Montreal, the vibrant cultural hub of Quebec, Canada, is a city that promises a rich blend of European charm and North American energy. From its cobblestone streets in Old Montreal to bustling festivals, gourmet dining, and world-class museums, the city attracts travelers from all over the globe. But before you can stroll along Saint-Paul Street or sip coffee in a cozy Plateau café, you need to get there—ideally without breaking the bank. Finding cheap round-trip flights to Montreal may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, timing, and tools, it is entirely achievable. Here’s your ultimate guide to booking affordable flights while maximizing value and comfort.

1. Understanding Montreal’s Airport Options

Montreal is primarily served by Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), located about 20 kilometers from downtown. As the main international gateway, it handles a wide range of airlines, from major global carriers to low-cost options. Some travelers consider secondary airports in nearby cities, like Plattsburgh International Airport in New York State or Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, but the convenience and accessibility of YUL generally outweigh the minor price difference for most visitors.

When searching for cheap tickets, always focus on Montreal’s main airport while keeping in mind that sometimes nearby alternatives may be cheaper, especially if you’re flexible with ground transportation.

2. Timing Is Key: When to Book and Fly

One of the biggest factors in securing low airfare is timing—both in terms of booking and flying. Airlines often release their cheapest seats months in advance, with prices fluctuating depending on demand. While there’s no perfect formula, historical trends suggest:

  • Booking Window: Aim to book 2–3 months ahead for international flights. Booking too early can sometimes lead to higher fares due to limited promotional discounts, while last-minute bookings often spike in price.
  • Days of the Week: Flying midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—tends to be cheaper than weekends. Travelers who are flexible with departure and return days often see significant savings.
  • Off-Peak Travel: Although Montreal has events year-round, avoiding major festivals and holidays can help you find lower fares.

For March travel, you’re generally looking at a transitional season with fewer crowds than the summer tourist peak. This is an excellent opportunity to snag competitive airfare, especially if your schedule is flexible.

3. Using Fare Comparison Tools

Fare comparison websites and flight search engines are indispensable when hunting for cheap tickets. They aggregate prices from multiple airlines, showing you options you might miss by checking individual carrier websites. Some of the most effective tools include:

  • Google Flights: Excellent for visualizing date flexibility, price trends, and airline comparisons. The “Price Graph” feature allows you to see the cheapest days to fly within a given month.
  • Kayak: Offers a robust “Explore” function and fare alerts, ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking the best deals.
  • Skyscanner: Great for searching multiple airports and identifying the absolute cheapest days to fly.
  • Momondo: Known for uncovering hidden deals, especially on lesser-known or budget airlines.

When using these tools, make sure to clear your cookies or search in incognito mode. Prices sometimes increase after repeated searches for the same route, a practice airlines and booking platforms use to create urgency.

4. Sign Up for Alerts and Newsletters

Airline newsletters and fare alert services are your best friends if you want to stay ahead of flight deals. Many carriers and third-party booking platforms send exclusive promotions to subscribers. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:

  • Set Up Price Alerts: Tools like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner allow you to receive notifications when prices drop. This is especially useful if your travel dates are flexible.
  • Follow Airlines on Social Media: Airlines occasionally release flash sales on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, giving followers early access.
  • Join Loyalty Programs: Even if you don’t travel frequently, joining an airline’s loyalty program can grant you access to member-only discounts.

By combining alerts and newsletters, you can be among the first to snag discounted fares before they disappear.

5. Flexibility Pays Off

Flexibility is perhaps the single most powerful tool for finding cheap flights. Minor adjustments in your travel plans can yield substantial savings:

  • Alternative Airports: As mentioned, consider nearby airports if the savings are significant. Even factoring in ground transportation, a cheaper flight can offset the cost.
  • Adjust Your Dates: Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can sometimes cut hundreds off the ticket price. Most flight search engines allow you to view a “flexible dates” calendar.
  • Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights are convenient but often more expensive. If you don’t mind an extra stop, connecting flights can be substantially cheaper, especially with budget carriers.

Flexibility isn’t always feasible for every traveler, but even small adjustments can result in meaningful discounts.

6. Know Which Airlines Offer the Best Deals

Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to cost. Montreal is served by a mix of major carriers and low-cost airlines:

  • Major Carriers: Air Canada and American Airlines often have competitive fares, especially when booking well in advance. They provide full-service options including luggage and meals, which might save money compared to paying extra on low-cost carriers.
  • Low-Cost Airlines: Airlines like WestJet or Flair Airlines occasionally offer surprisingly cheap fares. Be mindful of additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services.
  • International Connections: Depending on your origin, European carriers like Air France or Lufthansa sometimes offer bundled deals to Montreal, particularly when flying via Paris or Frankfurt.

Researching multiple carriers, including those that don’t appear on every comparison site, can uncover hidden savings.

7. Take Advantage of Student or Group Discounts

Montreal attracts a large student population and groups traveling together. If you fall into either category, don’t overlook potential savings:

  • Student Discounts: Websites like StudentUniverse and STA Travel specialize in discounted flights for students and young travelers.
  • Group Booking Deals: If traveling with family or friends, contacting the airline directly for group rates can sometimes yield better prices than booking individually online.

Even if you’re not a student, exploring these platforms may reveal competitive deals.

8. Be Strategic with Currency Exchange

For international travelers, the timing and method of payment can impact overall costs:

  • Credit Card Fees: Use a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to avoid unnecessary expenses.
  • Currency Fluctuations: Booking in a strong home currency can sometimes save money. Some booking platforms allow you to choose the currency in which you pay—take advantage of favorable rates.
  • Consider Local Booking Sites: Occasionally, airline websites in the destination country (in this case, Canada) may offer better prices than domestic websites.

Being mindful of exchange rates and fees ensures that the “cheaper” flight doesn’t become more expensive than expected.

9. Combine Flights with Accommodation Packages

Sometimes bundling your flight with a hotel stay can reduce the overall cost of your trip. Travel websites like Expedia, Priceline, or Orbitz often provide package deals that are cheaper than booking separately. While this approach may not always yield the absolute lowest airfare, it can save money overall and simplify your planning.

10. Check Alternate Booking Platforms

While comparison websites are convenient, occasionally booking directly with the airline can reveal lower fares or additional perks, like free checked luggage or seat selection. Conversely, some lesser-known travel agencies or online booking platforms may have access to unpublished fares. The key is to cross-check multiple sources before purchasing.

11. Avoid Extra Fees

Finding a cheap flight isn’t just about the ticket price; additional fees can quickly inflate your budget. Consider these common pitfalls:

  • Baggage Fees: Budget airlines often advertise rock-bottom fares but charge high fees for checked luggage and even carry-on bags.
  • Seat Selection: Choosing seats in advance can be costly on some airlines. Consider whether it’s worth paying extra for a preferred seat.
  • In-Flight Purchases: Meals, snacks, and entertainment can add up, so plan accordingly.

Factor these costs into your total travel budget to ensure your “cheap” flight stays cheap.

12. Use Multiple Strategies Together

The most effective approach combines multiple tactics. For example:

  1. Start with a fare comparison tool to identify the cheapest dates.
  2. Sign up for alerts to track price drops.
  3. Consider alternative airports or connecting flights.
  4. Check student or group discounts if applicable.
  5. Pay attention to baggage and seat fees to avoid hidden costs.

Using a layered strategy maximizes your chances of securing the best deal without sacrificing convenience.

13. Tips for Last-Minute Travelers

Even if you’re booking closer to your departure date, all hope is not lost. Airlines occasionally release last-minute deals to fill empty seats. Tools like Hopper or LastMinute.com specialize in these discounted fares. Flexibility is key—you may need to adjust your travel days or accept less convenient flight times.

14. Final Checklist Before Booking

Before hitting the “purchase” button, double-check the following:

  • Dates and times are accurate, including the time zone differences.
  • The total price includes all fees and taxes.
  • Refund or change policies are understood, especially for budget airlines.
  • You’ve compared multiple platforms to ensure the fare is genuinely competitive.
  • Travel documents, including passport validity and any visa requirements, are in order.

A careful review helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a smooth start to your trip.

Booking cheap round-trip flights to Montreal is not just about luck—it’s about knowledge, strategy, and a bit of flexibility. By understanding airport options, using fare comparison tools, signing up for alerts, and being flexible with dates and flights, you can dramatically reduce your airfare. Combine this with smart planning regarding fees, currency, and bundled deals, and you’ll arrive in Montreal ready to explore its cobblestone streets, vibrant culture, and culinary delights without worrying about overspending on your flight.

Traveling to Montreal should be exciting from the moment you book your tickets. With these strategies, you can secure affordable airfare and start your adventure in this incredible Canadian city feeling savvy, prepared, and financially smart.