All over the Web, people are searching for discount airfares-- often with the nagging feeling that a better deal dangles just a click away.
Many factors affect success: how close you are to a major travel hub, how flexible you can be.... Before searching, check local newspapers for fares so you'll know a bargain when you see one. Then be ready to act fast: some bargains expire quickly, and airlines' fares can change several times a day.
There are five very different ways to find discount airfares online, so read all the way down the page before you start!
Five Ways to Find Discount Fares
1. Find discount airfares: Farefinder web sites
Enter a departure city and destination, and the farefinder will grind its way through its database, and look for discount fares. Kayak, Qixo, Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia are some top sites for finding bargain tickets.
Some farefinders let you be flexible about when you travel-- an excellent feature, as fares can vary wildly from one day to another, even for flights on the same airline.
Another feature to look for is flexibility about airports: for example, searching all London or New York airports; or searching alternative airports within, say, a 100-mile radius.
2. Web sites with discount packages
A major trend at travel sites these days is to offer packages and not just airfares, and packages are often a great way to save money on your entire vacation cost.
Note that package deals won't show up in a regular search for airfares at a travel site; but as the sites get smarter, you may find that relevant packages are displayed conveniently along with your airfare search results. It may be worth your while to click and explore.
3. Discounts at Airlines Web sites
Virtually all airline web sites have sections for "Hot Deals" or "Specials", which display major promotions and seasonal sales.
Pay particular attention to any "Internet Specials", i.e. bargain fares only available if booked online.
Another important reasons to visit airlines Web sites is to sign up for bargain notifiers that will arrive by email.
4. find discount airfares: Bargain-Alert Newsletters
At most airlines sites and major travel booking sites, you can sign up for free weekly emails that notify you about current bargains.
These notifiers are an excellent way to keep informed about deals.
5. find discount airfares: online auctions
Another way to save money on travel is to place a bid for tickets to where you want to go.
Priceline deserves a special note: Priceline is a popular site where basically you enter a price that you're willing to pay, and Priceline tries to find a flight, hotel, vacation package etc.-- BUT be aware that when you make your bid you'll be entering credit card information, and are committed to buying!
Be sure to read About's Guide for Budget Travel's strategies for getting the best deals at Priceline: Revealing Priceline Secrets- bidding strategies.
