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Read SmarterTravel's best tips before you buy:
- The lowest fares are usually for midweek travel: Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays for domestic fares, and Mondays through Thursdays for international travel.
- A seven-, 14-, or 21-day advance purchase, as well as a Saturday-night stay, are usually required to get the best deals.
- Routes that include a flight connection are often cheaper than nonstop flights.
- When shopping around, experiment with different travel times. Early-morning or red-eye flights may provide a better deal.
- Remember that an airline's sale fares aren't necessarily the lowest available fares.
- Plan your travel to avoid your destination's peak season, when fares tend to be the highest.
- Consider alternate airports. You may be able to get a much lower fare if you're willing to drive an hour or two to a nearby departure or destination city.
- Sometimes flying isn't the cheapest travel option. Consider taking the train, bus, or driving if it's feasible.
- Don't forget to earn frequent flyer miles every time you fly.
- When you find a deal you're happy with, book the ticket right away. If you wait too long, the deal may disappear.
