Today's travelers are smart and save money, which explains why they land online like never before to explore, compare and book air. As they discovered, bypassing travel agents and choosing to buy cheap airline tickets online, it saves time, money and frustration – all the while ensuring that they get exactly what they want and when they want it.
In fact, according to a Juniper survey, 37% of internet travel consumers visit three or more websites per tourism product. A further 20% of airline internet travel consumers report feeling empowered by online flight research, even though they visit only one or two sites that are necessary for research.
With tight budgets and little free time to browse, network shoppers enjoy the many benefits they get when purchasing airline tickets online.
Of course, if online airline buyers can be flexible with their travel dates (just a day or two) or even airports (they fly only 20 miles from their final destination), they can save even more money, allowing their hard-earned dollars to be used during downtime rather than leisure.
In addition, there are other ways you can shop online for discounted flights and extend your dollar even further.
Plan ahead
For example, have you ever noticed that the closer you are to your actual travel date, the more you have to pay? Rest assured it is no coincidence. Instead, it stems from the fact that the butchers behind the airlines know that many business travelers have to fly in the short term and take full advantage of it, charging more to book those last-minute flights.
Of course, this can make traveling more expensive for CEOs who have to make an appointment in a neighboring state or other country, but it may not be more expensive for you.
All you have to do is plan ahead. For the best air travel, plan well in advance so you can book your flight 21 days in advance.
Please note that if you simply cannot put together your travel plans so much in advance, you will see significant discounts for booking 14 days in advance. After that, you'll want to research and compare, because the price of your flight will surely go up – actually heavenly.
But not too far
Keep in mind that you pay to be patient and if you are trying to book a flight months in advance and the prices are higher than you negotiated, do not worry. Air tickets are fluctuating and you may be able to book a flight at a price you are willing to pay (and not for a little extra) if you just wait.
Of course, the oblig can also be raised. So, the best strategy is to compare transportation prices over a period of time to see what happens to the fares. In doing so, you are sure to know a good deal when you see it.
Stay flexible
Be flexible in your flight planning. Booking different days may save you even more money by allowing you to get really cheap airline tickets.
For example, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are usually the cheapest days to fly. This means that booking a flight on a Monday with a return trip on Monday will usually increase costs.
Also, late night flights and very early morning flights are times when not many people want to fly, which can provide you with another cheaper alternative – such as further discounted airfares.
In short, stay flexible for cheap air travel
Consider flying on holidays
Okay, so you don't want to fly on Christmas day, but if you were planning a flight trip around one of the slowest days of the year's trip, you would save big bucks.
Also, plan your family vacation in Disneyland or Las Vegas after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. This will save a lot of money on airline tickets, and you and your family enjoy shorter lines and a theme park.
Location, location, location
As mentioned above, consider a flight at an adjacent airport. This short 20-mile drive can save you several hundred dollars. How about for a little extra pocket change when on vacation?
Get to the car, too
You will save money when you book your plane tickets online, but to get an accurate idea of how much you should pay and how much you save, keep an eye out for airline fares. Check your local and national newspapers and keep and open your eyes to fluctuations and even special airfares, then press Net.