The no-frills airline, launched by Southwest in the 80s, is no longer a U.S. phenomena. Low cost carriers are popping up around the world. 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 intercontinental flights. And many are profitable.

Yet there is a flip side to cheap tickets. Travelers can spend a good amount of their time scouring the web for the best deal. Not all countries have a low cost carrier and not all airports are serviced by a discount airline.

Many low-fare airlines cannot be booked through on-line agencies or portals, such as Expedia and Orbitz. Promotional offers are almost always limited and expire on a daily basis.

And when you find a flight, it is difficult to compare prices. The following airfare secrets will reduce your search time and prepare you for any additional travel time.

Research

  • Determine which carriers service the route you wish to fly. Many airport web sites include a route map as well as a list of carriers. Other options will only be found if you check the web site of both airports for arrivals and departures.
  • If you are traveling abroad or within a foreign country or continent, identify local on-line agencies and consolidators 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-fare carriers offer point-to-point service. You may not be able 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. The service is available for free.
  • Use the portal as a reference tool. Book directly with the 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, handling fees and other surcharges are not always included in the initial 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 airfares to USD 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!
  • Arrive at the airport early if you want to sit next to your companion and the kids. Seating is likely to be open and boarding is often based on the order in which passengers check-in.

Learn More Airline Secrets, Get To AirfareSecrets.net to find out more.

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