Everybody loves a good deal, but finding cheap airfare to a destination of your choice on your travel dates can leave the best of us scratching our heads. Here's our industry insider's list of the best ways to book the cheapest tickets.
Use private browsing
Websites store cookies in your browser when you view a page. These trackers enable the site to increase the fare every time you revisit for a flight search. Private browsing mode does not store your searches, and each time you do a new flight search you can be sure you'll get a good deal.
Book at midnight
Travel experts in the know suggest booking flight tickets at midnight from Monday through Wednesday. Studies indicate that booking at this time early in the week guarantees the lowest airfare.
Compare travel sites
Travel websites and search engines generally inflate their advertised fares to make room for their costs. When booking a flight, comparing the ticket prices on several travel search engines could be your best way to book at the lowest fare.
Book early
If you already know your travel dates and destination well in advance, you're already halfway to significant savings. Airlines typically increase their fares as the departure date approaches, so booking early can help you find flights at the lowest rates.
Set up alerts for specials
Airlines often have great airfare deals on their websites that sell out very fast. Setting a fare alert is a great way to ensure that you know about these offers as soon as they appear.
Pay in a cheaper currency
Some airlines allow you to pay in a currency of your choice. As long as you don't have to pay international transaction fees, settling for a cheaper currency than your own could help you purchase the cheapest tickets.
Pay with frequent flier miles
Put those frequent flier miles to good use and utilize them to pay for a flight ticket. While an award flight is free, several airlines allow you to make part payment with miles for a reduction in your airfare.
Now that you're in the know, you can be on your way to saving big the next time you make a flight booking. Bon voyage!