Check a calendar to determine whether there are any major holidays around the time you hope to fly. Many people travel shortly before and after major holidays or long weekends and this can drastically increase flight prices. Summer fares tend to be higher than fares at other times of the year. If possible, adjust your flight schedule to avoid flying during summer months or around major holidays.
Buy your flight as soon as possible after you decide to take the trip. Fares on unpopular flights may drop shortly before the departure date, but in most cases the fares increase as the departure date approaches. You will generally pay significantly more for a flight just a few days away than you would have if you had booked that same flight a month earlier.
As a rule of thumb, purchase your flight at least 30 days before you leave if possible. One-way flights often cost more than half the price of a round-trip flight, so book your round-trip ticket right away rather than purchasing a one-way ticket now and a one-way return ticket later.
Fly on less popular days of the week if you can. Flights on Friday through Monday often cost more than flights on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Also, round-trip tickets tend to be less expensive if for staying at least one Saturday night. For example, a flight from Thursday through Tuesday would probably cost significantly less than one from Thursday through Sunday or Tuesday through Friday.
Check prices for airports near your departure and arrival airports. Many airlines offer the option to "search nearby airports" or "search airports within" a certain number of miles of your intended airports. This will often result in cheaper flights, especially if the nearby airports are larger or more popular than the nearer airports. If your dates are not set in stone, select the option for "flexible dates" or "search nearby dates" to find out if there are less expensive flights a day or two before or after your intended travel dates.
