There is no reason to despair and assume that cheap travel options including cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages will be unavailable simply because you want to travel during the summer, which is typically a busy travel time of year.
The following are some of SmarterTravel tips to save money when looking for cheap fares:
Tuesdays are often when the cheapest fares of the week are offered. Early Tuesday mornings is typically when AirTran. Southwest, and sometimes JetBlue come out with new sale offers. Within a few hours the major airlines (including American, Delta, United, and US Airways) respond to low cost airlines new pricing on specific sale routes. Sales are usually good for 72 hours.
The least expensive days of the week to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Be aware though that these days become very expensive when they fall on or around a holiday, such as Tuesday, July 3rd.
Would be fliers should start looking at airfare prices three months before planned departure dates if planning to travel on or around busy air travel days such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Most summer airfare sales require a minimum 21 day advance purchase. Last minute sales during the summer are unlikely.
When trying to take advantage of airline sales, pay attention to blackout dates around the holidays.
When searching for the cheapest airfares online use the flex search option to determine if days other than you initially want to travel on are significantly cheaper.
If you want to travel overseas, be open to making Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, or Vienna your arrival city. Airline competition into these cities tends to make their airfares more reasonable.
Be ready to purchase your tickets when you see a good price. Airfares are subject to change at a moments notice. www.cheapfares.com