Some of the best flight deals depart from cities you don't live in. Smart travelers have figured out that adding a separate positioning flight can dramatically reduce total trip costs. Here's how to make this strategy work.
What is a Positioning Flight?
A positioning flight is a separate, cheap flight to reach a departure city with better international fares. Instead of booking expensive flights from your home airport, you fly somewhere else first and catch the good deal from there.
Example: You live in Indianapolis, and flights to London are $1,200. But flights from Chicago to London are $600. A $100 flight to Chicago + the $600 London flight = $700 total. You've saved $500.
Why Price Differences Exist
Not all airports are created equal in the pricing algorithm:
- Hub competition: Cities with multiple airline hubs have aggressive pricing
- Demand patterns: Some markets are underserved with high prices
- Route economics: Direct flights from major hubs are often cheaper than connections from smaller airports
- Error fares: Mistake prices often originate from specific cities
Finding Positioning Opportunities
Step 1: Search Multiple Origin Cities
When searching for international flights, don't just search from your home airport. Check major hubs within reasonable range:
- All airports within 3-4 hours driving distance
- Major hubs with cheap connecting flights from your city
- Cities known for good deals (NYC, LAX, Miami for international)
Step 2: Calculate True Savings
The positioning flight needs to cost less than the savings. Factor in:
- Positioning flight cost (including bags if needed)
- Time and inconvenience
- Possible hotel if overnight positioning is required
- Ground transport at both ends
Step 3: Book Separately
Always book the positioning flight and main flight separately. This keeps them independent—if one is delayed or cancelled, the airline isn't responsible for your connection.
Timing Your Positioning Flight
Never cut it close. Build in substantial buffer time:
- Same day: Arrive at least 4-5 hours before your international departure
- Night before: Even safer, though adds hotel cost
- Consider delays: What happens if your positioning flight is cancelled? Have a backup plan.
One-Way Combinations
Sometimes the best deals mix airlines and directions:
- Fly out from City A on Airline X
- Return to City B on Airline Y
- Position back home from City B
This requires more planning but can unlock the best prices on each segment independently.
The Drive-to-Fly Option
For domestic trips or shorter international flights, consider driving to a better airport instead of flying there:
- No positioning flight cost
- Free parking might still be cheaper than a positioning flight
- More flexibility with timing
- Easier to handle checked bags
Risk Management
Positioning flights add complexity and risk:
- Have travel insurance that covers missed connections
- Know your backup options (later flights, refund policies)
- Don't position in winter through snow-prone cities
- Keep positioning flight airlines' customer service numbers handy
When It's Not Worth It
- Savings under $200-300 (the hassle may not be worth it)
- Very early international departure times
- When traveling with family or groups (complexity multiplies)
- Unreliable positioning routes with frequent cancellations