# Travel >> Transportation >> Air Travel

How to Get the Best Airfare Deals

Get the best airfare deals by shopping around at least two weeks in advance for tickets. With flexible travel dates, and a willingness to fly into nearby airports, you will save money working as your own travel agent. Agencies often charge fees for booking tickets and working from the comfort of your home is more convenient. Great deals might take time to find but will save you money in the end.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Check your calendar before booking.
  
  Look at your calendar and decide the best days for travel. Determine if your dates are flexible. Write down your options so you do not change your mind in haste when a great fare appears.
- 2
  
  Check a map for nearby airports.
  
  Explore a map of the area. Research your travel areas to see if there is an alternate airport that can service your needs.
- 3
  Visit a major travel search engine like Expedia, Orbitz, or Sky Scanner, as well as individual airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, Continental and others. Watch for travel deals, keeping in mind that most airlines launch fare sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to the Independent Traveler. Traveling on weekends, as well as Monday and Friday, can cost more than Tuesday through Thursday travel. (Resource 1, Section 4)
- 4
  Run searches for travel on your preferred dates first. Follow with searches leaving early or late, and on days before and after your preferred dates.
- 5
  
  Take time to research your options to save money.
  
  Search flights to and from other nearby airports.
- 6
  Book the best posted airfare deal that you can find.
- 7
  Agree to book E-tickets, as airlines often charge a fee for paper tickets.
- 8
  
  Use a credit card for efficient booking online.
  
  Finalize your reservation by paying online.
- 9