How to Reduce Airline Ticket Costs

Alternate Carriers

Alternate airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, and AirTran don't sell roundtrip-only or Saturday-stay fares and their change fees are modest or nonexistent. The alternate carriers are doing so well these days that the traditional airlines are forced to compete. Bottom line, you’re almost certain to pay less on any route where alternate carriers fly.

Buy early and stick to your plans

If you need to fly somewhere where there is no alternate carrier, the best way to make the most of  is to buy tickets as early as possible, then stick to your plans. If you try to change your flights, you'll get hit with the hefty change fee and the difference between the advance-purchase price and the last minute fare. If clients argue, tell them what it will cost. You’ll be surprised how quickly they suggest you wait until prices are better.

Use a good travel agent

The widespread availability of online pricing tools has convinced many business travelers that they can go it alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. The more complicated and frequent your travel, the more you need a good travel agent. The less time you want to spend on your computer looking to book, the more you need a good travel agent. Their fees are modest considering the tricks they know to keep your costs down and the time they can save you.

Know the Basics

Airlines are masters of changing the pricing game on the fly, but here are some basics of ticket buying:

• Don't buy on weekends. Airlines tend to file price increases on a Thursday evening. Then they wait out the weekend as other carriers decide whether to match. If they don't, the fare increase is withdrawn on Monday morning, but if you bought over the weekend, you won't get a refund.
• Even if they cost more, nonstop flights are almost always a better option than connecting itineraries. The more flights you take to complete your journey, the greater the chance of delays and lost luggage.
• Always check flights a few hours or a few days around your planned travel time. Prices often differ dramatically.
• Always inquire about the availability of upgrades to first class. They are often available for purchase at the gate before departure. And remember that several airlines have reasonably priced seats in more spacious parts of the plane.

Oil Prices Prompt Airline Capacity Cuts, Fare Hikes

According to the Business Travel News Rising oil prices are prompting fare hikes and capacity cuts. This trend will no doubt continue forcing industry cuts in capacity in non profitable regions. Travelers will pay top dollar for flights and have fewer selections in schedules. We invite you to comment on your cost cutting strategies and methods. We are constantly focused on options and methods of reducing travel costs.

Airline Fees Cause Disgruntled Travelers

In a recent travel survey, 81% of those surveyed felt the worst development in the last 10 years has been the optional fees airlines are now charging for services previously included in the price of an air ticket such as the fee for checked bags. There is the possibility that the airline industry has stumbled upon a revenue stream that is both profitable and sustainable.

Travel industry research firm PhoCusWright recently published a report that indicates growing dissatisfaction among business travelers and more affluent consumers – airlines’ most valuable customers – that calls into question the long-term potential of optional services.

“Consumers are inherently reluctant to buy more services from companies they feel are taking advantage of them – and unfortunately, many feel that way about airlines today,” said PhoCusWright’s Research Director Carroll Rheem.

So, will airlines continue this unrestricted greed and shortsightedness or will somebody sensible step in to repair the customer relationship while keeping airlines profitable?