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Here's how to get the lowest airfares possible
Getting the lowest airfares has become a challenge because
there are so many different rates available and so many
different sites offering those rates. When you finally
decide to buy a ticket, its hard to tell if you really
got the best price.
Here's a few tips that you can use to keep your airfare costs in check:
- Check directly with the airline you want to fly on -
many of the airlines are offering lower fares directly to
customers than are available on any of the cheap ticket
sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, etc. Why? Because very
often, the airlines are paying some sort of commission to
these sites for acting like a travel agency and you are
the one that is paying the extra money that goes to the
travel site. How much of a savings can you expect? 5-15%
And with the price of airline tickets skyrocketing, that
can add up to a chunk of change.
- Check with the airline for special deals which may
include discount packages where you get a rental car at
below market rates. About a year ago, I called Northwest
Airlines to get a ticket to Salt Lake City. I asked the
customer service representative if they had any good deals.
She told me they had a special going right now with Avis
where I could get a free economy car for the weekend when I
got a ticket directly from Northwest.
Secret #3: Check the airfare rates at airports that are 2-3
hour drve away from your home airport. Sometimes, you can
save big bucks by driving to another airport and then
flying round trip from there. Sure, its a hassle, but you
might save several hundred dollars for a short drive. Make
sure you include the cost of gas when determining which
ticket is the best deal.
- Check out package deals that include hotel, rental car
and airfare. This is where you want to visit Orbitz,
Expedia, Travelocity and others. They often get blocks of
rooms, tickets and rental cars they put together at great
prices.
- Last minute weekend getaways are another place you can
save big bucks. Check out airline last minute getaways.
Especially Northwest Airlines. They seem to have
unbelievable deals to major destinations if your schedule
is flexible.
- Secret tip: Ask your ticket agent if there are any
better rates or fares than the one you got. AAA, AARP,
others negotiate special deals for their
members. With a little persuasio skill you may get those
discounts too, even though you're not a member!
With a little creativity, some flexibility in your schedule
and some patience you can keep your airfare rates as low
as possible.
Emiser Largent is the webmaster of
ABG Travel
which is a premier source for travel information.
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