Finding Cheap Airfare
In many ways, travel has become more economical during this decade - particularly air travel. Due to a long run of airfare price wars and the emergence of the discount airfare (no frills) airlines, many travel destinations that might have cost you a lifetime's saving before are now well within reach. I hope this article gives you an idea or two about how to save money on airfare and ultimately how to make your travel dreams a reality.
Is it Cheaper to Fly?
Flying has become a very common mode of travel, however statistics show that the airfare purchase is still the lion's share of our travel expenditure. There are a number of creative methods for finding cheap airfare that will permit you to travel by air on a tight budget.
Should I Book My Airfare with the Airline?
If you decided to use phone the airline directly and book your discount airfare with an airline agent, make sure you specify your desire is for the
lowest possible airfare or the
cheapest airfare. Some of the specific flight specials, airfare coupons, and cheap flights promotions do not fall under the airline's economy or apex fares so asking for a seat in economy class is not enough.
Should I Use a Travel Agent?
While most travel agents are reputable, remember that not all travel agents are motivated enough to help you find the cheapest airfare. Travel agents are paid by commission, so you are almost always better off by looking for cheap airfare on the Internet.
What if I'm Planning Many Stops?
If you're planning an international itinerary or you're planning many stops, you might want to consider a Round the World (RTW) ticket. According to the article on Wikipedia,
"A round the world ticket is a plane ticket allowing you to fly around the world, usually over a period of up to a year and with between three and twenty stops at different airports. Round the world tickets cost far less than the sum of the one-way tickets between each set of individual stops."
Many travelers plan entire holidays using a round the world itinerary. This cheap airfare option is great for the intrepid type of traveler who spends time going from continent to continent. Best of all, the travel route can be pre-determined but normally only the first leg of the flight itinerary needs to be booked in advance.
Why do Budget Airlines Offer Cheaper Flights?
Have you noticed that the budget airlines usually offer lower airfares? They offer cheaper flights for many reasons, but much of their magic comes because they fly through secondary airports. Book with the budget airlines and you'll save quite a bit - giving you lots more to spend when you arrive at your destination.
What About Foreign Airlines?
You can often fly cheap by searching and booking your flight through a foreign airline's website (via an airline that lands in another neighboring country). For example, one local airline offered a return flight from Kuala Lumpur to New Zealand for $4000, however a quick search on a foreign airline that was still reachable by road offered the same flight for $3200. $760 is a BIG savings!
Should I Become a Frequent Flyer Member?
If you find yourself flying pretty regularly, then you should definitely sign up for the airline's frequent flyer program. Points accrued through these programs will reward you with free flights and free upgrades. Make sure you sign up for the frequent flyer newsletter or e-mail too as most airlines send out notifications and promos that way.
Recommended Reading:
"Save on Airfare Secrets is the BEST material for both casual and business air travelers - all in one place for easy access too!"
- airfare-now.com
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