If you see a very low fare, double check it. It seems likely that it is just a teaser and does not apply to you. Here are 5 tips to find low fares that do apply. 1. Be aware that fares can change from one day to the next. To find a low fare you should be flexible as to the days you will fly. In the USA you should avoid Friday and Sunday as on these days fares tend to be high. You will find the lowest fares for flights on Wednesday followed by Tuesday and Saturday.

2. Fares are often lower the earlier you book. In the USA, however, you can be patient if you depart from a hub city (see tip 3). Seats have become scarcer and fares tend to increase in 2010 as airlines cut their capacities.

Last-minute deals have become scarcer as well. US airlines typically post them on Monday nights, so you should shop on Tuesdays to get the lowest fares.

In Europe airlines usually post their deals early in the morning or late in the evening. These are the moments to search for deals.

3. Airlines may more frequently offer fare sales from their hub cities. For instance, Atlanta is a hub for Delta Airlines and for discount carrier AirTran, while Houston is a hub for Continental Airlines. If there are more flights into and out of a city, like in hubs, there are more chances for discounts.

4. In the USA you may visit www.farecompare.com to compare fares. If you are looking for routes and fares on European low-cost airlines you may visit www.flylc.com. If you also want an overview of network airlines you may visit www.skyscanner.net.

5. When you check bags, be aware that some airlines charge more if you pay the fee at the airport. Thus, you can save some money by paying the checked bag fee upfront online.

Related articles: “Where should I book my ticket?” and “Gaming the system with fees (updated)”

Add comments: