posted by Vacation Home Rentals on May 19
The no-frills airline, launched by Southwest in the 80s, is no longer a U.S. phenomena. Low cost airlines are popping up around the globe. They are taking over domestic and international routes throughout Europe and Asia and select routes in South America, Africa and the Middle East. A few even operate international flights. And many make money.
Yet there is a flip side to cheap tickets. Travelers can spend a significant amount of time scouring the web for the best deal. Not all countries have a low cost airline and not all airports are serviced by a discount carrier.
Many low-fare companies cannot be booked through on-line agencies or consolidators, such as Expedia and Orbitz. Promotional offers are usually limited and expire on a daily if not hourly basis.
And when you find a flight, it is difficult to compare prices. The following airfare tips will reduce your search time and help prepare you for any additional travel time.
Research
- Determine which carriers service the route you wish to fly. Most airport web sites include route maps as well as a list of airlines. Alternatives will only become apparent if you check the web site of both airports, arrival and departure.
- If you are traveling abroad, identify local on-line agencies and portals of discount airfares.
- Low cost flights often make use of secondary airports. Verify distance and ground transportation before you book. Most low-fare airlines and many portals provide such information on their web sites.
- Many low-cost airlines offer point-to-point service. It may not be possible to check-in for a second flight at a transit desk. So you may need to build-in some time between flights to accommodate any passport formalities, get your luggage and check-in for the next part of your trip.
- Security precautions introduced by major credit card companies may limit your ability to book flights on foreign web sites.
Getting the Best Deal On Airfare
- Initiate your search with on-line agencies and consolidators.
- Subscribe to the airline and to the portal’s newsletter.
- Utilize services that enable you to set a price, such as the Orbitz “Deal Detector”. Orbitz will send an email if fares on the route you select drop to the price level you set. They provide the service for free.
- Use the portal as a reference tool. Book directly with airline. This may lessen the service charge without affecting the airfare.
Comparing Fares
- Low cost fares are often quoted on a one-way basis.
- Taxes, surcharges, and handling fees are not always included in the original price. Click through to the final page to effectively compare airfares and fees.
- Airfare may be quoted in the airline or consolidator’s local currency only. Converting fares to a single currency will facilitate comparison.
Before You Depart
- Pack a lunch or a snack and drinks for all. Food and beverage are no longer included in the price of the airfare!
- Come to the airport early if you want to sit next to your spouse and the kids. Seating is likely to be open and boarding is oftentimes based on the order in which passengers’ check-in.
Learn More Airfare Secrets, Get To AirfareSecrets.net to find out more.
