It takes time to call around to various airlines in order to determine the best airline ticket prices. Many airline ticket shoppers use online comparison tools to compare flight rates. Various websites offer a list of rates from all available airlines. These sites allow shoppers to sort airline tickets by the lowest price. You can book your tickets online and print your tickets using a computer printer.
Empty seats on an airplane cost airline companies money. When a customer books a flight in advance, the airline can be assured that the airplane will be filled to capacity. In order to receive inexpensive tickets, a flier should always book a flight at least two weeks in advance, although he may purchase the tickets a month in advance for additional savings.
Some days and times demand higher ticket premiums. Travelers should leave on a weekday instead of a Friday or Sunday. They should arrive back home on a weekday to receive significant ticket savings. Departing and arriving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday results in the greatest savings. Early morning flights typically offer lower ticket prices, as fewer people want to travel during these times.
According to Michael Bluejay, airlines operate on a supply-and-demand basis. The higher the demand for a ticket, the more airline passage will cost. Airlines charge higher prices during the holidays. Try not to set a departure date or an arrival date close to a busy holiday, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. For a cheaper flight, set your departure date a few days away from a holiday or on the holiday itself.
Airport hubs, such as Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and O'Hare International Airport, act as nerve centers for the airline industry. Instead of booking a flight with a local airport, you may want to drive to a hub. For example, a traveler in Richmond, Virginia, may choose to drive two hours to Washington-Dulles International Airport, as opposed to booking a flight at the Richmond International Airport. If practical, travelers should book a ticket with a hub in order to receive additional savings.
