Tactics for Cheaper Airfare

I booked a trip to Florida this week and thought I would share some of the tactics I compiled on how to save on flights. You've probably read most of these but even if you pick up one new trick it is probably worth it.

1. Shop on Wednesday. That is when the databases are reloaded with new flights.
2. Look for nearby airports that might be cheaper. For example Newark for NYC or Baltimore for Washington, D.C.
3. Check for seats after midnight or as soon as you can after. People may have reserved but not paid for their flight and the computer would be updated.
4. Sites like www.site59.com have last minutes packages that only go out two weeks. Good deal if you don't have a specific spot in mind.
5. When an airline announces a sale to a specific place there is a pretty good chances other airlines will follow suit, so be on the lookout and call or click around.
6. If you are flying in the US, some of the least expensive flights are available on the smaller airlines which are owned by the major airlines, for instance Delta Express and Metro-Jet.

I found a package for $400 that included airfare and a hotel on the ocean in Southern Florida for three nights. Pretty good, I think. I did it on a Wednesday evening.