These Airlines Are Secretly Offering the Best Deals

Most travelers think all airline deals are obvious. They search major carriers, compare prices, and assume they’re getting the best fare.

But some airlines quietly offer incredible deals that most people never see. These deals aren’t always advertised loudly. They’re hidden in promotions, less-popular routes, or flexible booking windows.

Knowing which airlines consistently offer these secret deals can save you hundreds on your next flight.

Why Some Airlines Offer Secret Deals

Airlines use dynamic pricing to fill seats efficiently. Secret deals often appear because:

• Low demand routes – Airlines need to fill planes traveling on less popular days or routes.
• Competition – Smaller carriers or secondary hubs create lower fares to compete with major airlines.
• Flash sales – Promotions for short periods before departure to maximize seat occupancy.
• New routes – Airlines may discount fares when introducing a new flight to attract early passengers.

Understanding why deals exist helps you predict and spot them.

1. Southwest Airlines – Domestic and Last Minute Deals

Southwest may not always show up on major aggregator websites, but it often has:

• Competitive domestic fares
• No change fees, making it risk-free to book early
• Last minute deals that appear in their app or website

Secret tip: Southwest occasionally runs “Wanna Get Away” promotions that are cheaper than even budget competitors on similar routes.

2. Norwegian Air – Budget Long-Haul Savings

Norwegian Air is less visible on mainstream booking sites, but it offers:

• Affordable transatlantic flights
• Special promotions on select weeks
• Economy and premium economy fares at prices far below legacy carriers

Secret tip: Norwegian often releases sales from secondary European airports, which may be cheaper than flying from main hubs.

3. AirAsia – Southeast Asia Bargains

AirAsia quietly dominates low-cost flights across Asia. Key savings include:

• Extremely cheap base fares
• Frequent flash sales on app-only promotions
• Cheap connecting flights for multi-city itineraries

Secret tip: Signing up for their newsletter and checking app-only deals can unlock fares far below standard rates.

4. TAP Air Portugal – Hidden European & Transatlantic Deals

TAP Air Portugal offers competitive fares between Europe, the US, and Africa. Their secret advantages:

• Often cheaper than mainstream carriers on transatlantic routes
• Multiple city stopovers included at no extra cost
• Early booking sales on specific departure days

Secret tip: Booking outbound and return separately or flying through Lisbon can dramatically reduce costs.

5. JetBlue – Domestic Comfort and Value

JetBlue isn’t always considered a bargain airline, but it secretly offers:

• Lower fares on specific midweek flights
• Deals through their app or TrueBlue loyalty program
• Free Wi-Fi and better legroom compared to many budget carriers

Secret tip: Booking flights from regional airports to JetBlue hubs often reveals prices far below what is listed on aggregator sites.

6. Volaris – North and Central America Savings

Volaris quietly offers strong fares in Mexico and the Americas. Highlights include:

• Very low base fares for domestic Mexico routes
• Secret deals on connecting flights between US cities and Mexico
• Frequent online promotions and app-only fares

Secret tip: Combining Volaris with a low-cost US domestic flight can create a budget-friendly international itinerary.

7. Scoot – Budget Long-Haul Asia-Pacific

Scoot is a low-profile airline offering:

• Affordable flights across Asia and Australia
• Promotional fares that are app-exclusive
• Cheap bundles with optional add-ons for baggage or meals

Secret tip: Booking flights well in advance and monitoring Scoot’s sales calendar can secure deals far below competitors.

How to Find These Secret Deals

Finding hidden airline deals isn’t luck—it’s strategy:

1. Sign up for newsletters and alerts – Airlines sometimes release promotions directly to subscribers.
2. Use flexible date searches – Midweek departures or secondary airports often reveal lower fares.
3. Check airline apps and websites – Many low-cost carriers do not appear on third-party aggregators.
4. Combine airlines for one way flights – Outbound and return on different carriers can unlock savings.
5. Monitor flash sales – Act quickly; these deals disappear in hours.

Real Life Example

A traveler wants to fly from New York to Lisbon:

• Standard search: $1,200 on mainstream carriers
• Secret airline strategy:
  • Outbound on TAP Air Portugal: $580
  • Return on Norwegian Air: $420
• Total: $1,000

Savings: $200 with added flexibility and better route options.

Common Mistakes That Cause Missed Deals

• Only searching major aggregators
• Ignoring budget carriers’ apps or websites
• Traveling only on peak days
• Not signing up for airline alerts
• Booking too early or too late without tracking promotions

Secret deals require attention, flexibility, and a proactive approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these airlines safe to fly with?

Yes. All airlines listed operate under international safety regulations. Savings do not compromise safety.

Do these secret deals appear regularly?

Yes. While not guaranteed, monitoring these airlines frequently can reveal multiple deals each month.

Can combining airlines save more than one airline alone?

Absolutely. Mixing carriers for outbound and return flights or connecting through hubs often reduces total costs.

Final Thoughts

Some airlines quietly offer the best deals, but most travelers never see them.

• Monitor both mainstream and low-cost carriers
• Sign up for newsletters and alerts
• Use flexible dates and airports
• Check airline apps for exclusive promotions
• Combine flights strategically

With these tactics, you can save hundreds on your next trip without sacrificing quality or comfort.

Savvy travelers know the secret—now it’s your turn.