How to Get Cheap Airline Tickets

bathory909/sxc.hu

If you're like most budget travelers, you look to the big Internet travel sites to find cheap airline tickets. It's a good strategy, but there are additional techniques that you can use to locate the lowest airfares to your chosen destination. A flexible travel schedule is usually the key to the biggest savings, but even if your plans are firm for your next outdoor adventure, there are ways to score some great deals on discount fares.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Know when to fly. The much-maligned "red eye" fights that leave after midnight and before 6 a.m. are often the cheapest flights available. Fly out on a mid-week red eye in the middle of winter and stay over a Saturday---you'll get some the best deals around.

Step 2

Check surrounding airports. Many major cities have more than one airport and that means more flight choices. Factor in smaller, regional airports within a one-hour drive and you will expand your money-saving opportunities.

Step 3

Split your flights. If, for example, you are flying from Los Angeles to New York, it may be cheaper to purchase two one-ways: one from Los Angeles to Detroit and one from Detroit to New York.

Step 4

Know when to buy. Usually, the earlier you book your flight, the better. Most discounted seats require a seven-, 21- or 30-day advance purchase, but even last-minute buyers can still get a good deal. Airlines hate empty seats, and you may be able to purchase a seat just days before a flight at a significant discount.

Step 5

Shop for tickets late at night or very early in the morning. Airlines upload new fares and release reserved but unbooked tickets between midnight and 1 a.m., based on their home base time zone.

Step 6

Mention your age and affiliations. Many airlines offer discounts for students, seniors, members of AARP or AAA or the military.

Step 7

Book a package. These last-minute deals include airfare, hotel and car rental, and they are often cheaper than hotel and airfare booked separately.

Step 8

Stay alert. Discount fares are often "non-refundable," and there are hefty fees for any changes. Join Yapta.com and enter your flight confirmation number. Yapta will track your fare information, calculate change fees and alert you if the price drops far enough to warrant a refund.

Resources

Yapta.com: Fare Reduction Alerts

Article Written By Moira Clune

Moira Clune is a freelance writer who since 1991 has been writing sales and promotional materials for her own and other small businesses. In addition, she has published articles on VetInfo and various other websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hartwick College.

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