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1. First, whenever you fly, sign up for frequent flyer miles. When you
sign up for credit cards, see if you can get the ones that offer miles
for money you spend. Look for airlines for which miles don't expire
and which allow you to use miles from other airlines. Stick to one or a few
airlines (unless you really travel a lot) so you can accumulate miles quickly.
2. If you can afford to fly late, sign up for email fare updates at all the major airlines. You will receive email about very low fares shortly before for weekend travel. Sometimes these are great package deals as well.
3. Make your airline reservations and book all tickets in advance. Flights often have lower fares 30, 21, and 14 days in advance. The cheapest airfares go fast, so plan ahead and make reservations as soon as possible. Ask for discounted fares for seniors, students, children, and specials.
4. On overbooked flights, give up your seat if you can afford to go later. You'll be booked on a later flight and should get an extra free ticket or flight credit (if you don't, ask for one!).
5. If you can wait until the last minute, check with travel discounters. Airlines would rather fill a seat for a low price than leave it empty. Some travel agencies specialize in this.
6. Other credit card companies also have airline certificates. You'll get a discounted fare (subject to blackout dates) and you can travel on flights that would cost a lot more otherwise!
7. Try not to fly on the big weekends (Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day) - and if you do, travel the SAME day. Most people will want to travel Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Also, choose days like Tuesday and Wednesday to travel, which are not as popular as Friday and Sunday.
8. Take your kid along! Many flights offer huge discounts if you take a child or a senior citizen with you. Others also have general companion fares that are much lower than the regular fare.
9. Don't forget that you can get mileage for renting a car after flying on an airline, for staying at certain hotels, for buying flowers, etc. It'll add up and soon you'll be flying free!
10. Ask a relative or friend to drive you to/from the airport terminal. Otherwise take an airport bus (not shuttle) - it's usually hassle-free and costs you less than trying to find parking and paying for it later.
