Airfare Dirt Cheap! Start Locking In Your Savings!
Dirt Cheap Airfare. Some folks think it’s impossible in today’s economy. But think again! Yes, the current gas price debacle and the U.S Dollar getting weaker by the day is making travel more expensive but you can fight back.
It is possible to get yourself a great price on dirt cheap airfare if you know just a few basic tricks. Even this age of higher inflation.
Keep in mind, getting airfare dirt cheap literally means getting a heck of a better price than the chump sitting next to you. So, let’s do it!
1. The Old Bump Trick!
This is an oldie but goody but getting harder to do these days. Basically what you are trying to do is give up your seat on an overbooked flight in order to secure another seat on a future flight at a comped rate.
This technique has lost it’s popularity over the years due to the sheer number of flights the airlines had running but I foresee a great comeback in the near future as less flights lead to more overbooking.
Just keep in mind that you must be flexible with your schedule and you must arrive for your scheduled flight early enough to let the staff know you will take a bump. This technique works better than you can imagine and once to do it a time or two it won′t be long until you are saving some rather big bucks!
2. Bucket Shop: The Only Way To fly!
If you use the Hotwire’s, Travelocity’s and Expedia’s of the world you have no doubt saved lots of money on airfare…but…you can get even deeper discounts by checking out consolidators like tour operators, bucket shops and charter services.
Never heard of it? Using this method can actually save you upwards of %50 or more. If you’ve ever book a flight online, you will find these types of aggregators just as easy to deal with.
These types of consolidators usually buy tickets in bulk for a fixed price so they do not have the restrictions you would find with other airfare rules.
It’s not unusual to find airfare dirt cheap from one of these guys for flights already sold out by the airlines saving you a nice chunk of change.
There are many consolidators to choose from such as Bucket Shop, Travel Hub, Air Brokers and others if you know where to look. So, what are you waiting for! Get creative, save some cash!
3. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. Or Is It?
I know it might sound crazy but breaking up your flight just a little might save you a small wad of cash. Instead of buying that single trip ticket, “hop” your way to wherever it is you are going. If you can make your “hop” city a hub that the airlines must fly to anyway, the savings could be even more.
Sounds weird huh but I’ve save quite a bit by doing this. It works especially well by making your hop city a hub. They must fly there anyway and believe it or not…it works!
4. Take Your Luggage And Ship It!
You betcha! Remember, the airlines are forced into trying to save some money anyway they can and that means slapping you for some pretty hefty charges for that luggage you are packing.
You may find that by doing a little checking around with UPS, FedEx and others that you will come out quite a bit ahead by doing this.
Of course it depends on how much you are carrying or how large a family you are towing with you but this method of getting your airfare dirt cheap may just wow you in the end with just how much money you can save. And another great surprise? You luggage is guaranteed to be there when you arrive. When did your airline give you that kind of guarantee?
These are but just a few tricks of finding airfare dirt cheap. There are many more if you know where to look. Stop paying full price! It’s easier than you think.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Great post, I have great time to achieve all the time and some of the tips to save a great money.