Air Fares

Step 1: Do your research first.

Domestic Air Fares (check flexible date search option):

• www.travelocity.com
• www.cheapair.com
• www.itasoftware.com

Domestic budget air carriers need to be searched individually:

www.independenttraveler.com: A New Look at the Domestic Discount Airlines

International Air Fares (check flexible date search option):

• www.zuji.com
• www.itasoftware.com

Foreign budget air carriers need to be searched individually:

• www.whichbudget.com

Step 2: Go to the specific air carrier's website by entering the name of the airline at www.google.com.

Avoid booking fees by purchasing directly from the air carrier’s website ticketing your flight.

Be aware that many airline websites are not searched by all (or any) search engines. For example, to price Southwest Airlines you must go to www.southwest.com. This is often true with the “discount airlines.” I recommend that you get a list of airlines that depart from your home airport. Those that are identified as discount carriers may require a price check at their individual websites.

Three great sites for learning more about discount carriers world wide:

• www.answers.com/topic/low-cost-carrier
• www.whichbudget.com
• www.independenttraveler.com: A New Look at the Domestic Discount Airlines

When searching out best air fares be sure and check alternative airports (those airports that would be relatively close to your destination). For a list of alternative airports, refer to www.inc.com: A Golden Alternative. Also, many travel portals, such as Travelocity, give you the option to search on alternate airports.