Finding Affordable Airline Tickets

I discovered something interesting while shopping online for airline tickets recently. Airline rates have started changing faster than mortgage rates do. If you’ve ever shopped for mortgage rates, you know they can go up and down several times a day. This is normal behavior for mortgage rates. I’m hoping it’s not the new norm for airline tickets, because it takes a lot longer to plan a trip when the prices change so quickly. It’s doable, though. Here are some tips to help you find affordable airfare.

Start Early

If finding the most affordable rate is your number one goal, you should start looking for airline tickets many, many months before your trip. My family is headed to Boston in a few weeks. I knew about the trip in January and started searching casually for airfare in February. I started by looking at flights to several different airports so I knew what my options were, and what prices I eventually wanted to beat.

Don’t Rely On One Source

Sites like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz used to have the cheapest prices, hands down. That’s not always the case anymore. In fact, many airlines no longer sell tickets on these sites. I usually start my search on these sites, because they give you the benefit of viewing ticket prices for multiple airlines at the same time. I then go to the websites of the individual airlines to see if I can save money buying from them directly. Buying direct was cheaper 90 percent of the time this spring.

Set Rate Alerts

I like Airfare Watchdog, but many sites offer this free service, including the ones mentioned above. Simply enter your travel itinerary and set the price you’re looking for. If the airfare gets down to that price, you’ll receive an e-mail alert. If you’re close to several airports, set multiple rate alerts. Naming your own price on Priceline could also work for you.

Look for a 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

When I landed the price I wanted for our tickets to Boston, I found out that my husband still had not cleared his time off at work. Knowing rates would most likely be higher the next day, I felt like I had to book those tickets at that time. Continental not only had the best price. The airline lets you cancel or change your reservation at no charge within 24 hours when you book on their website. If your plans change or you find a cheaper, last-minute rate, you have an out. Other airlines may do this, but I know many of them don’t.

Be Flexible

If your travel dates or times are flexible, use the feature on travel sites that lets you compare airline prices for several different days. My family saved  more than $200 per ticket by extending our stay by two days. Our cost to stay in a hotel for those nights was just a fraction of that cost.

Wherever your travels take you this summer, have a safe and enjoyable vacation.