Use travel websites and search engines, but verify price directly with the airline. Travel websites and airfare search engines often have great deals and specials on reduced airfare and are a worthwhile resource. However, many have a lowest-fare guarantee, so it is always a good idea to check the airline's website to see if they offer a lower price. Because direct flights are generally more expensive, you can also try expanding your search to include more layovers to see if you find even lower airfares.
Sign up for frequent flyer programs. Frequent flyer programs are totally free and you can sign up for as many as you like. Many airlines are part of unions or alliances that consist of multiple airlines from various countries, allowing you to collect the same frequent flyer miles with different carriers. Signing up for multiple frequent flyer programs helps you collect miles regardless of who you fly with.
Shop for fares at the right times. Tuesday afternoons around 3 p.m. (EST) is the best time to look for domestic flights, when airlines release new and leftover seats. Wednesdays at 1 a.m. is the best time to search for international flights. Stay next to your computer and begin your search at the exact time to catch the best flights first. Remember to clear cookies in your web browser to make sure you get the lowest, newest fare results.
Airlines recommend reserving at least 14 days in advance, but booking your flight up to three months in advance can save you a lot on airfare. Give yourself at least one month before your departure date, and more if possible. Reserving your flight far in advance also tends to reduce cancellation and change fees if you have a problem.
Travel websites, travel search engines and airline websites all provide the option to expand your flight search to include several days before and several days after your departure date. Using this feature can reveal some significantly lower fares, particularly if you opt for flying on a low travel day, such as Tuesday.
