Here's a step-by-step list of things you should do when trying to book flights that cross international borders.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 60 minutes
Here's How:
- How flexible is your schedule? If you don't have to leave on a specific day, consider becoming an air courier and flying for a fraction of commercial fares.
- Air Courier flights are not good for people who want to travel together. If you have a companion and a flexible schedule, consult consolidator offerings. Warning: some people have bad experiences with consolidators.
- If neither of the options above appeals to you, begin fare searches using sites like Expedia or Travelocity. Punch in a variety of dates, and record the lowest fares.
- Subtract 20-30 percent from the lowest fare found and consider making that amount your bid for tickets in a travel auction like eBay or Priceline.com. Be sure you understand the rules before you bid.
- Look at fares to nearby cities, especially if flying to the United States or Europe. Sometimes the savings will more than cover ground transportation to your desired city.
- Add the cheaper airport's city to your itinerary.
- If a one-way ticket is desired, check the round-trip fares. Sometimes they are actually cheaper.
- Avoid using different airlines for each segment of the trip. Stay with one airline or its affiliate.
- Avoid flying during high-volume holidays. Check to be sure your destination country is not celebrating a holiday upon your arrival or departure.
- Ask for discounts before booking. Seniors and students can get reduced rates on some routes.
Tips:
- You can find links on the About.com Budget Travel site for most of the above steps.
- Consider booking your trip in the 'off season'. For example: February is high tourist season in the Caribbean, but a great time to find cheap flights to Paris. In August, nearly the reverse is true.
- Invite opinions from people who make your planned flight frequently. Visit internet boards and chat rooms for these contacts.
