Travel and Vacations

Airfare Dirt Cheap! Start Locking In Your Savings!

Story Published on August 5, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

Airfare dirt cheap just isn’t possible anymore you say? The truth is you can still save a bundle. The current economic conditions with gas prices and the shrinking dollar has has a huge effect on travel over the last 12 months but you can win the war against high prices!

Although things have changed dramatically over the last year or so, it is still possible to get really good prices on airfare if you know how to do it.

Just remember this rule. Getting airfare at dirt cheap prices only means one thing and that is that the price you paid for your ticket cost way less than the price the guy paid sitting next to you.

1. Bump Your Way TO A Better Price.

This is an oldie but goody but getting harder to do these days. Basically what you are trying to do is give up your seat on an overbooked flight in order to secure another seat on a future flight at a comped rate.

Although not as feasible as it was in the past look for this opportunity to get better as airlines cut back. Less flights mean less seats so I expect this to become popular again soon.

You must be able to have a somewhat flexible schedule and get to the airlines well before your departure time to let the staff know you will bump if the flight is overbooked. Once you get the hang of how this technique works be prepared to save some real money!

2.The Bucket Shop Method

Almost everyone would agree that you can save quite a few buck by traveling Expedia, Hotwire and a few others but have you ever tried Bucket Shop?

Never heard of it? Using this method can actually save you upwards of %50 or more. If you’ve ever book a flight online, you will find these types of aggregators just as easy to deal with.

Consolidators such as Bucket Shop but their tickets in big bulk blocks. Buying from them saves you a ton and also saves you the worry about restrictions or other airline rules when buying straight from the airlines.

They can still be selling airfare dirt cheap long after the airlines have sold all their tickets for a particular flight.

There are many consolidators to choose from such as Bucket Shop, Travel Hub, Air Brokers and others if you know where to look. So, what are you waiting for! Get creative, save some cash!

3. Break Up Your Flight And Save Some Cash!

I know it might sound crazy but breaking up your flight just a little might save you a small wad of cash. Instead of buying that single trip ticket, “hop” your way to wherever it is you are going. If you can make your “hop” city a hub that the airlines must fly to anyway, the savings could be even more.

Like I said, sound ridiculous but it does work quite well, especially when your “hop” city is a hub for the airline. They have to fly there anyway and this is just another way of getting dirt cheap airfare!

4. What? Just Ship Your Luggage?

That’s right! Because of all the extra charges the airlines are slapping on you for packing it with you, it just may pay you to ship your luggage via UPS.

You may find that buy shipping with carriers such as UPS you may cut the expense in half. Check around with other carriers as well such as FedEx and even the U.S. Postal Service. You may be surprised.

If you have a ton of bags you are carrying of just a large family in tow the savings will wow you! Another great perk? Shipping your luggage will guarantee they get there when you do! No such guarantee from any of the airlines I have ever flown with.

Well, there you have it. Just a few tricks that can save you some cash. There are tons more if you know where to look so stop paying full price! You can save yourself some money. Take my word for it and it can be easier than you ever realized.

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