Many factors affect airline ticket pricing. Not only do airlines ticket prices vary between first class and second class, but also the timing of the purchase makes a difference. Many sites, such as priceline.com will try to fill up seats that aren't being sold by letting you offer a bid. Naming your price is one way to get a great deal. However, sometimes you want the peace of mind that comes from paying a set fare. There are still ways to achieve that and get a great deal on airfare.

If you’re looking for low cheap airfare, the best time to be shopping for that seat would be Wednesday, although you have until around 10:00am Thursday morning to clinch that low airfare deal. Please note though, the best times are from Midnight Wednesday through 6:00am Thursday. There are however, No-No days for booking. Never book your flight on a Monday or a Friday, when the fares tend to be higher.

In terms of traveling, try not to fly on a Monday, or on a Friday. The most expensive days to fly are Monday and Friday days to fly. Try to select a flight on a Wednesday or Thursday. Any other day of the week will most likely be more expensive.

Travelocity has many last minute deals on airfare if you are willing to book your flight within a month of travel. This is a good option for the spontaneous traveler who does not have a lot of family obligations.

Travelers who will need to make arrangements to take off work should do their homework well in advance. Booking a flight more than a month in advance will often get you a lower price. As the date of travel gets closer, the cost of the ticket generally goes up.

Kayak is a great resource for finding the best airfare offered across the full range of travel websites. They will post all the fares for you in one place so you don't have to open a bunch of windows, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, etc. Kayak searches all the major consolidators and the individual airline sites.  You'll be able to see the best online offers from the major airlines.

You are likely to find that your flight will cost more if you’re particular about the time of day you wish to fly. If you’re are willing to fly late evening or first thing in the morning, your flight will be cheaper. I often chose to fly at the crack of dawn because I know it will cost me less.