Step 1
Go to Kayak.com/flights and enter your departure city, destination and travel dates. The tool scours travel and airline sites for the best fares. (Kayak doesn’t include fares from Southwest Airlines, so you’ll have to visit Southwest.com separately.) If enough data is available, the “Price Trend” feature lets you know whether to buy a ticket now or wait for a potential price drop.
Step 2
If your plans are flexible, try testing different dates and airports. You may save money by flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday afternoon or out of a satellite airport. At Airfarewatchdog.com, you can sign up to get e-mail alerts when low fares pop up on routes you choose. You can also subscribe to e-mail alerts directly from the airlines.
Step 3
After you book a flight, continue to monitor prices. A federal rule allows you to change or cancel a flight without charge within 24 hours of booking it. Even if you find a better price after a day has passed, you may be able to rebook your flight and get a refund for the difference from the airline. And at Yapta.com, you can enter your flight information to get e-mail notifications if prices for nine airlines sink enough to outweigh any change fees.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The payoff
You’ll save money and beat the airlines at their own game.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Four Luxury Spa Resorts for Well-Heeled TravelersWe hand-picked these U.S. luxury spa resorts for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
