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 fares when they arise. Lastly, consider redeeming any accrued airline miles or rewards points to further trim costs. With these tactics, you can enhance your chances of snagging a budget-friendly flight to New York, leaving you with extra cash to explore the city's myriad attractions.