Finding the Best Airline Fares

Finding the Best Airline Fares

By: Caitlin Megonigal

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       So last week I discussed cheap ways to travel after you've already arrived at your destination. This week I am going to talk about how to get the cheapest air fare. So there is four three things that you should keep in mind when buying an airline ticket; the dates, be flexible,  and comparing flights. To get the lowest fares it is general practice to purchase your tickets between 14 and 21 days before your flight. The day of the week that you decide to fly out and the day week the ticket is purchased makes a big deal when trying to get the lowest fare. Typically flying out Monday through Thursday (and sometimes Saturday) will get you a lower fare then flying out on a Friday or Sunday. Also, by purchasing a ticket during the week you will find lower prices than trying to buy your ticket during the weekend. Airlines are always changing around the prices…I know it’s annoying. 

A good example of this is when my mom was looking trying to buy our tickets to California for our family vacation this summer. I think she looked for weeks on ends and finally found a really good ticket price. Well after purchasing them she realized that she had not received a confirmation and  that the purchase hadn't gone through. When she went back on the website to buy them that deal unfortunately was long since gone. Fortunately though she looked back the next day and the deal was back!

The season also makes a big difference in the prices. Take advantage of off-season prices because once the holidays and summer hits the prices drastically increase. If it is adherent that you travel during the holiday season it is better to travel on the holiday rather than before or after it. 

Be flexible! To make sure that you as a traveler get the lowest ticket fare be flexible about which days and what times you are able to travel. Also, try out different combinations of dates and times, even departing airport and arrival airport. For example if you’re from the Maryland, Virginia area you could fly out of either BWI or Dulles International Airport. Most third-party travel sites like Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia allow you to search for fares using flexible searches. 

Compare fares! If you’re going to take any advice on this page, this is the most important. If you don’t know where to look start with the sites I have listed below:

• Expedia

• Travelocity

• Orbitz

• Kayak

Another tip is to go straight to the airline site; third-party website like the ones listed above tend to tack on extra fees for using their site. 

Check out this website for even more tips:

http://www.smartertravel.com/airfare/resource.php?id=13923