Compare prices for airline tickets on different airlines using third party travel websites. The sites allow you to enter your travel dates, destination and departure cities and see what the cost for flights are at different times of the day on a number of different airlines. Limiting yourself to just one airline means you will miss out on large savings.
Look at different airports. Many travelers make the mistake of only checking the prices to and from one airport. If you are traveling to or from somewhere like New York City you have three major airports roughly the same distance from the city that you can compare prices from. LaGuardia, JFK and Newark all offer flights to most of the same cities but the price difference for the same flight from one might differ significantly from another.
Change your travel dates. Changing your date one day ahead or one day behind can make a significant difference in the price of airline tickets; especially if your travel dates are near a Wednesday. Seaney states that Wednesday is the least expensive day to fly. If you planned on departing Thursday and returning the following Thursday and your travel plan allows it, change your departure dates to Wednesdays to save up to several hundred dollars on airfare.
Shop in advance, but not too far in advance. Airfare prices are typically at their lowest point three to four months prior to your date of departure for domestic flights. International flights are at their lowest price four to five months prior to your departure.
Purchase travel packages. Discounted prices are often available when you book your flight, rental car and hotel in one package. You can do this through most airlines and on any travel website.
