How to Buy Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets

Dirt cheap airline tickets are still able to be found. Yes, the airline industry is struggling. Yes, many airlines have raised fares. Yes many airlines charge you extra if you want to breathe on the flight. That does not mean you are without options for dirt cheap airline tickets. Follow these steps to get cheap tickets for your next trip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. CHECK NEW DISCOUNT AIRLINES.
   
   As I write this article one airline is offering $9 flights. It's legit. They really operate. They add the required taxes and fees onto that number, but you still end up with a round trip, sometimes cross country, flight for under $100. If you are adventurous and willing to take the risk the company might go belly up before you fly, this can get your cheap tickets. Check all restrictions and recognize these dirt cheap tickets are limited in availability.

2. USE FLIGHT SEARCH SIGHTS TO VIEW YOUR OPTIONS.
   
   The old school discount sites aren't as up to date any more. Now macro search sites such as Kayak allow you to search all of the discount airline sites at once in one place. You can adjust your take off and landing time needs as well as the type of plane you want to travel in, etc.

3. USE STANDARD METHODS FOR GETTING CHEAP TICKETS.
   
   Include an overnight stay, check surrounding airports, be flexible in your times and days of departure and return. All of these things usually lower the cost of tickets.

4. 

   BID ON DIRT CHEAP TICKETS.
   
   Once you have an idea of the going rate, bid for the flight on priceline if you can handle a red eye flight. Shoot low at first and bid early. That way you can take your time bidding up.
   
   See more tips for dirt cheap tickets below. Also view related articles on this page.

Tips & Warnings

• Compiling all of your mileage on one airline network gets you free tickets faster. That's better than cheap.
• Be willing to get bumped off of any flight. You will receive vouchers or free flights in the future.
• Use flight fare trackers to help you fly in the off-peak times months and days.

[ibeejc]

on 9/19/2009 I didn't know you could bid on flights! This is a great article on how to find cheap airline tickets! Thanks!

[christinichka]

on 8/14/2009 I didn't realize you could bid for a flight on priceline. Interesting. Thanks for the information.

[dorigillman]

on 8/14/2009 this is great, too. i will save it for future use.