How to Use ChatGPT Prompts for Cheap 2025 Flights from Your City

With airfares soaring in 2025, travelers are turning to innovative tools to slash flight costs. One standout solution is ChatGPT, an AI-powered assistant that’s helping users save big by crafting personalized travel strategies. Finance influencer Casper Opala recently shared how he scored a flight from London to New York for just £70, down from over £700, using specific ChatGPT prompts. By replacing generic placeholders with your own city, such as Chicago, Miami, or London, and your destination, like Paris or Tokyo, you can unlock tailored flight deals. This blog explores 16 proven ChatGPT prompts, customized for your city and country, and dives into why users love this approach for finding cheap flights.

Why Users Love ChatGPT for Flight Savings

ChatGPT simplifies the complex process of finding affordable flights by delivering personalized suggestions in seconds. Users appreciate its ability to recommend specific airlines, alternate airports, or multi-leg routes tailored to their starting point, like Chicago, and destination, like Paris. Unlike traditional search engines such as Google Flights or Skyscanner, ChatGPT can suggest creative strategies, such as combining flights with trains or spotting regional carriers in countries like France or Japan. However, as TravelBook’s Laura Pomer notes, ChatGPT isn’t linked to live booking systems, so always verify fares before booking. Despite this, users rave about how the AI’s tailored prompts make budget travel accessible and efficient.

Timing Your Bookings from Your City

Flight prices vary based on when you book and travel. By inputting your city and destination into these prompts, you can find the cheapest times to fly:

1. “What days of the week usually have the cheapest flights from Chicago to Paris?” Users love this prompt for pinpointing low-demand days, like Tuesdays, for specific routes.

2. “When is the best time to book flights from Miami to Tokyo for summer 2025 according to current data?” This helps travelers plan months in advance, often saving 20–30% by booking 6–8 weeks early.

3. “How far in advance should I book long-haul flights from London to Sydney vs. short-haul flights to Barcelona?” This prompt provides tailored advice, making it a favorite for frequent flyers.

Users also value ChatGPT’s tips on leveraging credit card points or airline rewards, which can further reduce costs when flying from cities like New York or destinations like Australia.

Alternate Airports Near Your City

Flying from nearby airports can cut costs significantly. Users find these prompts especially helpful for discovering cheaper options:

4. “What are the cheapest nearby airports to Chicago that might have lower fares to Paris?” For example, flying from Milwaukee instead of Chicago O’Hare can save hundreds.

5. “Find the cheapest way to fly from Miami to London next month, including hidden routes and alternate airports.” This uncovers routes via nearby cities like Fort Lauderdale.

6. “Suggest combining flights with buses or trains for cheaper travel from New York to Toronto.” Flexible travelers love this for combining air and ground transport.

Finding Budget Airlines in Your Country

Many budget airlines don’t appear on major platforms. ChatGPT’s prompts help users discover these carriers in their country:

7. “Which budget airlines operate from the USA to Europe that aren’t listed on Google Flights?” Users love finding carriers like Norse Atlantic Airways for transatlantic deals.

8. “What regional airlines in France are known for flash sales?” This highlights airlines like Volotea, popular among European travelers.

9. “Compare regional airlines in Asia that are cheaper than major carriers for flights from Tokyo to Bangkok.” This is a hit for finding low-cost options like AirAsia.

Turning Layovers into Savings

Layovers can save money and even offer a bonus city to explore. These prompts are user favorites for cost-effective travel:

10. “Suggest layover cities that cut the price from Chicago to Tokyo, even if it requires two bookings.” Users appreciate finding hubs like Seattle for cheaper routes.

11. “Which airlines offer free stopover programs between London and Sydney?” Programs like Qatar Airways’ Doha stopovers are a hit for adding value.

12. “What are the best hubs in Europe for a 1–2 day layover on the way to Dubai from New York?” Travelers love exploring cities like Amsterdam during layovers.

Multi-Leg Bookings for Your Route

Direct flights are convenient but pricey. Users find these prompts effective for multi-leg savings:

13. “Check if booking Chicago to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Dubai separately is cheaper than a direct ticket.” Splitting tickets can save up to 40%.

14. “Break down multi-leg routes from Miami to Singapore that save money.” This uncovers complex but budget-friendly itineraries.

Catching Flash Sales and Error Fares

Error fares and flash sales are goldmines for budget travelers. These prompts are highly rated by users:

15. “Any mistake fares or flash sales from Chicago O’Hare this month?” This directs users to communities tracking deals, like Secret Flying.

16. “Suggest the best websites for setting fare alerts from London to New York.” Users love recommendations for tools like Kayak or Skyscanner alerts.

Why Users Prefer Specific City and Country Inputs

Using specific cities and countries in prompts, like “Chicago to Paris” or “USA to France,” makes ChatGPT’s suggestions more relevant and actionable. Users report higher satisfaction because the AI tailors results to their exact travel plans, avoiding generic advice. For example, a user from Miami planning a trip to Tokyo can get precise recommendations for nearby airports like Fort Lauderdale or budget carriers like ZIPAIR Tokyo. This personalization saves time and increases the likelihood of finding real deals, making the process feel like having a personal travel agent.

Travelers also appreciate how ChatGPT’s prompts encourage creative thinking. By suggesting alternate routes or stopover cities, users discover options they hadn’t considered, like a layover in Istanbul en route to Dubai. The ability to customize prompts with specific details ensures the AI’s output aligns with individual preferences, whether prioritizing cost, convenience, or adventure.