Best Tips for Getting the Cheapest Airfares

Everyone knows that airlines are facing a drastic decrease in business due in large part to the stress of a sagging economy. Prices for airfare seemingly have taken the opposite trend; increasing dramatically while airlines are cutting back on available seating and adding numerous fees that just add insult to injury to the airfare costs. Rather than waiting for those elusive airfare deals that are announced from time to time, turn instead to some of these best tips for getting the cheapest airfares.

Sometimes it takes just a bit of creative flexibility to grab those opportunities for savings that truly are out there. It will take a vigilant attitude, an adventurous spirit and a trend for thinking out of the traditional vacation box, but you can overcome the challenge of higher than normal vacation costs.

Scout for Sales. Airlines are feeling the pinch of fewer people flying. There are going to be a great deal of last minute sales on airfare as the major airlines attempt to fill their seats on particular days that see fewer travelers. Lesser known airlines are capitalizing on these leaner times by offering great deals. The best method of keeping up to date on these sales as they are announced is to sign up for “sale alerts” that will be emailed to you in a timely manner. Websites such as Orbitz, Travelocity, Farecast and Airfarewatchdog, Sherman’s Travel and Travelzoo specialize in watching fares for people who are scouting for the best deals. A word to the wise: when comparing fares described as “cheap deals”, be sure to understand any additional fees that may apply to your situation resulting in higher costs. Extra baggage, oversized baggage, carry-on baggage and other items can rack up charges of $50 and more to your “cheap fare”. When comparing the deals offered by different airlines, be sure to include these items in your comparisons to determine which actually is cheaper.

Travel Where Others Aren’t. No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be vacationing in barren deserts or crime ridden cities. What it does mean is that certain destinations are truly hurting because of a huge downtrend in visitors. Many people are discarding as vacation ideas such places as Las Vegas, Hawaii and Alaska; choosing to stay local instead for their vacations. As a result, these hot spots are attempting to entice visitors to their locations by offering some fantastic deals in attractions, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, resorts and more. When demand decreases, marketing ploys increase, and the savvy tourist will be ready to take advantage of those great prices. Be sure to do your homework when the deals are announced to ensure what you are seeing really are the best deals.

[smartads]Explore Your Own Region. Within each state are several vacation hot spots; locations that residents and neighboring states often overlook in their zeal to travel. Flying short distances can often be extremely affordable, and leave plenty of hard earned cash for exploring the areas. Flights between locations such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, Boston and Philadelphia and San Antonio and Dallas are often offered for round trip fares under $100.

Instead of waiting around for airlines to offer great deals on airfare on the days they deem to be ideal for travel, you can get some truly excellent fares by being creative and flexible in your vacation plans.