Find Cheap Airfares - Tips and information on discount travel

Although most people turn to Priceline and their auction function when it comes to scoring cheap air tickets, Hotwire shouldn’t be overlooked for your quest to great airfare, either. Although Hotwire doesn’t work quite the same way as Priceline, you aren’t bidding for one thing, you can often find significant savings on the site. Here are 10 tips to using Hotwire to find great deals on cheap air tickets.

1. You can get same day flights using Hotwire. However, the website won’t book you on a flight if it is earlier than 5 ½ hours for U.S. or Canada flights or 7 ½ hours for international flights. You also can’t book international flights after 4:00 pm on the same day of departure.

2. Unlike some websites, Hotwire generally does not require that you stay over on a Saturday night in order to get the cheapest fare.

3. If you choose a regular discounted fare on Hotwire, then you get to pick your flight time and airline, just as you would on any other website. The fares might be somewhat cheaper than what you might find on Expedia.

4. If you choose the Hotwire Limited Rate cheap air fare then you can pick the day but not the airline or the time. While you need more flexibility for this, you will also get a bigger discount in return.

5. If you can’t find a Hotwire Limited Rate then you can try other dates and other airports. Hotwire might even suggest alternates themselves.

6. Most of the airlines will permit you to stand by for alternative flights, as long as they take place on the same day. This is true even when you purchase your flight using Hotwire. It is best to stand by for earlier flights than later flights. That way, if you don’t get accepted then you can at least get on the flight that you were scheduled to get on.

7. Having some flexibility will definitely result in the best airfares. Even changing the day of the week that you are flying can help you score cheaper tickets. Instead of flying out on a Sunday, for instance, change the date to either Monday or Saturday.

8. Check back often. Airfares can change at the drop of a hat, and the same is true on Hotwire, too. If your trip is far enough away, then check prices everyday for a week. This will give you an idea of whether or not they are changing.

9. Don’t wait too long, though, or else you might lose your good deal. Generally, prices go up about 3 weeks before departure.

10. Remember that Hotwire isn’t like Priceline. Although you have a limited amount of time to purchase your tickets, you are not bidding on them and therefore you can look as often as you want.

Some people prefer Hotwire because they are not only able to find good cheap air deals, but they also feel as though they have more control over their selections. By following the tips above, you, too, can score discount airline tickets.