Begin searching for your fare at least 21 days prior to your desired departure date. Many airlines offer advance-purchase fares at a discount. But the disadvantage is locking into a date that you may want to change, and that can incur penalty fees.
Book your ticket at the last minute, if you have the flexibility. Airlines often open blocks of unsold seats at reduced fares within 24 hours of departure.
Book travel for holidays on the holiday itself rather than one or two days before.
Book trips for mid-week departures. Fly on off-days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday. Fares on these days are frequently cheaper than weekend or Monday departures.
Look for fares at nearby airports. For example, in the Los Angeles area, flying out of Burbank or Orange County Airport is often cheaper than flying out of the larger LAX.
Check the round-trip cost, even if you wish to fly only one-way. Since deregulation, airfares for round-trip tickets may be cheaper. Book the round trip to get the best fare, and use only one portion of the ticket.
