In Search of a Cheap Flight
Just when you think you know what you're doing when searching for a cheap flight, you run in to a problem. Where will you find the cheapest flight with the most flexibility? And don't forget to mention you want to know if you can upgrade any part of your cheap flight, whether it be the time that you are to depart or even just going from coach to first class. You may think that you have found the cheapest price, still shop around to make sure that you have actually found the cheapest flight around.
Speaking of flexibility, you may find that flying at certain times may be cheaper than other times. Normally, if you book your flight during the middle of the week, you are better able to find a cheap flight than you would if you booked say on the weekend or at the beginning or end of the week and flying at night or early in the morning is also cheaper than during the middle of the day. Another way to find a cheaper flight is to try to book it as far in advance as possible. By doing this you will find that it will be cheaper than if you book closer to the day and time you want to leave.
You generally find this information by doing some online research but you can also use a travel agent. A travel agent will offer you their cheapest flight package, but you do not want to just accept this offer because they will only search a certain amount of cheap flights and companies that they work with. It really is a lot better if you do all the “leg work” yourself as you can negotiate with other companies. Some companies are willing to beat or match the cheap flight price that you have found with another simply because they want your business. They are all just trying to make a buck and make up for the increase in gas prices.
When booking your cheap flight, take a look and see if they offer any in-flight extras. You know that if you are traveling internationally, you will want to make sure that you get a meal and maybe they even offer a movie. Even on shorter flights you can get a meal if your travel early in the morning or late at night. Don't forget that after taxes and everything that they add on to the final price, your cheap flight can turn in to a very expensive one.
Jonathan Kittley is the airline employee, and wasinterviewed on: http://www.free-flight-upgrades.com where you can learn all about cheap flights and free flight upgrades.