How to Find Cheap Plane Fares

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By amberdawn
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How to find cheap plane fares

Would you like to know how to find cheap plane fares? If you've never flown before, booking a flight can be a daunting task. There are so many airlines, and you've probably seen commercials for websites that can help you get discount prices. If you're wondering how, it really is true that depending on who you book a flight with, you and the passenger next to you probably paid two different prices! So if you'd like to learn how to find cheap plane fares, read on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Money
Internet connection (which you obviously have!)

Step 1

For cheap plane fares, research what credit cards will give you air miles

Look into earning air miles to get cheap plane fares. Don't make the same mistake I did. I got a Delta Sky miles credit card. Which would have been fine, except there are no direct international flights out of Boston. So if you don't mind a layover in New York, this looks like a fine program.

Another program I tried is the Windows Live Search games. You can earn points toward air miles while playing quick little games. Every little bit helps!
Step 2

Contact organizations you are a member of, such as your worker's union or AAA. These organizations usually have offers on discounted flights, so don't forget to check with them regarding your travel plans when you're hunting cheap plane fares.
Step 3

Do your research to find a cheap ticket!

Try third party booking sites! I was nervous to try these, but in the end I saved money booking with vayama. Other sites include: Cheaptickets, Cheapflights, Hotwire, Kayak (this came personally recommended to me my a colleague) Travelation, Travelocity, Cheap Air, Lastminute.com, and Expedia. I really recommend checking ALL of these on a weekly basis. The fact is, the EXACT same flight was a different price, depending on what site you buy the ticket on! Just be sure to read the fine print since some have booking fees. If you are nervous about booking on third party site, at least shop around online for cheap air fares on the websites for the major airlines. Be sure to check if taxes are included in the price of each flight, since their cost is nearly half of the total cost!
Step 4

Cheap plane fares are at off peak times

Decide on your priorities regarding time. Are you willing to fly at an off-peak time, such as a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday? These days are cheaper than the others. Are you willing to compromise on the time of day, and fly overnight, or early in the morning? These times cost less. Are you willing to have a layover? This will also reduce your cost.
Step 5

Read online reviews of airlines. There will always be nay-sayers in any group of online reviews. But reading what people do and don't like will help you gauge if this airline is right for your needs. Good luck!