discount airline tickets

John Layton asked:


There are many websites promoting cheaper airline tickets. If you compare prices between the sites, and some sites even compare between other sites for you, you can find the best possible price. Many of the websites have a lowest price guarantee, so be sure to check the fine print in case you qualify for it.

Another way to save money is to request an e-ticket, instead of having traditional paper tickets delivered to you before the flight. They also have the safety feature of not being able to lose the tickets before the flight, especially if you book far in advance.

You can buy two “back-to back” cheaper round trip tickets instead of unrestricted tickets, which is more expensive. By using half of each set of round trip tickets, you save money. The major draw back to this is you can’t use them toward frequent flyer miles.

If you travel during the middle of the week, instead over the weekends, you can usually purchase cheaper airline tickets. The weekends are higher volume, so seats are at a premium.

Many times a flight with layovers will be cheaper than a direct flight, so if time isn’t an issue, you can save money there. The same goes for flying stand-by is also a money saver. You take the risk of not leaving at a scheduled time, but if you have an open-ended departure and arrival time, flying stand-by saves you quite a bit.

Packages deals that are bundled with either car rental or hotel stays can often get you a reduced airfare. This is a good deal, as long as you were already planning on having those expenses on your trip.

By adding yourself to travel website e-mail newsletters, the send out occasional special deals. If you are able to travel on short notice, some of the deals are well worth the money.

Another great way to save airline ticket prices is to fly to or from a smaller airport within driving distance of your destination. It’s possible to save up to $100 a ticket by doing this. It pays to do your research of the area surrounding your destination.

Another way to save money is by contacting a travel agent. Sometimes they are aware of deals that aren’t publicized on the websites. People have even found great travel deals in the newspaper.

One last way to save money on our airline tickets is to book as early as possible, before the prices rise. Keep an eye on the market value of the tickets and try to determine the best time to purchase your tickets.

Research and educating yourself is the biggest key to saving money when purchasing airline tickets.



MORRIS

eager2know asked:


I have 2,000 frequent flyer miles through american airlines. I live in vegas and i want to go to chicago for a visit. That is 1510 miles away. Can the 2,000 bonus miles I have already work in discounting my airline ticket?

Please help!!

CAMERON

KSR asked:


Airlines try to force customers to buy round-trip tickets by offering discounts on round-trip tickets that usually make them cheaper than one-way tickets. My question is, if I buy a round-trip ticket and only use it one-way, can I still claim my miles for the entire trip?

GLEN

Terrie Bryan asked:


Do you love to travel? I do too, and I am always looking for new ways to find inexpensive airline tickets. I prefer to spend my money on other things rather than spending a bundle on airfare just to get to my destination. I bet you would too. So I have gathered together a few tips to help all of us “thrifty” travelers.

1. Check neighboring cities. For example, if you are planning on flying into Washington DC, be sure to check out prices for flights to Baltimore instead, as these flights are almost always less expensive.

2. If you are not traveling internationally, consider flying on one of the subsidiary airlines for the major carriers (such as Delta Express), as you will usually save money this way.

3. Be sure to use the Internet to check out last-minute discounted fares on the airline’s website. Start looking Wednesday for the upcoming weekend.

4. Be patient and wait for a good price to come up. However, when you do see a great price go ahead and grab it.

5. Try to be flexible with your leaving and return dates. Sometimes if you just adjust your dates by one day you can get a better price. For example, leave Thursday and return Monday instead of leaving Friday and returning Sunday.

6. If possible, book your tickets directly at the airline’s website. If you use a travel agency, even one online, they will charge you an additional fee. It will also be easier to correct any problems if you are dealing directly with the airline itself instead of a travel agency.

7. Mornings are sometimes the best time to check for tickets, and Saturday and Wednesday mornings are good days to take a look for some great prices.

8. Don’t forget to sign up for frequent flyer miles; it is surprising how often people don’t take advantage of this perk.

9. Traveling one way? Even though you will find this doesn’t work all the time, be sure to check for round-trip prices as well since there are occasions where it is cheaper than flying one-way. Crazy? Sure, but hey, we are trying to save money here so do what you have to.

10. If you plan to travel on a holiday, be sure to book your tickets well in advance. For one thing, you will have a hard time getting the seats and dates you want if you wait until the last minute, but you also will save on airfare by buying early. However, be sure of your itinerary because you will cancel out all savings you made if you have to change your travel dates.

11. Make sure you always book your flights at least 21 days in advance. This will get you the best fares. The earlier the better in this case. Never buy tickets within 7 days of your planned departure if you can help it, as you will pay a significantly higher fare.

12. Consider traveling on the “red eye” flights. Check with your travel agent to see if you can save with these late-night fares. You can often save as much as 25% this way.



STAN