Indian Airlines

Tips to save on Airline Tickets

In the old days, the only way you could save money on airline tickets was to buy them 45 to 60 days in advance; take advantage of air fare price wars; or obtain a discounted fare from agencies who were involved in group travel. Today with online agencies, you can easily compare prices and come up with a pretty good deal, all this from the comfort of your own home. However, there are still other ways in which you can save quite a bit of money. Here are 10 ways to save money on airline tickets.

1. Check the major online agencies and compare prices. You will most likely come up with a very low fare. However, make sure you confirm the reservation with the airline chosen, especially if purchased online.
2. Particularly with traveling during the holidays, unless you purchase your ticket months in advance, you are not likely to find any bargains. However, if you leave on Christmas Day, and return on New Year’s day, however, you may be able to get quite a discounted fare.
3. You can certainly contact the airlines to determine if they have any particularly low rates. Although they may not advise you, it would be better to go to the airlines’ website to check on rates.
4. Although most people would prefer non-stop flights, connecting flights also tend to be much cheaper.
5. When checking online or with the airline, ask about non-refundable tickets. But be careful, if your plans change or there is an emergency; you may wind up paying a large payment for a return flight.
6. Travel during the week, if possible. Airlines sometimes offer reduced fares for specific days of the week.
7. If you have a travel agent, they can be most helpful in finding the cheapest fare for you. It doesn’t cost you to use an agent, since they derive their commissions from the airlines. They the tools with which to find the lowest fare to anywhere in the world.
8. Try to stay away from peak periods; these are certain days and months of the year when travel is at its peak. A travel agent or airline will be able to provide you with this information.
9. When booking a vacation, always consider the entire vacation package instead of separately booking air and hotel arrangements. Packages are well-discounted for the consumer, and it would be in your best interested to check into the many packages available. Additionally, packages include group airfare rates which produce additional savings.
10. Finally, choose your arrival and departure dates several months ahead, if you can. These low rates increase as you near your departure date. In addition, always check the cancellation policy of each airline; they do differ in some cases. The more prepared you are, the less costly your trip will be.

Some Indian Airlines: Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan, Go Air, Air India, Indian Airlines, Air Sahara

International Airlines Operating from India: British Airway, Lufthansa Airlines, Air France, Virgin Altantic

Tip: If you have paid for a ticket, and need to cancel; depending upon the reason for cancellation and the airline policy will determine if you receive a partial or full refund. If the flight is fully booked, you stand a good chance; if not, there may be a penalty.