If you want to visit Serbia and save money on flights, you need to know when to book, what tools to use, and which airlines to consider. Finding cheap flights can feel stressful, but it’s possible if you know how the system works. Let’s go over some of the easiest ways to get the best deal so that you can keep more of your cash for exploring Serbia!
Book at the Right Time
Timing matters when it comes to booking flights. The best time to book is usually 6-8 weeks before your trip. This is when prices are most likely to be low, especially for international flights. You should also avoid peak times like weekends, holidays, and summer months as these often come with higher prices. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, try to book midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly.
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Last-minute deals are possible, but they are rare for international flights. If you’re planning ahead, it’s better to book early rather than waiting for a miracle discount.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
There are many tools online that help you compare flight prices. These websites let you see several airlines and routes at once, which can save you a lot of time and help you spot the best deals. Some tools even let you set price alerts, so you’ll get a notification when the fare drops. Here are a few to check out:
- Google Flights: Great for exploring price trends over multiple dates. You can see a full calendar of fares to decide the best days to fly.
- Skyscanner: One of the best comparison websites for international flights. It shows a wide range of airlines and prices.
- Momondo: A lesser-known site that often finds cheaper fares than bigger search engines.
- Kayak: Known for offering price alerts and trend data on when prices are expected to rise or fall.
- Hopper: This app predicts future prices to tell you if you should book now or wait for a better deal.
Make sure to check a few different tools, as not all comparison sites show the exact same flights or prices.
Check Nearby Airports
Serbia’s main international airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). However, it can sometimes be cheaper to fly into nearby countries and then catch a budget flight or bus into Serbia. Consider flying into Hungary (Budapest), Croatia (Zagreb), or even Romania (Bucharest). From those countries, you can find low-cost buses or quick flights that will take you directly to Serbia at a much lower cost than booking an expensive direct flight into Belgrade.
Also, some travelers choose to fly into Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI), which serves low-cost airlines. It’s not as busy as Belgrade’s airport and may offer cheaper flights if you don’t mind flying into a smaller city in the southeast of Serbia.
Choose Budget Airlines
If you don’t mind sacrificing a few luxuries, budget airlines can save you a ton of money. Several low-cost carriers serve Europe and connect to Serbia. Here are a few to try:
- Wizz Air: Known for low fares to and from Serbia, especially on routes to Belgrade and Niš.
- RyanAir: Popular throughout Europe. They offer cheap flights to surrounding countries, and from there you can get a ticket into Serbia.
- easyJet: Another European budget airline that might offer cheap connections to major hubs nearby, like Hungary or Croatia.
Budget airlines come with some downsides: you’ll usually need to pay extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and food. Always read the fine print to avoid surprise costs when flying with these airlines.
Mix and Match Airlines
Don’t be afraid to book one airline for your outgoing flight and a different one for your return. Sometimes combining airlines can lead to cheaper fares than finding a single round-trip option. Your out-going ticket could be on an airline like Lufthansa, while your return flight could be on Air Serbia. Additionally, you could book separate segments of your trip directly through the airlines instead of relying on a third-party platform.
Many budget airlines don’t show up in search results for comparison tools, so it’s worth adding a manual check by visiting the budget carriers’ websites.
Consider Layovers
The fastest way to Serbia might not be the cheapest. Flights with layovers can usually save you money, even if it means you’ll spend a few more hours getting to your destination. When you search for flights, look for options with one or two stops. Sometimes a layover in a European city like Vienna, Frankfurt, or Istanbul can make the fare hundreds of euros cheaper.
Just be careful to give yourself enough time between flights when booking layovers. Try to allow at least two hours between connecting flights to avoid missing your connection.
Search for One-Way Tickets
Round-trip tickets can sometimes be expensive. Surprisingly, booking two separate one-way fares can end up being cheaper. You can book your flight to Serbia with one airline, and then check if another airline offers a lower price for the return leg.
If you’re flexible, you might also save money by booking an extended layover on a one-way flight and then buying a separate one-way ticket home later. This is especially helpful when you’re considering a trip to multiple countries in the region.
Look for Hidden City Ticketing
If you want to get creative, hidden city ticketing could be an option—though it does come with risks. This is when you book a flight with the intention of getting off at a layover rather than at the final destination. For instance, if a flight from Paris to Belgrade with a layover in Vienna is cheaper than a direct flight to Vienna, you could just get off the plane in Vienna.
Be cautious with this approach as airlines can penalize you for missing flights. Also, it won’t work if you have checked luggage, as your bags will go to the final destination.
Use Frequent Flyer Miles
One of the biggest tips for saving money on flights is to use frequent flyer miles. These miles can be earned through airline loyalty programs, credit cards, or various travel rewards programs. If you’re not already collecting miles, consider signing up for a travel rewards credit card before booking your flight. You might even get enough points from the sign-up bonuses to cover the cost of your entire flight to Serbia.
If you’re short on miles for the full trip, check if you can use your points to get discounts or upgrades.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans
The more flexible you are with your travel dates and times, the more likely you’ll find a deal. Use flight comparison tools to experiment with date ranges and destinations. Sometimes flying a few days earlier or later will save a lot of money. Keep an open mind, and you could end up finding a great deal.
If you are planning around an event or specific dates—such as a festival or holiday in Serbia—keep in mind that flight prices around these times will be much higher.
Don’t Forget to Set Alerts
Once you know where you’re flying from and to, set price alerts on a few different comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. These alerts will send you notifications when prices drop. Sometimes fare fluctuations happen quickly, so checking email alerts can ensure you book the cheapest ticket as soon as it’s available.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best flight deal to Serbia doesn’t have to be hard. By booking at the right time, using tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and staying flexible with your travel plans, you can easily save a ton of money. Explore budget airlines, consider flying into nearby countries, and stay patient as you wait for the right deal. Safe travels!
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