How to get the best deals on flights?

[Jokerman]

So I would really like to go visit some friends in Paris before they leave. I know now is probably the most expensive time to be trying to go over there but C'est La Vie. I am sure there are many people here who travel a lot and know some secrets on how to get good prices. If anyone could give me some pointers that would be great!

 

[the_k]

you should try the priceline name your price thing. I used it recently on a domestic flight and saved around $100 off the lowest fare I could find anywhere else, and I looked pretty hard. Its only good if you dont care about the time of the day you fly.

I've also noticed that traditional travel agents tend to have better deals (compared to online) for International travel.

 

[impolyt_one]

Not regarding the dirt cheap flights, but seems like the best deal is to closely watch flight loads for a particular haul, buy whatever cheap ticket there is for it, and then upgrade at the counter - I think you can upgrade to biz or first on some fairly cheaply on the spot. That is a crapshoot, but it seems to be how the flying nerds on the airplane forums talk about flying. I just went on Kayak this morning and they had a bunch of decently priced tickets for my flight, and then they had the obligatory biz-class upgrade at the last moment, which I bought. Overall, because I started with Kayak and went through the carrier site and then did the upgrade, it was within my original budget for flying. The biz-class laydown seats will be nice for the 5500 mile flight, and I get a short haul that got bumped to first class, so between the flights and the lounge, I will at least my champagne's worth out of them and make up some of the difference over flying economy.

If I fly the same way again I will have enough miles for a free roundtrip ticket as well.

 

[Despos]

Go to American Airlines website and the Fare Sales. Fares to Europe are cheap right now.
New York to London for $207.00, Paris for $313.00.

You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.

 

[impolyt_one]

Originally Posted by Despos

Go to American Airlines website and the Fare Sales. Fares to Europe are cheap right now.
New York to London for $207.00, Paris for $313.00.

You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.

****, that is incredible.

 

[NAMOR]

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

****, that is incredible.
+1, they have some really good deals for other destinations as well.

 

[ter1413]

Originally Posted by Despos

Go to American Airlines website and the Fare Sales. Fares to Europe are cheap right now.
New York to London for $207.00, Paris for $313.00.

You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.

but don't wait. book it asap as the prices are ging up/down due to the madness in the middle east!

 

[Bhowie]

Some really great deals for Liberia out there.

 

[Jokerman]

Originally Posted by Despos

Go to American Airlines website and the Fare Sales. Fares to Europe are cheap right now. New York to London for $207.00, Paris for $313.00. You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.
If I lived in the right area that would definitely be a good deal but they have some silly connection flights for me. I found $878 total roundtrip with no stops on US Airways site. .

 

[Aaron01]

Originally Posted by Despos

Go to American Airlines website and the Fare Sales. Fares to Europe are cheap right now.
New York to London for $207.00, Paris for $313.00.

You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.

This. I think the same applies to BOS and MIA, but I'm not certain. Their business faires for the same flights are cheap as well, they're running some promotion.

 

[Satorialist]

Originally Posted by Despos

You can also check their Last minute international fares that come out every Tuesday.
Great tip. Any specific tips for finding deals on international flights, US-to-Asia? I'm heading to Hong Kong probably mid summer. Are certain airlines better or worse for this?

 

[tehbry]

I recommend www.vayama.com. I find the cheapest deals on flights from the US to London this way. Only deals with international flights; I'm still searching for the best site to use for domestic flights.