Traveling by air can be challenging, particularly when it comes to finding the best rates and schedules. Regardless of your destination, the complex web of ticketing is confusing even to the most seasoned travelers. Though you may seem to be at the mercy of whatever the going rate happens to be when you book, if you plan ahead and know what to look for, you can find cheaper rates.
Use major travel booking websites to get an overview of the routes available and the typical cost. Use these websites to also determine which days and flights will give you the lowest fare. After seeing the options, go to each airline's website to see if you can get a better rate by booking directly with them. Sign up for email alerts that will let you know when airfare prices change, which can happen several times a day, so be prepared to buy with a credit or debit card when prices drop.
Build in flexibility to the dates and times that you need to travel if possible. Plan your journey to coincide with days and times that have lower airfare rates, which will generally be the mid-week days of Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekend getaway travelers generally fly on Fridays and Sundays, so Saturdays are often discounted as well. Check for "red-eye" flights that depart around midnight and fly through the night, as these can cost considerably less. Book tickets at least 21 days in advance, when you will have more seating options and nonstop routes. If you have the luxury of complete flexibility, you can wait for the "last-minute" discounts offered by airlines trying to fill unsold seats. Traveling on an actual holiday, such as Thanksgiving Day, can also give you reduced rates.
Consider purchasing a travel package if you will know you will need a hotel, rental car or tickets to local attractions such as amusement parks. Bundling these items together with your airfare can lower your overall cost for the journey. Many airlines have a package tour department that can make these arrangement since it gives them an incentive to keep rates low in order to gain your business. If you happen to be a frequent flyer, use your accumulated miles for discounted or free airline tickets. Signing up for an airline credit card can give you instant mileage that you can exchange for a free ticket and can also provide a companion ticket every year for a low cost.
Purchase tickets through online auction websites, consolidators or ticket "aggregators." These rates can be low, but changes are often not allowed; fares are typically nonrefundable. Before booking with these companies, ensure that the rates really are lower than the price of more flexible tickets. Auction sites allow you to "bid" on the fare that you would like to pay, while aggregators troll all available fares and pull up the lowest ones. Consolidators purchase deeply discounted fares from airlines and pass along a portion of the savings to consumers, but seats are limited, and restrictions are heavy.
