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 If they don't, the fare increase is withdrawn on Monday morning, but if you bought over the weekend, you won't get a refund.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.