Have you ever experienced the frustration of booking a flight, only to find out that someone else has booked the same flight for much less money? It’s an all too common scenario that can make you feel like you’ve been taken advantage of. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to ensure that you always get the cheapest flights in any circumstance. Here are 13 tips to help you save money on your next flight.

1. Book Early

The early bird really does save money. Book your flight as early as possible, ideally at least four months out. This is when airlines release their cheapest seats. Don’t book too early though, or you may end up paying more than you need to.

2. Be Flexible

If you’re not picky about the exact date that you fly, then you can save a lot of money by flying mid-week or catching a red-eye flight. Wednesday is historically the cheapest day to fly. Consider traveling during the off-peak season, when everything is cheaper and you get to see a different side of your destination.

3. Size Matters

The nearest airport may not always be the cheapest airport to fly from. Bigger airports often have cheaper flights due to competition and higher frequency of flights. Compare the price of taking a cheap domestic flight to a bigger airport versus flying straight from your local airport. You may be surprised by the difference in cost.

4. Pack Light

Most budget airlines charge a low base rate and then add-ons like checked luggage. If you don’t need to take much with you, you can save a lot of money by only taking carry-on luggage.

5. Use Historical Price Data

Kayak’s Price Forecast is a great tool for determining whether the ticket price for your flight is likely to rise or fall. This can help you decide whether to book immediately or wait.

6. Compare the Comparisons

Not all comparison sites are equal. Some have access to airlines and fares that others don’t, and booking fees can vary greatly between them. It pays to compare at least two comparison sites.

7. Book Direct

Some airlines save their special fares for their own customers. Signing up to their mailing lists is an easy way to be notified of specials as they come up. Be aware that the really cheap fares are often limited and go quickly, so be prepared to book as soon as you see them.

8. Remove Pre-Selected Items

Websites often pre-select certain items like seat selection, various insurances, and “green” options in the hope that you don’t notice. These can add $20 or more to your ticket if you don’t un-tick the boxes.

9. Avoid Booking Fees

Booking fees are standard on most websites, but you can sometimes avoid paying any booking fees by using direct deposit/bank transfer, PayPal or Poli.

10. Beware of Hidden Costs

When comparing budget carriers, make sure you add in all the items you need before comparing the price. Flights that are a little more expensive but include things like baggage or meals may actually end up cheaper by the time you add them on to a budget flight. Also be aware of how inflexible some cheap flights can be. If your plans change, or something comes up and you can’t make it, the change fee can often be as expensive as the actual tickets.

11. Call In an Expert

FlightFox can connect you with travel experts to help find the cheapest flights for your needs. They’ll do the hard work and then tell you how to book the flights, or they can arrange to do it for you. At just $49 it’s well worth the cost, especially for international or complicated trips.

12. Use Your Points

If you have frequent flyer points, you can use these towards your flight cost or to upgrade to a better seat. Many airlines have partnerships with credit card providers where you can earn frequent flyer points for every dollar you spend. It’s a great way to earn points for things you would be buying anyway, as long as you pay off your credit card on time.

13. Get Your Money Back

If you’ve ever been bumped off a flight, you may be eligible for compensation from the airline. AirHelp can advise you of any potential compensation and help you apply for it. You may even be eligible for a refund if your ticket price drops after you purchase. Yapta is another website that will track your flight details and let you know if the price drops after you purchase.

These 13 tips should help you save money on your next flight. By being flexible, booking early, comparing prices and being aware of hidden costs, you can make sure that you always get the cheapest flights. Don’t let someone else book the same flight for less. Use these tips to take control of your travel budget and make the most of your next vacation.