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Step 1
Subscribe to Airfare Watchdog. They provide up to the minute discount airfares, many of which are not listed by the airlines themselves. You enter the airport you wish to fly out of and they search all carriers and destinations, even promo codes. Other sites may have more features, but none of them monitor Southwest and the other cut rate carriers who don't pay commissions. Beyond that you have the added bonus of real people checking to see if seats are available. Sometimes advertised fares are for one seat, or no seats.
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Step 2
Priceline.com is still a good way to get cheap airfare, but be warned, once you enter your credit card info and hit the search button, they buy a seat for you, and you have no control over what flight it is. Basically, you select the date and the cities, and then enter a price that you would be willing to pay. Priceline then takes this price to the airlines and if one is willing to accept it, they book the fare automatically. If you are a member of a frequent flier plan, remember that you will most likely be flying on a different airline. And they can't always find a seat at the price you select.
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Step 3
Ok, this one isn't a do, but don't buy(literally) into sites that offer 'Courier' airfare. Years ago this was a valid way to score cheap tickets on long haul flights, but not anymore. The Internet and FedEx type services, along with more integrated economies, have combined to shutter this industry.
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Step 4
If you are a student, or have a student ID, many airlines will allow you to fly standby at a reduced price. You need some flexibility here, as some flights may be at capacity, but it is a legitimate way to save some money.
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Step 5
Bereavement fares are offered by most airlines as well. You'll have to check with the individual airlines to see their policies, since they will generally request some sort of proof. I know people who use the deaths of distant (and in one case very close) relatives to take advantage of these fares and take impromptu vacations. Tacky, but it works.
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Step 6
Travel agencies are a good resource, if you are willing to do your homework. I'm not talking about getting them to book a flight for you, but rather using some of their unsold block airfare purchases to tourist locations. Many agencies will put together trips by purchasing blocks of airfare. They package them with block purchases of hotel rooms and offer those fantastic looking vacations to exotic places. The trick is, many times they don't sell out and will be willing to sell a seat or two at their cost so they don't have to eat them. Like I said, this requires a lot of calling around. Don't pay any site that promises to search this for you. It is most likely a scam or at the least ineffective.
