The easiest way to break the traveling budget is with your flight. It's hard to find the lowest airfare out there these days, especially with the myriad of companies trying to tell you that THEY have the lowest airfare prices, or know where to find them. Lucky for you, there are several ways to take a bite out of the cost of flying. Here are some tips and techniques to make sure you are getting the lowest possible airfare. Please note that the advice given here is just that: advice. Companies mentioned are not better, or worse, than any other organization out there that claims to offer the lowest airfare possible.
Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It
Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies "hire" people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn't actually a "payment" that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt - you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn't interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though.
Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid
Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of 'maybe' getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it's a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you've bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you're off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.
Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages
Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).
Lowest Airfare Technique #1: Courier It
Without a courier, many important packages that are working their way through the flight system would be stuck in customs an awfully long time. Therefore, courier companies "hire" people to transport their packages for them in a set. All that you have to do is forfeit your baggage space, and you can receive some of the lowest airfare prices available. There isn't actually a "payment" that is exchanged here; you are providing a service, but in return you are only getting the lowest airfare that the company can afford. Also, scheduling can be a bit of a pain in the butt - you may have a quick stopover in one place you wanted to visit, and days in another that really doesn't interest you. Plus, can you imagine flying to Paris with only your overnighter bag? Those with light luggage and really flexible schedules may love this option, though.
Lowest Airfare Technique #2: Bid
Online services like Priceline can be risky. However, if you are willing the tradeoff of 'maybe' getting a ticket with some amazing deals, it's a great route to go. The idea behind these types of companies is that you post a bid on their web site for the lowest price you are willing to pay for airfare. Then, you wait. Once you've bid, its set in stone; if someone accepts the bid, you are required to follow through. If no one does, then you're off the hook (although also without your lowest airfare!). I would recommend this option only to people who have highly flexible itineraries.
Lowest Airfare Technique #3: Special Offer Pages
Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for the lowest airfare deals before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine lowest airfare peek-a-boo that you do. There are several finer points to watch with these lowest advertised airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).
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