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* Use insider language when you search for a flight If you book directly through an airline, specifically ask for the lowest published fare. If you dont, you could get a higher fare on the same flight, same seat. In fact, tickets are classified by everything from restrictions on cancellation to numbers of days before flight time. A seat with more restrictions and a lower price is fine for the average pleasure or business traveler. After asking for the lowest fare, inquire for any available promotions on that day or coming up soon. * Use the Web to shop for cheaper flights Comparing fares used to be a full-time job. No more. Frequent travelers can learn about fare wars online, via e-mail or by fax. * Look for promotions Special promotions are offered all the time by airlines, usually in concert with a credit card company or a retailer. * Buy APEX If you book directly with an airline, plan ahead enough to get an APEX (Advance Purchase Excursion) fare. Buy your tickets seven, 14 or 21 days before the flight and stay over a Saturday. Tickets are nonrefundable, but often can be exchanged for a $100 fee. On domestic flights, APEX costs about one-third or less than the regular fare. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic shave an extra $100 off if you book 90 days or 45 days ahead respectively. Airlines change fare policies quickly, however, so call airlines regularly. * Book through consolidators Consolidators are companies that buy blocks of tickets from airlines and resell them at a discount from 30% to 60%. The only catch is that you may not get frequent-flier miles and changing plans may be more restrictive. You can call directly or use a travel agent. Some airlines have their own consolidators. * Look for creative booking strategies If you like puzzles, you can book that $224 round trip special from Boston to Miami for mid-April, then fly to the Bahamas for another $193. The round trip from New York is about $501. You save $84. Especially for long flights or offbeat destinations, this can work wonders. But if the savings are relatively modest, then you must decide if convenience is worth the extra price. * Consider charter airlines Charter companies hire airplanes and fill them to the brim. Its not my favorite way to travel for several reasons. * Companion fares for two Airlines often offer special companion fares to induce you and your significant other to choose that carrier. The fares are often based on a higher priced ticket for the first traveler, but offer significantly reduced rates for the second passenger. The sum total is less than if you bought two tickets at even a discounted rate. Flying for less is not a difficult task. Just because the person next to you paid full freight to fly in a crowded coach section of a cross-continent flight doesnt mean you have to share in that experience. |
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