Avoid School Holidays
All travel gets more expensive during school holidays, including flights. If you
don't have children, this one's a no-brainer. And if you do have children, have
you considered leaving them behind?
Book Early
It is a myth that the cheapest airfares are available to those who book last
minute. Rather, the best deals are usually available about 6 months before
departure, when the seats are first released for purchase, and these disappear
as availability gets more scarce.
Be Flexible with Dates
Depending on the destination, it is often cheaper to travel on a Sunday or
mid-week, or if you stay over the weekend. Checking prices for dates a few days
before or after you originally wanted to fly can often have a big impact on
fares. And if you really want to be away for Christmas or a particular bank
holiday weekend, then extending your stay for a few days either before or after
the popular dates can save you a lot of money.
Be patient
Sometimes the least expensive flights might require you to have a lay-over or
change planes. Decide how quickly you have to get to your destination.
Bring Your Own Drink and Snacks
Why pay for tiny bags of pretzels and bottles of water on board? Bring your own
plastic sandwich bags filled with snack foods or pieces of fruit. Eat before you
get to the airport or make a sandwich (minus any liquid condiments like
mayonnaise) at home.Bring an empty bottle and once
you get past security, fill it at a water fountain for free. Can�t stand the
taste of tap water? Those individual sticks of powdered drink mixes are great
for making any water taste better, and many are available in sugar-free
versions.
Pack Just a Carry-On
With most airlines now charging extra for even the first checked bag, the
easiest way to save some cash is simply not bring anything that won�t fit into
an onboard carry-on suitcase. This doesn�t mean overstuffing it, though.
Be Open-Minded about Airports
Budget airlines often fly to a minor airport that is farther away from the city
center than the main airport - this saves them airport fees, which they can pass
on in price savings, and you get to see unusual and exotic regional airports!
Book Early and Fly Midweek
With airlines in 2008 reducing the number of flights they offer to save on fuel
prices, the chances of even getting a seat on a flight have gone down, never
mind getting the great deal. So it's a good idea to book as soon as possible.Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday will save you a few extra bucks as those
are the flights that are usually hardest for the airlines to book. Also pay
attention to the rules, as many airlines are now charging more if you don�t stay
over a Saturday night at your destination