Travel Tips

Despite what you may have heard, tickets on flights are not sold at a fixed rate. Most airlines have a complex grading system in place for ticket prices. The holiday industry is also effect by supply and demand, so the closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive your ticket will be. They have a set number of seats they must fill for a certain price and a second block of seats they will let go for a slightly cheaper ticket price and third set of seats for a another discounted ticket price. So, at any given time when you try to buy online airline tickets, you could come up with a number of different prices.

Don’t wait till the last minute though, the best cheap airfare prices are found about 21 days before your departure date. The highest plane ticket prices are found 14 days or less before departure, so it's within this period that prices sky rocket.

Airlines and travel websites offer bigger discounts and cheaper airfare prices to people who book online because it saves them the overhead costs of printing and handling a paper ticket. So be sure to use the e-ticket option when purchasing your plane tickets online.

For sale fares and for travel during holiday periods, purchase tickets especially early, as the lowest-priced seats sell out quickly. If it is a public holiday, cheap flights during the holiday can be hard to find- especially if you haven't pre purchased your ticket. The secret is to fly the actual day of the holiday not the day before or after when flights are jam packed.

Your first major tip to find cheap airfares is to check out several travel directories that offer price results for all the major airlines so that you can compare ticket prices at a glance. My favorites are Expedia.com.au for their consistently low flight price quotes and easy two click price checks. As a traveller you need to log on to these websites and get a feel for how often the prices change and bookmark them for future use.

3. Fly Mid-Week If You Can. Be Flexible On Your Dates/Times

If you can leave or return even a day earlier or later you'll often save you a lot of money. It's much cheaper to fly out on a Tuesday and Wednesday rather than a Friday. Returning home on a Monday than a Sunday can certainly cut down costs for your travel. This applies to travel times too. It may be cheaper to depart at 7:00am rather than 10:00am.

If you change your travels to a week earlier or later, you will switch to a different airfare season - on international tickets this could save you as much you hundreds or more per ticket. Different airlines often have slightly different seasons - perhaps only a day or two different, but perhaps two weeks different!

4. Connecting Flights

If your not booking a 'through fare' but opt for multiple sectors to get to your destination, it is your responsibility to make sure you have ample time to re-check your self and your luggage!

The minimum connection time (MCT) between the scheduled arrival of the first flight and the scheduled time of departure of the second flight, will differ depending on the flight details. Generally, connection times will depend on the airport where the flight connection is taking place. Make sure you seek this information with your airline, before confirming a booking on the internet. You may find, that once your booking is confirmed, a refunded will not be given to you, or fees may apply to any changes you make.

Please note, that if the first sector of your flight is delayed, if could mean missing your connecting flight. This is why travel insurance is most important, so that it will cover you in the event that you may have to purchase another ticket to get to your destination!

5. Book Off-Peak/Shoulder Season

The main reason for an area being off-season is usually weather-related. Search your destination and find out what weather conditions are like during these periods.

Serious weather problems such as cyclones, might rule out a destination. Besides paying less, visitors who come to a tourist spot during the low-season will find comfort with less crowding, and experience much more of a relaxed atmosphere. The crowds can also can be at a minimal level, therefore creating a non vibrant, lonely destination. Also, you may find that the low season is used as a time for construction and renovation. Check to see if tourist attractions, museums are opened during this time.

Europe & North America Off Season and Peak Season Dates:

July to August (summer season) May to June & September ( summer off season)
October to November ( winter off season)

If you need to travel in peak time, the key is to plan months in advance. As a general rule, if you're looking at going to the northern hemisphere in their summer, you need to plan at least six months in advance.

6. Sign Up To Airline Newsletters:

Delivered straight into your inbox, it's a great way to receive information about discounted fare prices, launches and competitions.

7. Use Alternate Airports

When heading off overseas, alternate airports often have widely differing fares. Whenever possible, check alternate airports both for departure and arrival. This strategy may be particularly useful if you're flying with a family or group of people.