Airline Shopping Tips

Summer will be here before you know it.  Depending on where you plan to take your family vacation this year, you may need to buy plane tickets.  While many airlines offer “special prices,” there are tips to get the best price.  Here are some tips to getting the most out of your dollar when buying airplane tickets.
To get the best price on airplane tickets for your next family vacation follow these 5 tips from Harry R. Weber.

1. The sweet spot: Buy early in the week. 

According to Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com, airlines are doing more short-lived sales, with three-day sales becoming the norm. These deals are typically put in the system on Monday nights, so you need to shop from Tuesday through Thursday to get the cheapest prices, he said. 

2. Do the comparisons. 

Many airlines offer "special weekend" rates but exclude Friday and Sunday for the best fares.  Consider taking off an extra day or two and leave on a Thursday and return on a Monday or Tuesday.

3. Be mindful of your location. 

Airlines may more frequently hawk fare sales from their hub cities. For instance, Chicago is a hub for United Airlines, while Miami is a hub for American Airlines. More flights into and out of those cities means more seats to fill. This can lead to more chances for discounts, depending on season and other factors. 

Veteran Minneapolis travel industry expert Terry Trippler advises people in a non-hub city to be ready to buy just about anytime a sale is offered. 

Those in hub cities can be more patient. 

4. Pay your fees up front. 

Some of the good feeling generated from scoring a great deal can dissipate if you get hit with more than $50 in bag fees. So, pack light and use all that space in your carry-on bags. 

When you do check bags, be aware that some airlines charge more if you pay the fee at the airport. You can pay up front on your airline's Web site and save some money. 

US Airways, for instance, charges $23 to check your first bag online, but $25 at the airport. For a second checked bag, US Airways gets $32 online or $35 at the airport. 

If you have a lot of bags, consider shipping them to your destination.  See more on shipping your bags early here. 

5. Wait, but not too long. 

You don't have to book months in advance to get the best deals. Many airlines are recycling similar sales over and over again as they seek to fill planes amid a turnaround in demand for air travel. 

While some airlines offer last-minute deals to certain points on certain days, in general for leisure travel it is a good idea to give yourself a cushion of at least a month from the time you buy your ticket to the time you plan to travel. 

Hopefully these tips will help save you money on your next flight.
If you're traveling with a baby you can find some helpful travel tips here.
There are several great websites to help you compare prices on air travel.  While my favorite website to buy airplane tickets and compare prices is Kayak, FareCompare is a good resource too.