Book early. Cheapflights.com says the earlier you book, the more you save. As soon as you know you want to travel, start looking at flights and book your ticket quickly. If you plan to travel internationally, IndependentTraveler.com recommends buying your tickets at least three to six months in advance for the best deals.
Be notified of low-airfare deals. Many airlines send out deals and discounts on fares that are not displayed on airline websites. Signing up is done online, is free and you can take advantage of cheap air tickets the minute the airlines release them.
Be flexible with your travel plans. You can save hundreds of dollars by moving your departure and arrival dates. Also try to search for airfares from different airports; if you're searching for flights from San Francisco, consider departing from Oakland or even San Jose, where airfares may be cheaper than those from San Francisco International Airport.
Compare fares. To get the cheapest air ticket, look around for deals on different travel websites. FareCompare.com is also available to users who want to compare prices on tickets. The site collects data from over 500 airlines and gives advice on when to buy, when to fly and how to shop in order to avoid hidden fees.
Contact a local travel agent. Getting someone in the travel business to assist you can save money because they'll know exactly where to look for cheap airfares. You might have to pay a little more to go through a travel agent, but if you're booking an overseas trip, it can certainly be the way to score cheaper airfares.
