- Advance Purchase - Book your ticket at least 21 days in advance of take off. You can save 50-60% off standard coach fares. Usually tickets bought less than seven days in advance are considered last minute reservations, and you'll pay much more. Advance tickets are usually non-refundable, but you can change dates for a fee. Be sure to check all of the airlines advance booking guidelines.
- Low Traffic Take Off - Schedule take off on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (low traffic times). Try to avoid departures on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, (heavy traffic) when prices are higher.
- Stay Saturday - Schedule a Saturday overnight stay.
- Red Eye - Find out about airline "red-eye" flights that depart very late in the night and early morning hours. You may have to ask an airline reservation clerk about them, but you might save 25%.
- If your vacation dates are set in stone, check into booking your trip six months in advance, but rememver changing your travel dates can cost you.
Refunds
After you buy your ticket, keep your eye on the airlines prices. If the airfare drops after you bought your ticket, ask for a refund or credit for the amount you paid over the new lower rate.
Keep your eyes and ears open for coupons, sales and promotions from the airlines. If you can book your flights during a sale, you may be able to snag the best deal ever. Check Web sites and newspapers for up-to-the-last-minute deals, but remember trust your instinct: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
