May 2010
10
Timing is Everything
To begin with, decide whether or not you need to arrive at your destination during the so-called rush-hour times. Because most people don't like to travel in the very early mornings, or even on the late-night redeye flights, a majority of the airlines will offer these tickets at reduced rates. Along these same lines, the days that you travel are going to be important too. You'll find that airline tickets are less expensive if you travel during the middle of the week such as Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The higher demand for tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays is going to cost you more than on the other days of the week. Rather than getting the weekend on either end of your trip, you have one smack dab in the middle. So, if you're able to book your tickets at night and/or during midweek, chances are you're going to save more money than you might have first thought.
Propper Planning Prevents Pricey Plane Tickets
What about buying your airline tickets plenty of time in advance of your vacation? This is such a great idea and it will save you plenty of money. Better than 95% of the airlines will offer great discounts on your travel plans if you're able to book your flight at least thirty days in advance. If you’re a smart consumer, and we know that you are, don't try and buy your tickets the week before your planned vacation. Speaking of planning ahead, it's a good idea to keep yourself in the know. If you don't mind a little extra junk mail now and then, subscribing to an airline's e-mail list will keep you informed of discount fares and specials. Airline companies periodically send out special offers and deals that you can take advantage of by being one of their subscribers.
Traveling Without Moving
The Internet has become a wonderful way to travel without moving. You can go places without even leaving your house. When seraching a good airline deal online, you'll encounter a whole host of discount packages. If you have a travel agent, then you may be paying for a process which you could do for yourself -- instead of a commission that they will charge you. You'll find collective discounts such as; car rentals, hotel rates which may be lowered for you, airline shuttle vouchers to get you from your car to the terminal, and even baggage transfer savings plans to lower your travel costs. It's also a great idea to consult any family and friends who travel regularly, as they may have the inside-track on which airlines will be flying near to where you're going. The beautiful thing about the Internet is that you can go to many different websites and locate the best deals without having to go there. Don't rule out large travel agencies, though. Because they deal in volume, they can sometimes find you a better deal than you can get online. Just be sure to check all your options.
Ask the Experts
What about finding better deals by going with some of the specialists in this field of their expertise? Orbitz.com and Expedia.com are companies who are making a living at doing this. While they might not be able to arrange your ideal flight, for the perfect vacation days that you have planned, they have become a wonderful tool for people who fly frequently. Some of these discount travel sites even have a way of finding you first-class seating at traditionally low coach prices.
Use Your Miles
Maybe you're a frequent flyer who is looking for a way to combine all of your air travel miles into discounts for yourself? If this is you, then you should think about selecting a credit card that offers travel miles every time you fly. Many airlines out there are trying to lure more clients to their company by offering reward points every time that you make a purchase on common items. Everyday things like gasoline, movie tickets, and food supplies are considered to be some of these usual items. With these reward points, you'll find deals on air travel related costs like airline shuttle or taxi cab fares, baggage transfer costs and even free airline tickets for your next vacation or business meeting.
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