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How to Find The Cheapest Flight

Updated on January 5, 2011

Remember years ago when flying for under $200 dollars was possible. Those were the good old days. Now you're lucky to get a flight under $200, without a layover and very careful planning. I took three flights in the past year from Nashville to Detroit. The flight time was around an hour and a half and the cost was around $300 dollars. I understand the airports are struggling for business, but come on guys. Flying used to be the go to option for travelers-- but because of this, we're forced to drive long hours to get to our destinations. Don't fret though, there are still ways around this.

How to Find The Cheapest Flight

1. The major discount Websites

Websites like travelocity, priceline, an cheaptickets can help you find a more affordable flight. These guys scour the net for the cheapest flights available and post them on their website. However, half the time their flights aren't even that reasonable. These are great for last minute deals, but not when you've got a lot of time. They typically give you the prices of about 10 different airlines an narrow it down to the best one for you. 

2. Fly One Way, Both Ways

You've always got the option of flying one way, both ways. You can sometimes save yourself a few bucks going about it this way. You book your first one way ticket, and book your other one after your trip. This is kind of a tricky way to fly, as it can also backfire in your face. However,  I know a lot of people who fly this way. It is best if you're flexible with when you can leave and when you can come back. This allows you to get the cheapest tickets as you can search for the prices for different days.

3. Don't fly on the weekend

Its better to fly on a random day during the week, then to fly on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Why? Because the airlines know that this is when most people want to fly. So they're able to up the prices of these days. I've got my best flight deals on Tuesdays. I'm not sure why, but they always seem to be the cheapest.

4. Pricelines Bid Option

This is a really awesome practice. If anyone used cheap tickets.com name your price option back in the day, this is similar to that. You name your own price for the flight, and they either except it or negotiate with you. You can get really reasonably priced tickets this way, especially if you do it last minute. 

5. Call The Actual Airline Right Before You Want To Leave

This can either work great for you, or work terribly. If they have a lot of extra room, they may be likely to give you a good discount. However, they can also charge you an outrageous amount to fly. This one is to be used if you're in dire need, as it is the most complicated way to get a cheap flight.

6. Pay attention to specials

A lot of airlines have specials every couple of months for certain flights. Sometimes you can get lucky enough to find one going to where you'd like to travel. Getting on the airlines mailing list definitely helps. This is a great way to get a cheap flight, or even book a spur of the moment vacation.

Finding theCheapest Flight isn't as easy as it used to be. However, there are still ways to find discounted flights. When trying to Snag the Cheapest Flight it is important to keep in mind that nothing is a sure thing. A lot of these ways can still backfire in your face, so try to test the waters before jumping in. Good luck, an happy flying!

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