There are at least five very different ways to find low-cost airfares on the Web! Here's a summary of different strategies, with relevant links below.
Difficulty: N/A
Time Required: 2 hours
Here's How:
- First, do your homework: check local newspapers for advertised fares so that you'll instantly recognize a bargain on the Internet, and be ready to jump on it.
- Check farefinder websites: enter a departure city and a destination, and the farefinder will grind its way through its database looking for fares.
- Check websites that offer discount deals: a number of good websites specialize in gathering discount deals from many airlines.
- Check the "Discount" or "Bargain" sections at airlines websites: most airlines offer Internet Specials of some kind.
- While you're at an airline's website, be sure to sign up for free email Bargain Notifiers: each week you'll get an email about current deals -- a great way to find bargains.
- Try your luck at travel auctions: enter a figure that you're willing to pay for a trip.
- Check the Family Travel Deals pages at Travel With Kids!
Tips:
- Some farefinder sites search only published airfares -- be sure to check sites that also search for discount fares.
- Be careful when using travel auction systems: with some, such as the popular Priceline, once you enter your bid you are committed to purchasing, with no changes possible.
- Try a few different dates when using farefinders: airlines offer hundreds of different, and constantly changing, fares. The best-designed sites build in flexibility about dates.
