How to Find the Best Airfare to Florida

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Located in the southeastern United States, Florida attracts travelers with its vibrant cities and sparkling beaches. The state proves a haven for lovers of water activities like surfing, fishing, boating, swimming and snorkeling. But it also features landscapes found nowhere else such as in the Everglades National Park, home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. A variety of airports offer many options and prices for air travel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Browse travel site such as Travelocity.com to get an idea of what Florida fares generally cost. Click "Other Advanced Options" near the bottom right to display more options.

Step 2

Enter your departure point and Florida arrival city but enable "Compare Surrounding Airports" because smaller destinations may save you more money. Choose your travel dates but click "+/- 1 to 3 days" and then specify that time period in the dropdowns. This shows you how traveling at different times can change your fare. Specify other options as needed.

Step 3

Click "Search Flights" to display a table of dates and costs. Click on a price to display a list of flights and airlines. Note the names of the airlines and the prices.

Step 4

Browse the website of the airline with the best price. Such websites typically use the name of the airline, suffixed by ".com." For example, Alaska Airlines' website is "AlaskaAir.com." Enter your travel information on their booking page to see if they offer cheaper prices. While you're at it, sign up for their frequent flyer program which not only offers you reward mileage but can gain new discounts and specials simply because you are a member.

Step 5

Check the airlines' baggage policies, especially regarding sports equipment, by viewing their FAQs or baggage page. It won't do you any good to fly cheap airline if they charge you hundreds of dollars to take your bicycle or surfboard. For example, Alaska Airlines generally accepts your gear as part of checked-in luggage, if it falls within size and weight limits. United Airlines, however, allows certain equipment, like fishing gear, for free but charges $250 each way for bicycles. Both policies are linked in the Resources Section.

Step 6

Call a travel agent to see if she offers any special deals to the state. Although she may charge for her services, if you need to fly to several cities in one trip or want to take a lot of gear, she may be able to get you a better price because of her airline connections. In addition, her agency may offer lower prices to begin with because they buy their Florida tickets in bulk.

Resources

Article Written By Aurelio Locsin

Aurelio Locsin has been writing professionally since 1982. He published his first book in 1996 and had his first play produced in 2005. He is now a playwright, director and actor in Southern California. Locsin holds a Bachelor of Arts in scientific and technical communications from the University of Washington.

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