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- Plan in advance: It's almost impossible to get a good price on airfare at the last minute. There are some exceptions to this so check your favorite airlines, but try to make it a rule to buy 2-3 months out.
Be A Student: Travelers of all ages can take advantage of student discounts. StudentUniverse is a great resource for international airfares, and only requires that you have a student ID (or teacher credentials) to participate. Keep in mind that many community colleges and universities offer continuing education and online classes that would entitle you to student identification. So think about taking a class that would enrich you anyway (foreign language perhaps?) and reap the benefits twofold.
Clear Out Your Cookies: Many websites use the cookies to log when you search for a particular route and will quote you higher when you return to that site to search again or buy. Just clear them out by selecting Tools, then Internet Options, and Clear Cookies.
Use Comparison Sites: We like Sidestep and Farecast to compare and plan airfares. Just keep in mind that not all airlines participate (Southwest for instance), so if you have a favorite be sure to visit that site directly.
Know The Tricks: Many airlines websites update their fares shortly after midnight, Travelzoo issues their weekly deal list on Wednesdays, and Scandinavian airlines has a big fare sale every December. A little research about the route you're looking for will help you get the good fares before they're sold out.
Utilize Affiliations/Frequent Flyer Clubs: Sticking with a couple of airlines and taking advantage of their frequent flyer programs can be a good long-term plan. Sometimes just signing up will get you advance notice of fare sales or incentive programs.
