Cheap Flight Tactics When Buying Your Airline Flight

NOTE: Due to the recent spate of terrorist attacks to international flights, there may be changes within each airline in relation to the number of flights, hand luggage permitted, as well as increased security in airports.

Airline ticket prices can depend on where you are going, when you are going and how long you stay. You may need to sacrifice convenience for cheaper fares so be flexible and always check for different options.

* Try to buy your ticket about 2-3 weeks ahead.

* Be as flexible as possible and check if flying on a different day is cheaper. For example Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are low-demand days for flying, and airfares tend to be cheaper, as are late evening flights or early mornings. Sometimes staying over on a Saturday night also results in cheaper fares.

* Try to travel in off-season periods.* Check the fare prices at different airports in the cities of your departure and destination.

* Ticket Agents have the seats in front of them with all of the pricing for each and this includes the discounted seats. They try to sell expensive seats so don't buy on the first quote. If you make them search their database for a while, you can hundreds for just another 5 minutes of them searching. If you have flexibility, ask about buying a "standby" ticket which can be heavily discounted.

* Save airline discount coupons, check newspapers for promotional fares (restrictions may apply).

* Don’t book directly with the airline. Visit their websites and sign up for newsletters. Airlines can make last minute discounts via email or on their website.

* Travel agents are useful but are not always the cheapest option. Keep notes on flight prices so you can compare your options.

* After you buy your ticket keep checking prices. Some airlines will refund the difference if discounts are made.

* Many airlines offer “compassion fares” if there has been a death or serious family illness. These are about 50-70% off the usual fares. Ask what kind of documentation is needed.

* Return tickets are usually cheaper and are a good defense against immigration officials who want to be assured that you are going to leave the country. Get a ticket with an airline that allows you to make changes to the ticket without any problems. If you are working or studying for more than one year you may wish to get a one-way ticket (if you are in Europe you can utilize the cheap tickets out of London to come home).