Monday, October 5, 2009

Travel Tip: Booking the Lowest Airfare

When I plan a trip, I go to great lengths to make sure I am getting the cheapest airfare possible. My dad worked for the airlines, so I grew up flying free and so I hate paying for a ticket. Over the years I've made a few observations that help feel confident I'm getting the best fare out there. Here are 3 tips to help you get the best fare for your upcoming travels:

1. The lowest listed fares are usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2. Use Expedia, Orbitz and other travel sites to see available fares, but make sure to double check the airline site. Often I can save $5-10 on service fees, and they have more time options.

3. Figure out what you will be paying to check baggage, for the emergency exit row, etc. Many airlines have extra fees these days. I love Southwest because they don't have baggage fees . I recently booked a trip on a different airline because the fare listed was cheaper. After getting to the airport and paying over $100 (each way) for baggage fees, it would have been cheaper for me to fly Southwest.



Wondering which airlines are best for traveling with kids? Check out my earlier post, "Favorite Airline for Traveling with Toddlers."
Posted by A Fist Full of Dandelions at 5:42 AM
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7 comments:

  1. Karen October 5, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    Great tips. We just booked out winter trip last Wednesday and the price went up $100 last night. The tip about Tuesdays and Wednesdays is a winner!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I love to hear from readers.

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  2. MandeeOctober 5, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    Great tips!
    I have never actually flown! My hubby goes on business trips, but I'm so nervous about flying. I guess I have a little bit of a fear of heights!

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  3. love lives in the kitchenOctober 5, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    thanks for tips! i need to take my christmas ticket now, so stresfull!
    wish you a great monday!
    justyna

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  4. Rocky Mountain MemoirsOctober 5, 2009 at 1:12 PM

    Very good tips! I do the same thing as far as checking Expedia or Orbitz first and then booking directly on the airline's site. It makes hunting for the best deal much quicker. I didn't realize Tuesdays and Wednesdays were less expensive...I will keep that in mind!

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  5. countryfriedmamaOctober 5, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    I never heard tip #1 before. Thanks! Booking airline tickets drives me nuts. The whole system seems arbitrary. My husband usually has to do it or I end up screaming.

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  6. julesOctober 6, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    I agree with all your tips. My husband flies a lot for work and I am always looking for the lowest fares. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. AmandaOctober 6, 2009 at 1:19 PM

    These are excellent tips and being a very inexperienced flyer, I really appreicate them!!

    Blessings to you!
    Amanda

    ReplyDelete

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