discount airline tickets

Darin A asked:


If I am traveling on one and airline totally seperate from my connecting flight and it is late, do I have to pay a penalty? Will I loose my ticket on the second flight? This is not for the same airline and the fair purchased was a cheap, discount ticket. How does this work?

Tara

Me asked:


I was scheduled to make a flight with US Airways leaving at 5:45 AM, making a 40-minute layover, and arriving at my destination at 1:19 PM. I’ve had these reservations since 2/20. I was just called yesterday by the travel agency letting me know that US Air changed their schedule, making it impossible for me to make my connecting flight. They told me I could either cancel for a refund or change to a flight that left at 12:25 AM and still got there at the same time, with a 4-hour layover somewhere else. Those are TERRIBLE times for us, especially since we live 3-1/2 hours from the airport and I don’t do well without sleep. When I looked into getting a refund and re-booking with another airline, the tickets have now DOUBLED. We can’t change or cancel our reservations as we are staying at a resort.

Do I have any options here? If I contact US Airways, is there any chance they’d give me an upgrade or discount on a future flight or anything else I can do?
Also, the flight isn’t leaving until June so there’s no way it was canceled due to weather and the cost was $940 (2 tickets); now the going rate for 2 tickets is over $1800.

DAMIEN

Selvyn Patterson asked:


If at all possible, buy tickets 2-4 months before your travel date.

Many airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. Airline Tickets are also subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.

Avoid flying on weekends if possible

When planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $20-$30 increase.

Travel During The Off-Peak season

Most Airlines increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low or off-peak season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist crowds. If you still have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.

The Duration of your Stay

Your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination or return within 90 days.

Why Use A Connecting Flight?

Direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you are traveling light (minimum luggage), and flexible with your time schedule, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.

Ask about and use the senior citizen discount

Many Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount to the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.

The Early Bird gets the best and cheapest Airline Ticket

Contact the Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. Be one of the first and choose the best and cheapest tickets available for your destination at this time.

Research Airline Ticket Prices On The Internet

Excellent feature of the internet is that you can see all available Prices from a very convenient place, your home. You don’t have to visit travel agencies in your community. Most internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you use their services.

Before you shop on the internet

Canvass travel agents in your area regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. Check the newspapers and compare prices, as some airlines publish discounts in print.

If you’re planning to buy your ticket more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel agent, since internet sites don’t usually have schedules that long.



LAMONT