Finding the absolute lowest price on an airline ticket is the Holy Grail of travel. Because airfare is one of the biggest chunks of any travel dollar, savvy consumers will search high and low for the best deals. Airlines, on the other hand, are beholden to market forces and fuel prices and don't have any incentive to make it any easier for travelers to get bargains. Fortunately there are a few strategies you can use to fly dirt cheap.
Book early. Although it is possible for procrastinators to luck into a last-minute deal on an airline ticket, you have a much better chance of snagging a rock-bottom price if you don't wait. Book at least two weeks in advance for domestic flights and at least 30 days out for an international trip.
Be flexible. Unless it is absolutely necessary, don't get hung up on either dates or airports. Often you'll be able to score big savings by flying one or two days outside your preferred dates. Also, check neighboring airports to see if you can get an even deeper discount. Travelocity.com offers one of the best flexible date finders in the industry, while Orbitz.com will allow you to search airports within 80 miles of your destination.
If you can, fly during the week rather than over the weekend. Most vacationers begin their trips on either Friday or Saturday, and airlines are more than happy to accommodate them---for a price. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday will not only allow you to avoid the crowds, it will net you a dirt cheap fare.
Check the round-trip price. Even if you're not coming back, look up the round-trip fare on the same flight. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, it is sometimes less than the price of a one-way ticket.
Be spontaneous. If you really want a dirt cheap plane ticket, it pays to go with the flow. Try Airfarewatchdog.com to find out where the cheapest flights are headed from your area. They employ real people who search for the best deals, and unlike most other travel websites, they feature fares from discount carriers such as Southwest and Allegiant.
Be careful. Most airlines now charge for things that were once free. "Hidden fees" now apply on everything from meals to checked luggage and even pillows. Pay extra attention to "convenience" fees for booking over the phone and, of course, "taxes." Read the fine print to avoid paying more than you should.
