How can I get a REALLY CHEAP flight?
Flights
Brian H asked:
I’m planning to go from Chicago to London. How can I get there AS CHEAP as possible? Be a courier? I don’t care for class at all, I don’t mind if it’s on a cargo plane even.
I’m planning to go from Chicago to London. How can I get there AS CHEAP as possible? Be a courier? I don’t care for class at all, I don’t mind if it’s on a cargo plane even.
THANKS!
Michael
March 5th, 2009 at 3:19 am
There are several ways to get the best airfare: Try one of the big companies: Travelocity.com. or Expedia.com. or my personal favorite Kayak.com…. The advantage to them is that they show many different airlines and the cheapest prices for both the specific date you want to fly and the dates surrounding that date. In case your plans are flexible. Kayak usually ends up hooking you up directly with the airline, which is much better in the long run. More flexibility. The disadvantage is that you are locked into the fare dates. If you want to change a date due to injury or an emergency, their fees can be extreme.
Try the airlines directly. Either their Web sites or direct telephone lines. Some of the Airlines offer low price guarantees meaning that if you find a cheaper fight on another Web site they may match the price or beat it. Each airline is different though, so you have to check them out individually.
Just remember, if you are going to try to get the cheapest flights, the airlines normally have restrictions. You may have to purchase the ticket 14 or 21 days in advance, there may be no refunds or changes allowed. You really need to know these restrictions. If you try looking for a last-minute flight you will end up paying a lot more, although there are occasional exceptions. I personally, managed a last minute ticket to S.F on the Millennium New Years eve. And received a better price than my friends that had booked a month in advance! But… you cannot depend on this at all.
Usually travel agents do not get the lowest fares and sometimes they tack on a commission. Travel agencies used to be the best way to get the best airfare, but with the Internet, It is now just as easy for individuals to check themselves.
If you call an airline directly (they all have toll-free numbers), be sure to ask them if they have any specials. Often they do have specials, but you have to ask them about them!
So be careful about restrictions on tickets. Be aware of charges for overweight baggage and remember that many of the very CHEAP fares you see in the Travel section of the local Papers are fares that are quoted, “without taxes” Taxes can really add up.
Have fun and happy travels.
March 5th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Couriering is not a good bet. It’s all but evaporated since 9-11 (and there wasn’t much before that).
I would search for airfare sales and consolidators, and be flexible with travel dates. For example, the cheapest fare currently available on CHI-LON for the upcoming year is $479 r/t total. June-Aug. is the most expensive time for transatlantic flights; Nov-March, except around Christmas, is typically the least-expensive time for airfares. Check and sign up for sale alerts here:
Once you’ve narrowed your travel dates, run your itinerary through to be sure you’ve got the cheapest price.