To plan a cost-effective trip despite rising airfares, be flexible with travel dates and destinations to find cheaper options[1](https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration). Use comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track fares, booking 2-3 months early for better deals[2](https://www.google.com/travel/flights). Choose budget airlines or alternative airports to cut costs[3](https://www.cheapflights.com). Travel off-peak or midweek to avoid price spikes[1](https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration). Set fare alerts for price drops and consider package deals for discounts[4](https://www.expedia.com). Use credit card reward points or miles to reduce expenses[5](https://www.nerdwallet.com). Book directly with airlines to avoid extra fees and check for hidden costs like baggage fees[2](https://www.google.com/travel/flights).