10 Ways to Spot a Real Flight Deal — Avoid Black Friday Gimmicks

9. Use fare alerts and limits, not impulse clicks

Impulse buys during noisy sales often lead to regrets. Set fare alerts with a defined price cap for routes you want and wait for alerts that meet your threshold. Decide your maximum acceptable price before the sale and stick to it. Alerts from Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper notify you when prices drop below your target. When an alert triggers, respond quickly but avoid hasty upsells. If a fare matches your cap, book; if it doesn’t, close the tab and wait. This disciplined approach keeps emotion out of buying decisions and helps you recognize true bargains.