Air

Unfortunately, there are no "rules" for the airlines, which makes it difficult to have a definitive answer on when to buy, and how to get the best rate (see below for tips). However, a few things we know...

  • TIMELINE: Booking furthest in advance does not always guarantee the best rate. Sometimes the rates will be the same booking four weeks prior to leaving, as they are six months out.
  • DATES: Traveling on certain dates (ie. Mondays, Wednesday, etc.) will effect the price. This is different for every carrier.
  • BUY DURING THE WEEK IF POSSIBLE: In general rates are higher when you purchase on the weekends. Not always. But generally.
  • AIRPORT SELECTION: The departing and arriving airport play a part in the price. Some airports are more expensive than others. Consider the cost to fly into an alternative airport.
  • AVOID PEAK DATES: Peak travel seasons cost more. Traveling on/around holidays is always more. Expect to pay more around Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday weekends throughout the year. Consider moving your dates if possible.
  • TWO WEEK RULE: Always buy air 14 days or more.
  • NON-REFUNDABLE: Non-refundable air is the cheapest, and while it's not refundable, it's not lost if you have to cancel your trip. Most airlines will allow you to use your non-refundable ticket at a later time for a fee ($50 per person on average), plus the cost of any difference in airfare. Typically you will need to use these flights within one year from the original ticketed date.
  • INSURANCE: Some carriers will allow you to purchase insurance for a non-refundable air for a reasonable rate (AirTran charges only $35 per person). Ask the carrier, and understand the coverege policy before you buy.
  • NO HOLDS: You cannot place non-refundable airfare on hold. The drawback to getting that low rate is that you pay in full at the time of booking. (These rules don't always apply to refundable air. Check with the carrier for details.)
  • NO NAME CHANGES: You cannot change the name on a ticket at the last minute unless you have a specific ticket type issued by select carriers. ALWAYS inquire for details when purchasing.
  • TIME CHANGES: The airlines have the ability to change your flight time within window of time. If they move the time substantially from the time you booked, you may be entitled to a COMPLETE REFUND. Each carrier is unique. Know their policies before you buy.
  • BAGGAGE FEES: Most carriers now charge for checked bags ($15-25 each, up to 2), and some will soon start charging for carry ons. Southwest Airlines has bragging rights since they are "Fee Free". Please check with your carrier ahead of time so that you aren't surprised at the airport the day of check in. *Baggage fees do not always apply to International flights. 
    View Baggage Fees Chart
  • BOOK ONLINE: Some airlines will charge you to make a reservation on the phone. Book online if possible.
  • GROUPS: Airlines do not offer substantial discounts to groups of 10 or more (AA offers 5%, Southwest offers 5-15% for example), but they do offer a few perks including holding seats and locking rates with a deposit, making the final payment as close to 30 days out, as well as the flexibility to change your passenger list (as well as drop or add passengers to your reservation for no additional cost) up until the final payment date. Airlines will require you to sign a contract to book a group reservation, so read the fine print.
  • GET IT IN WRITING: Be sure to print a copy of the carriers policies at the time you purchase your air. This will cover you in case of changes to things like flight time changes, baggage fees, reschedules, cancellations and additional policies that may change between the time you buy and the time you fly. When you buy air, you are entering an agreement. You'll want to have a copy of what that agreement it is.

 


How to Find the Best Rates...
The best way to determine the best rate for your departing/arriving airport is to track the rates for a period of time. This will help you to get an idea of what the rates are for your departing airport and arriving airport for your travel dates. I suggest that you start looking about six months out, and follow the rates weekly or daily. See how to set up a free alert below.

 

I use Kayak.com (formerly SideStep.com) to start my air searches. Kayak pulls discounted rates from around the web for most carriers (Southwest and Spirit are a few that are not listed). It's free to use, and their sort tools (date, number of stops, airports, etc.) make it easy to find the best rates. If you sign up (free), not only can you receive email alerts, but you can also view a fare calendar, which will show you the cheapest flights on any given day in any month. *Remember that rates will change frequently (daily and sometimes hourly).

 

Best Fare Tip...
Since the time of day AND the airport affect your price, try setting up multiple alerts. One for your outbound flight, and one for your return flight using your original airport(s), as well as an alternative airport(s). This way, you can "piece" together the best fare for your family. When you are ready to buy, you can purchase a single, round trip ticket, but this way, you will know which flights to select in the event that the carrier doesn't break it down for you.

Flying from DFW to Orlando International, I might set up the following eAlerts:

DFW to MCO - One way on X, X, and X dates
MCO to DFW - One way on X, X, and X dates
DFW to TPA - One way on X, X, and X dates
TPA to DFW - One way on X, X, and X dates

*DFW - Dallas, Fort Worth, MCO - Orlando, TPA - Tampa, FL

By doing this, I can view multiple dates, multiple times on each date (some flight times are less expensive than others), and compare it to multiple airports.

 

Packing Guidelines
Be sure to check the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA.gov) website for the most up to date information on airline restrictions (such as idetification requirements, banned items, etc.).