The Internet has been the most significant revolution in the travel industry since the advent of commercial air travel. Consumers, once at the mercy of airlines and travel agencies, now have the ability to plan their own travel arrangements, compare prices, research destinations, read countless first-hand reviews, and even bid on airline tickets and hotel accommodation on auction sites. The impact on travel costs has been dramatic. The old travel industry adage that two travelers on a given flight had not paid the same price for their tickets has largely become obsolete, as greater consumer access to information has had an overall leveling impact. in ticket prices. Using inflation-adjusted figures, air travel is now cheaper than ever. However, many travelers continue to pay more for their travel needs than for the need to do so. Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the best airfare deals possible.
1. The day and time of purchase can have a significant impact on ticket prices. Every night at midnight, airlines reload their reservation databases with available seats that have been reserved but not paid for. For that reason, it is best to conduct your search in the early hours of the morning. This is one of the reasons why, in the past, travel agents had access to better airfares than the general public. Today, however, you can search for these tickets yourself on any of the major travel sites (Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, etc.)
2. As with all service industries, convenience often costs more. For example, a weekend getaway can be significantly cheaper if you’re willing to fly out on Saturday and return on Monday than if you needed to leave on Friday and return on Sunday.
3. A little flexibility can save you a lot of money. This is true with respect to travel dates and airports. For example, as of this writing, a ticket from Miami to Washington, DC purchased 60 days in advance currently costs $183 plus tax; however, the price drops to $133 if you’re willing to depart from nearby Ft. Lauderdale.
4. Frequent flyer programs can be a great way to save money, but redeeming your miles requires a little more diligence. Most airlines reserve only a small percentage of their available seats for travelers who redeem miles, and they are typically available to reserve 330 days prior to departure. For these reasons, it’s always to your advantage to book rewards program travel well in advance and be as flexible as possible about your travel plans. Also, many airlines charge extra for phone reservations for award program travel, so it’s always best to book these arrangements online if possible.
5. It is often advantageous to book and buy tickets at least 21 days before departure; however, there are exceptions. The advent of last-minute booking outlets has made spur-of-the-moment much cheaper than in the past. In many cases, ticket prices are comparable to advance notice prices. For example, as of this writing, the best price for a round-trip ticket from Miami to New York for travel dates four months in advance is $195, offered by American Airlines. The same ticket for travel on the same days next week is just $236 with no booking fee at LastMinuteTravel.com.
6. Compare prices. Because different travel-related websites have different relationships with airlines, it’s always best to check more than one site before buying. Just because one site has the best rate for your last trip doesn’t mean the same will be true for your next trip.
With a little effort and browsing the web, you can really save big on airfare by booking online. I hope these tips help you, and happy riding!
