For years, it has been worthwhile to check the special offer pages on an airline's Web site -- and to even sign up for weekly email notifications of available last-minute fares.
This advice isn't always well-received.
Those special offer pages are just hype, right? Those airline emails are spam!
Many budget travelers prefer to use search engines to find the best fares. But they could be missing the best deals, especially at the last minute.
Airline executives say they are growing tired of having their pages bypassed for search engines, and having to pay commissions to online travel agencies. In 2008, Ryanair went so far as to suspend third-party bookings with 300 Web sites.
Most airlines take more subtle measures, but know that efforts are underway at a growing number of airlines to divert customers from places other than their own Web sites, where vacation packages and other offers could also get your attention.
How is it done?
Many are producing promotion codes only available to frequent fliers or email subscribers. Some of the discounts are modest, while others could cut the price of your airfare in half.
For that reason, it is important to sign up with airlines which you are likely to use. Some budget travelers create email accounts solely for that purpose so they don't clog their primary mailboxes.
More information: Examples of airline offers not available on search engines.
