Go online to search for airline tickets and try to find a fare code designation called "Y-up" and "Q-up." This may be a little tricky to do on your own, so there are couple travel sites which look specifically for these fare codes in pulling up your request (see Resources). These designated first-class tickets may be in the range of $100 more than coach. They may not save you a huge bundle, but may cost roughly the same as a last-minute coach seat.
No matter how early you pack and get to the airport, you may still have to wait in an enormous line at the security check-point. Yet few people think about simply going through another, less crowded security gate to get to their terminal. You can find out which security line is more crowded by logging onto the Transportation Security Administration's website (see Resources), which conveniently lists all security points at every U.S. airport with a wait-time estimation. This can save you as much as an hour at the airport.
Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly. If Wednesday doesn't work for you, book your flight for a Tuesday or Saturday. Airlines study consumer patterns and generally know on what days of the week and times of the year people tend to fly the most, and thus, charge the largest premium on those days.
Most people wait in line at the gate after a flight is cancelled in the hopes of securing a place on the next available flight. You can instead call the reservation number for your airline immediately after the announcement. You will be re-booked faster than waiting at the gate.
