How to Find Cheap Airfares
by Julie D. Andrews
If you've been toying with the idea of taking an active vacation or just want to get away for a few long weekends, now's the time to plan your escape. Airlines grappling with sky-high fuel prices will be reducing the number of flights they offer in upcoming months (you'll feel the pinch starting in September, with some airlines cutting capacity by up to 20 percent). Already, they're piling on extra fees.
Last week, Northwest Airlines announced that travelers now have to pay $15 for their first piece of checked luggage, piggybacking on the trend set by American, United and US Airways. Northwest also upped its fees for changing non-refundable tickets and is tacking a service charge onto flights purchased with frequent-flyer miles for travel after September 14. While these new costs can quickly eat away at your travel budget, there is some good news out there: Nabbing cheap airfares online is easier than ever.
The smartest way to comparison shop is to use airfare aggregator websites. These turbocharged search-engines hunt scads of agencies, airline and travel sites to unearth the best bargains. Once you pick a flight, you're directed to a vendor site where you can buy the ticket. Casting a wide net will help ensure you get the lowest airfare possible, so use a variety of engines. Here are four of our favorites:
Farecast.comFarechase.com
Kayak.com
Sidestep.com
5 Quick Tips to Maximize Your Savings
These suggestions, from Kellie Pelletier, vice president of communications at Kayak.com, will help you find the most incredible deals—in the least amount of time.
