When aiming to book an economical flight to New York, a blend of strategy and adaptability is key. Start by keeping your travel dates flexible, as this often unveils more affordable options, particularly mid-week flights. Booking your flight well in advance, ideally 3-4 weeks prior to departure, can also secure lower fares before prices escalate nearer to the travel date. Exploring alternative airports like LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR) might present more cost-effective choices. Additionally, signing up for fare alerts from airlines or comparison websites can help you seize discounted fare