✈️ Flight Guide: Durham (RDU) → Istanbul (ISTA)

The best time to fly cheap in economy is typically during shoulder seasons (late September–October and February–March) and mid-week dates. For international routes, booking 6–10 weeks in advance often yields the lowest economy fares; for peak summer travel, book 3–4 months ahead. Use fare alerts and flexible date tools to find the best time to purchase. CTA: Check flexible-date calendars now to find the cheapest economy windows.

Direct flights offer faster travel and less hassle but can be more expensive in economy. Connecting flights can be substantially cheaper, especially with low-cost carriers or by mixing carriers, but increase the risk of missed connections and require longer total travel time. If saving money is the priority, search connecting itineraries with generous layovers and, when possible, book through-ticket itineraries to protect against missed connections. CTA: Compare direct and connecting economy options for your route and select the best balance of price and convenience.

To find cheap economy flights, use flexible-date searches, subscribe to fare alerts, and compare both OTAs and airline sites. Consider flying mid-week, picking red-eye flights, and using secondary airports or multi-city searches to lower per-leg costs. Always compare baggage and change-fee policies when choosing the cheapest fare — sometimes a slightly higher fare that includes baggage is cheaper overall. CTA: Start a fare alert now for cheap economy flights and compare monthly fare calendars.