The kids and I will be going home to visit my family this summer for a couple of weeks. DH cannot make it, so we'll fly instead of drive. Currently I can find tickets on Expedia for about 300 per person. That's 900 bucks!! Yikes! Anyone have any tips and tricks on how to save on airfare? We're really chipping into our credit card and knocking down the balance, so I really don't want to put the tickets on there, just to add another 900 dollar expense!!

I will tell you what my dh does.
He uses yahoo travel- he puts in the dates we are going then chooses the option of plus or minus the selected days.
The other thing he does (that drives me crazy ) he waits until close to when we want to go and buys them. I know they say buy in advance though- he really gets good flightsd at the last minute. It drives me crazy because I do not like to gamble that they will be cheaper- I always think the price will go up and we lose. I have to say he has always been right (so far at least)

i'll give you my tips - since i fly often with the girls.


#1 a sat stayover is a must or else you'll be paying buko bucks.

#2 try other airports in the area to you. the larger the airport, the better the fare.

#3 use orbiz or expedia as a starting off point for the fare. most sights can let you know of what the fare would be on different days so that helps! but dont just rely on them - you can just use that as a start point and alot of times if you go to individual airline sights, they have deals and a bit lower fares.

#4 if you arent specific on a departure date, then that helps tremendously also. if you can fly out on a thurs instead of a friday, that can mean huge savings.

good luck on the travel

this is what I do also.... all very good tips.

Depending on where you are flying to and from check Southwest airlines. They are always running specials and have pretty good prices.

I use them to fly to see my parents all the time.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

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These are all excellent tips! The only problem is the closest airport is one hour away, and even that's not in a major destination area. I guess, luck of the draw, I'll be checking on and off and I'll have to plan my trip around the fare...which is ok!

I agree that flexible dates are a huge money saver...

We travel all the time, domestically as well as internationally and Dh just looks around at all the different travel sites, as well as individual airline sites. It can take some time but it's worth it. In our experience, there isn't really one site that gives the best fares all the time...so check them all, keep your eyes peeled for good deals thru travelzoo and other sites like that. You can also just call up and ask for any specials that are going on or deals on fares, they might not be on the airline website, but the person you talk to can give them to you...we've lucked out that way a few times.

Good luck!

I've gotten a couple of really good deals on lastminutedeals.com. You have to do a package deal like with either plane & car or plane & hotel. You also can only buy a few weeks ahead so it is a last minute gamble. I've not had any problem though.

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Better to give your kids the values you have
than the valuables you can't afford.

I saw on 20/20 recently they were talking about getting the best deals or something and they said that flights are at their cheapest on wednesday mornings between midnight and 2AM! I have no idea why but it might be worth a late night to check it out!

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Crystal
Mom to Paige & Faith

go to travelocity and type where you are going and do not put in any dates. Click on flexible dates. That will give the cheapest fare, then you can check and see if any of the dates work for you. Good Luck!

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Kristen, Mom to Katherine and Nolan