Flight Search Strategy Guide

Prompt

Help me build a smart flight search strategy for my trip.

Route: [DEPARTURE CITY] to [DESTINATION]
Ideal travel dates: [DATE RANGE OR MONTH]
Date flexibility: [EXACT DATES / ±3 DAYS / FLEXIBLE WITHIN MONTH]
Passengers: [NUMBER AND AGES]
Class preference: [ECONOMY / PREMIUM ECONOMY / BUSINESS]
Budget target: [$ PER PERSON OR TOTAL]
Layover preference: [NO CONNECTIONS / 1 OK / FLEXIBLE FOR SAVINGS]

Please give me:
1. **Best booking window** for this route (how far in advance to book)
2. **Cheapest departure days** (typically for this type of route)
3. **Routing alternatives** (hub connections or nearby airports that are often cheaper)
4. **Which search tools to use** and in what order (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, etc.)
5. **Price alert strategy** — what to set alerts for and when to pull the trigger
6. **Hidden fees to watch** for on budget carriers for this route
7. **Miles/points angle** — if I have [AIRLINE OR CARD POINTS], what's the smart move here?
8. **One contrarian tip** most travelers miss on this route