By Wanda Siemer
There are several methods to find cheap airfare tickets. Finding cheap airfare tickets depends a lot on flexibility and patience. There are plenty of deals available monthly for those who can and can't wait to travel.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Step 1
Shop for travel in advance. Start looking around about 4 months in advance of when you plan on traveling. For the best possible deal, check online sites on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when airlines roll out their discounted fares. Don't forget to go directly to airline sites as well because sometimes their fares are a bit lower due to no booking charges. The larger booking sites add booking charges. Always book airline tickets to depart on a Saturday for a discounted price.
Step 2
Bid on airfare at an auction. Skyauction.com offers the opportunity to bid on airfare. Keep in mind that the prices reflect per person, so double the auction price for two travelers. They also add some charges and restrictions, so be sure to read the fine print before bidding on airfare. This site can offer some fantastic deals for those who can monitor a bid at odd times of the day.
Step 3
Check last minute travel deals. If you can be flexible with when you travel, you can sign up for last minute travel deals with many airlines online. They will notify you when prices fall for a destination, and what time frame you will need to book in to get the discount.
Step 4
Understand when to stop shopping and buy. Sign up for an email deal newsletter at farecast.com. This will allow you to compare fare prices over several weeks. Then you can snap up the best fare when it appears.
Step 5
Check multiple airports. If you live near or can use more than one airport, check the airfare for departure from all possible airports from which you could leave.
Step 6
If you purchase airfare, and the fare goes down, ask the airline for a refund. Some airlines have this policy and some do not. Check with individual airlines to see if you can get some money back.
Resources
About the Author:
Wanda Siemer is a full-time freelance writer. Prior to freelancing, Siemer was employed for five years as a computer tech contractor and four years as a graphic artist. She holds an associates degree in business administration.
