With fees, fine print and blackout dates, locking in a low price on your plane ticket can seem impossible. We have some tips that can help cut the cost of flying, plus help organize your search for the best deal.
In addition to setting up alerts to track fares and searching for domestic flights three and a half months prior to booking (five and a half for international), you should also buy your ticket early—you'll pay a premium if you wait to within 14 days of travel. Also, when comparing flights online through sites such as Expedia, Kayak, Priceline and Travelocity, be sure to check the airline’s own site, which can be cheaper because there is no commission.
How to get rock-bottom rates:
Our full report How to cut the cost of flying, appeared in the February issue of Consumer Reports (available to subscribers).
Previously:
Rules for airfare transparency go into effect next month
Six things predicted to cost you more in 2012
—Maggie Shader
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