With the price of gas this summer, many Americans may have opted on vacationing at home this year. However, before you throw in the towel on your summer fun, follow these tips to soar the skies and get away from it all. Cheap airfares are available if you learn these tried and true traveler’s secrets.
Check your options before purchasing. Start up the PC and checkout websites, such as cheap fares.com or priceline.com, for comparisons between airlines and rates. Sites such as these, offer the consumer various deals and packages that are affordable for what ever you desire.
If your days of travel are not set in stone, search for different days, times, and airlines. Most airlines charge more for weekend travel, so you may find a better rate if you leave on a weekday. It’s easier to get flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Mondays are typically busy. Fares are often higher on Sundays and holidays. It may also help to stay over a Saturday night. In general, it's easier to get air travel bargains during the middle of the week.
Avoid peak hours. Flights departing either before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. may offer lower rates. Flying on a midnight flight may save you more than if you travel when normal people are awake. You will avoid over crowding and most likely be offered more room to move.
Find a different airport in a city near by. Generally, smaller airports charge higher fees than larger ones. Driving an extra thirty miles may save you money, sometimes as much as $75 a ticket. International airports may save you as much as $200 per ticket.
Research the prices from at least three different airlines. The differences can be astounding.
Frequent flyer miles may help you obtain cheap airfares. Beware to check the fine print, however to ensure that frequent flyer discounts do not conflict with other discounts offered.
Search for flights that have a connection or a one or multi-stop flight. These types of flights can be cheaper than direct, nonstop flights.
If you are the adventurous type, last minute discounts and unsold passenger seat can save you money. If you are flexible to this type of cheap airfares, and don’t have a specific destination in mind, this could be the way to go.
Before you plan your vacation, stay alert to what airlines are offering what bargains. Airlines are highly competitive and will out haggle each other to get your business.
Find out if additional discounts are available. Many airlines offer cheap airfares to seniors and students.
Joining a travel club may save you money. Another advantage is that with these types of services, you can receive e-mails informing you of upcoming discounts and specials.
Your family vacation doesn’t have to be outrageous and expensive. With a little work, you can find a deal that won’t use all your hard-earned savings. After all, a vacation is meant to make you relax, not break the bank.
By R. S. Wagner