| can afford to spend a little time searching, you can | | | | wanted was not available on the desired date, try |
| save money and get the flight you want and save | | | | again, especially just before the advance-purchase |
| money. With the Internet, it is easy to comparison | | | | deadline. |
| shop and get the best deal for your dream vacation. | | | | Some airlines may have discounts that others don't |
| The more you save on airfare, the more you can | | | | offer. In a large metropolitan area, the fare could |
| spend on your vacation. | | | | depend on which airport you use. Also, a connection |
| Start out by going to the big airline shops online. | | | | (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes |
| Check prices on Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz. This | | | | cheaper than a nonstop. |
| is your starting point. You may wind up booking with | | | | Does the air fare include types of service that airlines |
| one of these sites, but for now, just use them to | | | | have traditionally provided, such as meals or free |
| get a baseline price. | | | | baggage handling? If you have a connection involving |
| Next, check prices at some of the smaller sites - | | | | two airlines, will your bags be transferred? Can you |
| Cheaptickets, Farecompare, and airfare. Again, these | | | | get advance seat assignments? If you are stranded, |
| are sites to get a rough idea on prices. You can also | | | | will the ticket be good on another carrier at no extra |
| visit your favorite airline and see if they have any | | | | charge? Will the first airline pay for meals or hotel |
| specials. | | | | rooms during the wait? |
| Once you have determined price, airline, and arrival | | | | Keep in mind that many discount fares are |
| time (more important than departure time), it is time | | | | non-refundable; if you buy one of these fares and |
| to find a local travel agent or bucket shop. | | | | later cancel your trip, you will not get your money |
| Armed with the information you found online, you | | | | back. Some fares also have a penalty for changing |
| can now ask specifically for the flight you want and | | | | flights or dates even if you don't want a refund. You |
| know what price your local agent has to beat. You | | | | may also have to pay any difference in air fares if |
| can bargain with them - and let them know what the | | | | your fare is not available on the new flight. |
| online prices are (if they are lower). | | | | Some airlines will not increase the fare after the |
| Plan far enough ahead and if you find a great deal, | | | | ticket is issued and paid for. (Simply holding a |
| reserve it and tell your travel agent to call if the price | | | | reservation without a ticket does not guarantee the |
| drops. Prices can vary by the day or even the hour. | | | | fare.) Other airlines may reserve the right to collect |
| Be persistent. | | | | more money from you if the fare that you had |
| Here are some more tips to help you save money. | | | | purchased goes up before departure time. Find out |
| Be very flexible in your travel plans in order to get | | | | from the airline before you buy your ticket what its |
| the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to | | | | policy is on assessing fare increases after the ticket |
| travel on certain days of the week or particular hours | | | | is purchased. |
| of the day. After you get a fare quote, ask the | | | | After you buy your ticket, call the airline or travel |
| reservations agent if you could save even more by | | | | agent once or twice before departure to check the |
| leaving a day earlier or later, or by taking a different | | | | fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare |
| flight on the same day. Check other agents - not all | | | | goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund |
| agents have access to all airlines. | | | | the difference. But you have to ask. Try to establish |
| Be smart - plan as far ahead as you can. Some | | | | a rapport with the agent - this will pay off for future |
| airlines set aside only a few seats on each flight at | | | | flights. |
| the lower rates. The real bargains often sell out very | | | | Differences in air fares can be substantial. Careful |
| quickly. On the other hand, air carriers sometimes | | | | comparison shopping among airlines does take time, |
| make more discount seats available later. If you had | | | | but it can lead to real savings. Be patient, start early, |
| decided against a trip because the discount fare you | | | | do your homework, and save money. |