Best Strategies for Finding Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets

One of the most expensive costs of travel is the airline ticket. It’s not always easy to find dirt cheap airline tickets when you’re traveling on a budget, but there are a few things you can do to track down the lowest possible rate.

Several online travel agencies and third-party sites allow you to compare cheap flights from several aggregators, but you may not always have access to the largest selection at any given time. Here are some of the best strategies for finding dirt cheap airline tickets:

1. Book flights at alternative airports. When you’re heading to a major city such as Chicago, New York or San Francisco, you may be able to find dirt cheap airline tickets that arrive and depart at airports on the outskirts of the city, or within a short drive from the major hub. Consider booking your flight at an alternative airport to save on the cost of your flight.

2. Travel during the week. Book your vacation during the middle of the week and you may be able to find some of the lowest fares on both domestic and international flights. Mid-week is considered to be the slowest times for major airlines, so you can find many great deals simply by booking a flight that returns and departs on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

3. Cash in your frequent flier miles. If you’re part of a frequent flier program, or you have credit cards that allow you to earn frequent flier miles on purchases, you can lower the cost of airfare by cashing them in. Call your airline to find out how many frequent flier points and miles you’ve accumulated so that you can get a lower rate.

4. Be flexible with your travel dates. If you can travel outside a week before or after your ideal date, you may be able to get a better deal on your flight. Consider departing a few days earlier or later than initially planned and compare the cost of the flights. You may be surprised to find much lower rates simply because you’ve shifted your flight forward or back by a few days.

5. Avoid traveling on major holidays. Flights and travel packages are usually much more expensive over a holiday weekend and throughout the major holiday seasons. If you can help it, avoid traveling over the holidays or look for alternative travel and transportation options to secure the lowest possible flights.

There are several ways to find dirt cheap airline tickets, but you will need to plan ahead to get the best deals. Use these tips and strategies to find the best rates on airline tickets for both domestic and international destinations.

Tags: cheap airline tickets, Cheap travel, Dirt cheap airline tickets

Secrets of Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets and Cheap Travel

If you’re like many travelers on a tight budget, you may be on a constant search for dirt cheap airline tickets and cheap travel packages. There are now dozens of travel sites that publish cheap airfare, hotel packages and travel deals, but only some are actually a good offer. In most cases, you need to time your booking and do some research to compare published fares and rates. Here are some of the top secrets savvy travelers know for getting dirt cheap airline tickets and travel packages:

Finding Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets

If you’re planning a trip overseas, or a trip that’s longer than two weeks, you can find dirt cheap airline tickets by booking two or more separate flights to cities along the route. In many cases, booking separate flights, instead of a nonstop or direct flight can save you a significant amount of money. Another way to find dirt cheap airline tickets is to either book several months in advance, or to book at the last minute.

Securing Cheap Accommodations

Instead of staying at a hotel or resort, consider renting an apartment, condo or staying at a locally-owned bed and breakfast. Renting an apartment for a week or month, or staying at a bed and breakfast is usually much cheaper than staying in a hotel or resort, especially during the peak season. Do some research about locally owned vacation rentals and book in advance to save on your overall travel package.

Other Ways to Save on Travel

In addition to finding dirt cheap airline tickets, securing cheap hotel accommodations and booking a cheap travel package, there are several ways you to save money on your entire vacation. If you’re staying at an extended stay hotel, condo or vacation home, you can cook your own meals and save money on the cost of food. Dining out expenses can really add up when you’re on vacation, so consider shopping at a local grocery store and making your own meals to save some money.

Another way to save on your travel package is to make a group reservation with friends or relatives. Traveling together can save you a significant amount of money on the cost of accommodations and even some forms of transportation.

There are several secrets budget-conscious travelers know when it comes to finding dirt cheap airline tickets and securing a cheap travel package. Use some of these tips to secure cheap airline tickets, reduced rates on accommodations and to save money throughout your trip.

Tags: budget travel, cheap airline tickets, Cheap travel, Dirt cheap airline tickets