How Can You Get Really Cheap Airfare Tickets?
By Clint Hale
You want to travel, but you don't want to pay an arm and a leg to do so. This is a common mindset for many cost-conscious travelers. Fortunately, when it comes to scoring a deal on airline tickets for that next great golf getaway, all that's required is some preparation, patience and an Internet connection.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Scour the Internet. Once upon a time, scoring deals on airline tickets was no easy feat. Now, thanks to the convenience of the Web, it's really no trouble at all. Consult websites that focus exclusively on cheap travel, including CheapoAir.com and CheapFlights.com. These sites cull information from a bevy of travel sites into one central hub. Also, online travel sites--including Expedia and Priceline--feature sections dedicated to discounted packages, cheap flights and other arrangements.
Book way in advance ... or wait until the last minute. Airlines, particularly in tougher times, are desperate to fill as many seats as possible as quickly as possible. On that note, airlines often offer deals in advance in the hopes of filling up as many seats as possible. When those flights fail to fill up, and the flights is days or even hours away, the airlines are likely to offer deals on last-minute tickets. Also, websites such as LastMinuteTravel.com specialize in corralling last-minute travel deals from a number of airlines and travel sites.
Travel during non-peak hours. For instance, flying out to your golf destination on a Friday afternoon or weekend is likely to result in a higher rate. However, by flying out on a non-peak time, such as a Tuesday morning or another weekday, is likely to result in cheaper fares. One surefire way to score a deal on airline tickets is to book a "red eye" flight--those flights that fly out overnight. Many travelers are weary of flying at night, which can result in deals for those who don't mind doing so.
Become a rewards program member. Most airlines offer rewards/frequent flier programs in the hopes of rewarding those who fly often with the airline. These programs are often available at a low-rate for frequent travelers, and tend to result in discounted rates on certain flights, free first-class upgrades and other deals. Consult individual airlines for more information on rewards programs.
About The Author
Clint Hale has worked for a number of media outlets throughout his seven-year career, including the San Antonio Express-News (for whom he covered golf, football, and general features) and Examiner.com. He earned a Journalism degree from the University of Texas.
