Be flexible. The less tied in you are to specific travel dates, the more likely it is you will find a better rate. For example, if you can stay over on a Saturday night or begin your flight on a weekday, your rates will be lower.
Consider flying into a smaller airport even if it means driving a little farther when you land. Less popular airports tend to offer better rates for travelers.
If you find a good deal online, act quickly and book it. Fares can change by the hour and you could easily lose a great deal while looking for a better one.
Compare prices from the airline's website to the popular travel websites, such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia. While the comprehensive travel booking sites offer the ability to compare different airline fares, sometimes going directly to the airline's website is your best bet. They also won't charge a booking fee.
Check with AAA or any other travel organization to which you belong. Check to see what discounts they offer their members. If you're looking to book a package vacation, you may find good deals, even at the last minute.
Subscribe to airlines email deals. Some airlines offer great last minute deals in the form of an email subscription. You may even be able to specify your home airport so it only sends you the appropriate deals for you. These are often unadvertised specials that you must act on quickly.
