Buying Airline Tickets It's best to compare as many specials as you can before you buy. Be very aware of hidden costs because there might be taxes and other fees not previously disclosed in the original price. Also read the contracts of any travel disclosures about protecting yourself and your belongings. Also be sure to check your airlines refund policy (contract of carriage) and and know your rights on flight changes, delays and cancellations. Sign up for airline "alerts" for quick notification of delays or cancellations. Know before your flight what other airlines are flying to your destination, so incase of cancellations you can call them or ask gate agents for availability then go directly to their terminal. Try to buy your plane tickets 2 to 4 months in advanced. Much sooner if you are flying during a holiday peak season. Sometimes buying your ticket less then 21 days before you fly, or standby, can save money too. For best prices search for tickets on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday Morning or a Monday (after midnight or 5pm) and try to fly on a Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday. If not flying directly non-stop, always check pricing on connecting flights from other cities for better deals. Don't forget to look at first-class seating for specials. Always check directly with an airline or hotel too for special prices and extras. Airlines & hotels usually have weekly deals so signing up for e-mail alerts on their website for price breaks is a good idea too. Traveling off season can save money too: (Europe Nov. 1st - March 15th) (Caribbean Sept. 1st - Dec. 15th) (South America, Australia, New Zealand May 1st - October) Carbon offsets |