How to Get Cheap Airfares

When you're planning that camping trip to the Ozarks or mountain climbing vacation in the Rockies, worrying about the cost of airfare to get there shouldn't be a burden. It doesn't help that airfares can change at any time for little or no reason. Finding the cheapest available airfare to your destination primarily involves finding the right airline and the best time to book which can differ with each destination.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Book your trip as far in advance as you can. Many airlines' fares are cheaper if you book your flight at least two or three weeks in advance. They can also offer seasonal specials and discounts based on when you book. If you're planning a trip in September and can book that September flight on a special discount in May, do so.

Step 2

Look to the low-fare, "no frills" air carriers. These include Southwest Airlines, AirTran and JetBlue in the United States and Luftansa in Europe. These carriers specialize in fares lower than the larger "legacy" carriers. If you're planning an international trip (like to the Swiss Alps from the U.S.), this is not an option.

Step 3

Book your flight online. Almost every airline has its largest discounts and specials through its website. If you register with the airlines' websites, they will often notify you of new specials. Keep in mind that these specials can change abruptly and can vary depending on the destination.

Step 4

Decide how much you're willing to deal with layovers and extra-long travel times. A planned flight with one or more stops usually gets you a lower fare than traveling one way. Some destinations, like those in extremely rural areas, may require you to endure layovers and change planes in mid-trip anyway.

Step 5

Look to online travel agency sites like Priceline and Expedia and see the airfare specials they carry. They often include package deals that include the hotel accommodations and rental car. Like the airline specials, these can also fluctuate.

Article Written By Chris Moore

Chris Moore has been contributing to eHow since 2007 and is a member of the DFW Writers' Workshop. He received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Texas-Arlington.

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