How to Get the Best Airline Price

A little planning can locate the best airline prices even for first class. (Photo: John Rowley/Digital Vision/Getty Images )

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Airlines often prove to be the fastest way to connect two destinations, especially if they are across the country or around the world. However, they can also be the most expensive way to travel, especially with constantly rising fuel prices. But savvy travelers know that a little research and following a few tips can save money. These tips can frequently save time and hassle as well because they use less crowded times and airports.

Step 1

Determine a baseline price. Unless you are well schooled in the intricacies of airline travel, you may only have the vaguest notion of how much airfare is between two places. And if the journey involves unfamiliar cities, you may have no idea of the cost. Visit travel websites, where you can specify destinations, dates and classes of travel to receive a list of airlines and their airfares. Sort the list according to price so you know which airline has the lowest fare.

Step 2

Visit the website of the airline with the lowest fare. Many will boast that their own sites have the lowest prices. For example, if Alaska Airlines shows the cheapest prices on the travel site, go to AlaskaAir.com. It even has a special page listing web specials with limited availability that may cut your prices even more.

Step 3

Sign up for an airline s frequent flyer programs. Not only does this cost nothing but you will typically receive emails of airfare discounts that may not be revealed to the public. You can also start earning mileage points when you travel or by using affiliated credit cards or merchants. After you accumulate enough points, you can exchange them for free trips. Although you can sign up for every airline mileage program in the world, it s best to concentrate on a company that uses a nearby airport as a hub so you can concentrate your efforts. For example, if you live near Atlanta, Detroit or Memphis, Delta Airlines would be your best bet.

Plan your flights for off-peak times, such as the winter to Europe, mid-week to domestic destinations or early morning and late evening. Because fewer people travel during such times, airlines slash prices to fill their planes. You ll also encounter fewer delays because of the reduced traffic.

Use smaller airports, where flights are cheaper than at the major hubs. For example, rather than go through Seattle-Tacoma, try Bellingham. Or instead of LAX, look to Long Beach. You may encounter fewer delays as well. However, factor in the additional time it may take to drive from the small airport into town. For example, the drive from Bellingham to Seattle is 90 miles.