-minute deals do exist, the general rule of thumb for scoring affordable flights is to book in advance. Aim to purchase your tickets at least a few weeks ahead of your desired travel date to take advantage of lower fares. Airlines typically release their cheapest seats early on, so being an early bird can pay off in the form of significant savings.