2007-12-01 17:46:09 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Air Travel
There are several ways to get the best airfare: Try one of the big companies: Travelocity.com. or Expedia.com. The advantage to them is that they show many different airlines and the cheapest prices for both the specific date you want to fly and the dates surrounding that date. In case your plans are flexible. The disadvantage is that you are locked into the fare dates. If you want to change a date due to injury or an emergency, their fees can be extreme.
Try the airlines directly. Either their Web sites or direct telephone lines. Some of the Airlines offer low price guarantees meaning that if you find a cheaper fight on another Web site they may match the price or beat it. Each airline is different though, so you have to check them out individually.
Just remember, if you are going to try to get the cheapest flights, the airlines normally have restrictions. You may have to purchase the ticket 14 or 21 days in advance, there may be no refunds or changes allowed. You really need to know these restrictions. If you try looking for a last-minute flight you will end up paying a lot more, although there are occasional exceptions. I personally, managed a last minute ticket to S.F on the Millennium New Years eve. And received a better price than my friends that had booked a month in advance! But… you cannot depend on this at all.
Usually travel agents do not get the lowest fares and sometimes they tack on a commission. Travel agencies used to be the best way to get the best airfare, but with the Internet, It is now just as easy for individuals to check themselves.
If you call an airline directly (they all have toll-free numbers), be sure to ask them if they have any specials. Often they do have specials, but you have to ask them about them!
So be careful about restrictions on tickets. Be aware of charges for overweight baggage and remember that many of the very CHEAP fares you see in the Travel section of the local Papers are fares that are quoted, “without taxes” Taxes can really add up.
Have fun and happy travels.
2007-12-01 17:50:04 · answer #1 · answered by Traveler 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://www.airfarewatchdog.com
They have real people who list the lowest fares out there. It's a great site. Some destinations are limited, as they only list the lowest fares. Might want to check there before booking.
2007-12-01 17:57:02 · answer #2 · answered by WildMage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to kayak.com
it compares all prices from travelocity, expedia, orbitz etc as well direct ariline's websites
once you find the correct flight that fits you best, go to that airline's website and book it on there. Saves you 3rd party fees. so make sure to write down the flight # when you are on kayak.com-that way it will be eaiser to find it on the actual airline's website.
i've done that numerous times, works the best!
good luck!
2007-12-01 17:53:48 · answer #3 · answered by jpcjulia 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check www.wiitravel.com or www.findvacationsonline.com, they give you the price with all the taxes and fees upfront so you dont get three pages in and find out you have to pay a surprise fee.
2007-12-01 18:57:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is only one
2007-12-01 22:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by KM_Fubar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.cheapflights.com
2007-12-02 00:12:15 · answer #6 · answered by GSH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋