One of the downsides to traveling long distances is the high cost of airline tickets. Depending on the time of year, and who you book with, your cost for airline tickets can be astronomical, or it could be quite reasonable. Here is a look at how I get the best price on my airline tickets with little haggling or headaches involved.
Be Flexible
The amount you pay for airline tickets can fluctuate depending upon when you plan to travel. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can often find a great deal. When searching for tickets, put in several dates and see if the price differs. Oftentimes, you can get a better deal on airline tickets by traveling off-season or leaving mid-week rather than around the weekends.
Keep an Eye on Rates
Pay close attention to various airline sites because their rates can change often. Oftentimes, travel sites will offer specials on airline tickets. Airline tickets can fluctuate from day to day, so if you see a great price, make sure you lock in your savings and book right away.
Book Through a Discount Site
Book your tickets through a discount travel site. Shop around, because one site might give a cheaper price than another. Also, when you book through a discount site, you are usually able to book other services including hotel stays and car rentals. Many times, when you book these services together, you get a better deal.
Ask About Student or Senior Rates
Prior to booking your flight, ask if they have a discounted rate for students or seniors. If you are traveling with a college-aged student or senior, or if you are among these age ranges yourself, it would be prudent to ask for their discounted rate.
Employee Discount?
This may sound like a long shot, but you’d be surprised. Many large companies offer their employers a significant amount of employee discounts, and oftentimes, this includes airfare. Rather than paying a higher price for airfare, ask your employer if they offer any such discount. I was able to get 20 percent off the cost of my flight because my employer at the time offered a generous discount.
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