Tips on How to Get Cheap Airfare
Getting Cheap Airfare
I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have to go somewhere very important, such as to a family event, a business trip, or even a vacation (hey, those are quite important if you ask me!) only to find the the airfare prices are simply ridiculous.
Now, I know that some situations can't be helped - such as needing to go to a funeral at the last minute. But sometimes, you can take your time and weigh all of your options so that you get the best deals possible. I've had tons of experience purchasing flights over the years and for the most part, I seem to get some great deals.
How to Get Cheap Flights
Saving Money on Airfare Tips
Flying is the quickest way to arrive at your intended destination, but paying for the airfare is a completely different situation. Because of the increase in fuel cost, the airfare has changed its rates. How to get cheap airfare depends upon a few things.
Book the Trip Early
Whether you book the flight yourself or go through a travel agency, you need to reserve it ahead of time to get the best rates. For Southwest Airlines, you can get their special “Wanna Get Away” fare that usually allows you the option to reserve the flight online and ahead of time for the lowest cost.
By reserving a month or more in advance, you’ll be getting a jump start on the cost of airfare. Flying is quickest way to arrive at your intended destination, but paying for the airfare is a completely different situation. Because of the increase in the price of fuel, the airfare has changed its rates. In other words, how to get cheap airfare depends upon a few things.
Travel Sites - How to Get Cheap Airfare
There are websites like Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, FareCompare, CheapTickets, etc are sites that allow you to find the cheapest fares after you enter all the information you need. Searching for airline reservations could become a hassle which is why it helps save time by searching online through one of these websites.
Check for Discounts
If you’re a senior citizen, you should be qualified to receive a discounted price on your ticket purchase. Students may also qualify for a reduced price. Plus, there may be specials during the time you book your flight with the airline or travel agency.
You should always verify to make sure you’re receiving the best discounts. The cost of airfare shouldn’t cause you to change your mode of transportation because there are ways to get cheaper rates. Getting the airfare at a great price depends on the time frame of booking the flight, who you book your flight with and available discounts.
Don’t settle for the first one but search to make sure you’re getting the lowest airfare. There are websites that will help you find the cheapest airfare after you enter the criteria you’re requesting. Searching for airline reservations could become a hassle which is why it helps save time by looking online through one of these websites.
Check for Discounts
There are some great discounts out there. If you’re a senior citizen, you should be qualified to receive a discounted price on your ticket purchase. Students may also qualify for a reduced price. Plus, there may be specials during the time you book your flight with the airline or travel agency. You should always verify to make sure you’re receiving the best deals.
For this step, it is important to keep looking. Visit the websites of individual airlines. Sometimes, carriers release inexpensive fares and if you look on some of the larger websites, like Orbitz, they may not report that fare. This happened to me once. I found a good rate on United Airline's website but when I checked Travelocity, they weren't reporting on the rates.
The cost of airfare shouldn’t cause you to change your mode of
transportation, because there are ways to get cheaper airfare. How to get
cheap airfare depends on the time frame of booking the flight, the name of the airline, and any available discounts. Don’t settle for the first one. Search to make sure you’re getting the lowest airfare.