The Internet is now a primary source of booking flights and the rise of discount websites has helped this.
You don't have to book flights over the Internet to get the best deal if, for example, you have concerns about online security. You can still use comparison websites to find the best price and then book using more traditional methods.
Use discount websites such as Expedia, Orbitz and Priceline -- these allow users to compare the best deals among airlines, but it is also worthwhile going through and comparing each individual airline's own Website to find the best prices.
Use 'screenscraper' sites, such as SkyScanner, to find the best discounts across all Websites, including those airlines who do not appear on discount Websites.
Kayak.com has been highlighted as a particularly useful tool -- it compares all deals on all discount websites to find the best deal.
These sites search across all criteria -- such as dates, times and destinations -- and will then direct you to an airline's Web site to make the booking.
Be flexible; choosing to fly on a nearby date to the one you want, flying to a different airport than you normally do or using an operator you haven't used before could save you money.
The more flexible you can be in your travel plans -- dates, airlines, departure and destination cities -- the more likely that you will get the best deal. Traveling on a specific date with a specific airline will give you less chance of a good discount.
Book as early as you can to ensure a good deal; prices tend to rise as less seats are available. However, some airlines can also offer last-minute rates as they try to sell their remaining seats.
Sign up for an airline's frequent flyer or loyalty program if you tend to fly with the same airline regularly. Among other things, you will receive updates on the latest deals it is offering.
The major airlines offer email alerts for their latest deals and regular fliers can save money on future flights.
Some airlines offer sales at specific points in the year, when discounts are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Registering for email alerts can put you at the front of the line for such discounts.
Never assume that your usual method or favorite Website leads to the best price; it is always worth checking around.
Ask others; there may be operators who go by word of mouth or Websites that don't advertise that you don't know about.
By cutting out an agent or discount site and booking directly, you can cut out any extra fees that may be charged by the extra link in the chain.
Some airlines, especially low-cost operators, do not appear on comparison Websites to keep their costs lower. Booking directly through such airlines means the price they are offering you is the cheapest they have available. It is often worth using discount sites to track the best deal and then switch to booking directly with the airline it has identified as the cheapest to cut out any surcharges or 'third-party' fees.
Are you a young traveler? If so, you might be able to get a further discount off a ticket by booking an under 26 rate. Airlines such as Virgin Atlantic offer this, as do airlines that honor the International Student Identity Card. American Airlines offer a special discount to college students.
Senior travelers can also enjoy special discount fares. Alaska Airlines, Midwest, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest all offer these senior airfares.
Airlines still take bookings over the telephone or via travel agents. Booking with travel agents involves a third party and this can lead to higher costs. However, the more bookings a travel agent makes with an operator, the more he is rewarded, so he may be willing to pass on a good deal to you. Additionally, special flight discounts exclusive to the agent's company could be available.
Equally, check to see if a travel agent has a special agreement with an airline. Some airlines have partnership agreements with travel agents tied in with special vacation/hotel packages. Being flexibile can also be key in travel agents getting you the cheapest price.
