Cheap Flights and Airfares - How to Find the Best Deals

One of the easiest and most efficient ways of searching for your next flight deal is to use one of the latest flight and airfare comparison websites. These services are usually free to use and provide an extremely efficient and comprehensive method of comparing multiple airline and flight consolidator website services.

The most recent flight and airfare comparison websites are now configured to include price and live availability searches on full schedule airlines, low cost budget flights and holiday charter services, all search results are returned and presented in a comprehensive and easy to read display for easy price comparison. Some airfare comparison websites now include discount airfare displays and availability from leading UK flight consolidators, as well as direct from the airline, giving you more choice and value than ever before.

By using one of the latest and comprehensive flight and airfare search facilities you save yourself a great deal of time, effort and money. Major flight comparison websites now include optional advanced search tools, these tools enhance and quicken the travel search process. Advanced search tools include the option to specify certain search criteria, which in turn can help you to find the best flight deal for your itinerary. You can search by flight departure time range, specific airline selection, you can also request results to include cheaper airfares within a specific departure date range, plus you have the facility to include searches using 'low cost airline' options.

Airfare and flight availability can be displayed by cheapest airfare price first or by specific airline, departure time or by flight duration. Select the flight deal that suites you, then use the 'Best Priced Supplier' to make a direct reservation. Click on the "Select" button and you will be redirected to the airline or suppliers secure website to complete your booking direct. Other helpful tips on finding great flight deals include:

1. Book early to catch the 'early booking' deals. Some cheaper fares require a minimum 21day advance booking period.
2. Flying out on a weekend is usually more expensive, try flying mid-week Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
3. Subscribing to airline newsletters is the best way of staying ahead of the crowds. Most airlines now circulate airfare news in their weekly or monthly newsletter, including latest special offers and incentives plus the dates when reservations open for a new flight season.
4. Try not to restrict yourself to flying from one particular airport, the more choice you give yourself the better chance you have at finding a cheaper deal.
5. Flying on a direct or non-stop service is not always cheaper. Very often the cheapest deals will involve a number of stops or change of aircraft or both.
6. Look out for the 'include budget airlines' search option on price comparison travel sites.
7. Budget (no-frills) airlines don't always have the cheapest deals, especially the closer you get to departure date. Prices can change very quickly so don't forget to check all flight options including flights with full service-airlines.
8. If possible, be flexible with travel dates, this will help you find those cheap fares. Most flight search systems display prices for flights either side of your chosen date, in order for you to see how much you could save by amending your itinerary or travel plans.
9. If flying to a holiday destination out of season, look out for last minute cheap one way charter fares, but remember, it might not be as easy or as cheap when trying to book your return flight.

To get the best overview of the cheapest flights available, don't forget to use a Flight and Airfare Comparison 'multiple website' search facility.

Author Chris Dale is based in the UK and has over 25 years experience in the retail Travel Industry. This article has been prepared for The Travel3 Directory and Flight4.com. Flight4.com provides updated travel news, guides and advice for the discerning traveller, plus online search and price comparison services for package holidays, flights, hotels and car rental.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Dale