If you are into finding ways to get cheap flights, then you should have several websites bookmarked for searching for deals.
But an important thing to remember is this, be ready to act! You can play the game of watching and waiting which can reward you, but it can also frustrate and cost you.
The best way is to have a price YOU are comfortable with.
On some flight search websites you can sign up for email alerts of a price you’re willing to pay, such as Airfare Watchdog.
When that price is available, or lower, then jump on it. That way you can be satisfied that YOU got a good deal, and you won’t have regrets.
Tips and Strategies
Start Searching as Early as Possible
Preferably at least a month in advance as most deals involve making your reservation 21 days in advance! Best time is usually 6-8 weeks prior to departure.Be Flexible with Your Dates
Give yourself the best chance to capture any of the cheap flights when the prices fluctuate.Adjust Your Times for Flying
Taking the red-eye, or flying at unpopular hours increases your chances of getting flights cheap.Use the Same Airline for Both Directions
Because round trips can be about the same as one-way, it doesn’t make much sense not to!Use Your Age
Ask about student discounts at STA Travel.Fly on a Midweek Day
NEVER fly on weekends!…Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest times.Consider a Longer Layover
Flights with longer layovers usually have lower price tags.Avoid Holiday Periods
Try not to fly within 7 days before or after a holiday.Go Directly to the Airline Website
Once you look at all the various websites and search engines, as a LAST resort go direct to that airlines own website. Many of the airlines have lower fares that you can only get when you book online at their site, or buy an e-ticket.Sign up to Their Emailing Lists
Special airline promotion codes can knock up to 50% off your fare. These codes are offered directly by the individual airlines.To find these codes, sign up to any type of communication your airline is running. e.g newsletter, e-mail, twitter feed etc. You can also be notified of last minute deals in this way.
Be Careful of Re-Fundable Tickets
If they cost more, don’t buy them! Especially if your travel Insurance policy has trip cancellation coverage anyway.Join a Frequent Flyer Program
Earn point towards cheaper fares, free upgrades, bonuses, and free companion tickets.It may take a while to accumulate points, and it may cost you slightly more to fly with your particular airline or it’s partners, but they CAN pay off big time if you fly a lot – which happened to me in 2006.
I was able to fly for free round-trip from Raleigh, North Carolina to my brother in-laws wedding in Cape Town, South Africa.
Fly Into The Largest City in the Continent
Then either travel overland or take a cheap connecting flight to reach your destination.Don’t Over-Pay for Luggage
Make sure your luggage is not over sized or overweight. Check individual airline sites for rules, some charge for a carry-on now.Where Do I Search For Cheap Flights?
Here is a list of flight search websites we personally use to start searching:- Kayak.com – Compares hundreds of sites at once. It’s a true search engine, not an internet travel agency!
- Skyscanner – Provides instant comparison on flight prices for over 670,000 routes on over 600 airlines.
- STA Travel – student discounts
- Air Treks - around the world flight ticket experts.
- Airfarewatchdog – hooks you into time sensitive airline deals too difficult to track on your own.
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