Airline Reservation Online Money Saving Tips

Friday, 14 August 2009

Airline ticket rates can vary wildly for passengers on the same flight. One person can pay $250 for a seat
while the individual in the next seat may have paid $1000. There are many tactics to help your reservation resemble that of the first passenger
not the latter.

Book your flight as soon as you decide on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for reservations made at least 3 weeks in advance. The best rates often include a Saturday night stay and have travel dates during the work week.

Shop at the many online travel agents to compare the rates of many different airlines. Be sure to check at least 3 different sites
as each may have a different alotment of tickets
and service fees can also vary.

Be flexible about when you travel
since even changing the flight time on the same day can effect the reservation rate. Unpopular early morning or late evening flights tend to have lower rates. Also
try to avoid peak travel season
summer
spring break
and Christmas and New Years. The cheapest fares tend to be found during the off season and at other times when planes are filled below capacity.

If travelling to a large city
Check the fares for any nearby smaller airports
as it might be cheaper to fly into a neighboring city. Remember to allow for other costs when you considering this option
such as rental car or taxi fares. This might also extend travel time.

In some instances
splitting the trip with stopovers my bring savings. However
be sure the savings are large enough to justify the extra trouble of the stopover.

Look into booking your travel plans as a package deal. Sometimes it is possible to save money by reserving a hotel room and a rental car along with the airline ticket. If you are going on a cruise
ask the cruise company if they are affiliated with any airline. Some credit card companies also have discount agreements with some airlines. The reverse is also true : many airlines have agreements with hotel chains and rental car companies that can save you money on other travel expenses.

When dealing with a live travel agent
ask if this is the best rate that they have available or if there are any specials offering essentially the same itinerary when you are booking your reservation.

Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible. Students age 16 to 26 are can get special discounts
and seniors may be able to get discounted fares through the AARP.

Belonging to
or travelling with a group
may get you a better deal on airline reservations. If you are a member of a club or service association
check whether they have a travel plan. If travelling with a group
ask for a group discount. Discounts are often available for government
military or corporate employees. Often
airlines will even extend these discounts even for non-business travel.

In the case of large groups
it is sometimes cheaper to charter a plane than reserve individual seats. This may save time as well as money
since the charter airplane will accommodate your schedule
and baggage can be managed for the entire group
with much less chance of loss of luggage.

When you reach check-in at the airport
ask if any special upgrade deals are available. Sometimes it is possible to upgrade to first class at a nominal fee
and this is definitely worth it on long flights due to the larger seats and extra leg room.

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