How to Book a Cheap Flight

Traveling expenses can be costly, in some cases resulting in canceled vacation plans. Since flying is the quickest way to travel from state to state or internationally, it is important to exhaust all possibilities in finding and booking a cheap flight.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with peak travel seasons. The main reason for peak and off-peak seasons is the weather. You are automatically at an advantage when flying during the off-peak season.

2. Use an airline buddy pass. Buddy passes are a way that airline’s allow their employees to share free or cheap airline tickets with their family and friends. Be sure to ask your friend or relative who works at an airline!

3. Research the Internet and comparison shop! Utilize all of your knowledge of travel websites. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and jot down the prices for flights. Recheck these same websites a few days later. Often times, prices drop.

4. Book your ticket in advance. If you are certain of your vacation dates, book your tickets well in advance. Advanced ticket sales during peak seasons tend to be cheaper if you book early.

5. Consider altering your vacation dates. Simply changing your departure and arrival date to a weekday as opposed to a weekend can drastically lower your ticket prices.

6. Shop for last-minute deals. Airlines have a tendency to offer last-minute deals to domestic and international locations. Often times, airlines with flights that are not booked to capacity will lower their ticket prices at the last minute. These deals can be found on the Internet, in newspapers or seen on television advertisements.

Tips & Warnings

• Try booking your tickets online. There are a lot of deals exclusive to Internet users.

• Use your frequent flyer miles.

• Remember that flights with a connection tend to be cheaper than direct flights. With this in mind, always check the length of time for a layover and the airport connection location.

• Try to use airlines that have a reputation of cheap airfare.

• If you are unsure of what is a good price or not, call a friend or family member and ask. You may find something that is moderately priced, but you are unsure.

• Look for words like, "limited time only" or "best deal."

• Read the airlines refund/cancellation policy carefully before buying a ticket online.

• Make sure you are familiar with Buddy Passes and standby tickets!

• Standby means just that. Prepare to miss a day or two of your vacation if you choose to travel standby.