Debt Free

As the cost of fuel spirals through the roof, the cost of many other things is going to go with it. One of the things most affected by fuel prices is air travel. With the increase in fuel prices, the airlines largest single expense is now feeding their aircraft. In the past their largest cost has been labor, but as with other fuel intensive industries, they are really feeling the pinch, and rising fuel prices have moved fuel costs into first place on their income (or lack thereof) statements.

If you are going to be flying in the next few weeks, either for business, to take the kids on a spring break vacation, or go on one yourself, the cost of air travel could be your largest single budget item. Here's how you can save money on those air tickets and lessen the pain of your next trip through the friendly skies.

How to Save Money on Air Tickets 1
If you're going to be renting a car anyway, you should look at other destinations in close proximity to your actual one. In many cases you can save money by landing at an alternative airport, then driving an hour or so to your final destination. For example if you were flying from LA to Colorado Springs departing on April 15^th and returning on the 20^th, you could fly on United for $239 round trip if you landed in Denver, while the same trip landing at Colorado Springs is $512 round trip. If you were going form Denver to LA the cost is the same $239 if you land at LAX, while it costs $309 to travel to Burbank and $300 at The Duke airport in Orange County.

A trip from LAX to JFK airport in New York during the same time period, will set you back a heady $690 round trip. Going to Newark and driving across the river will save you a few bucks, at $669 round trip. Now, if you don't mind landing in Queens, you can save huge money on your tickets by going to La Guardia airport and paying only $373 round trip. If you flying a family of five, think of the savings. Let's see, $317 x 5 = $1,585! That's almost enough to take another vacation, but you should think twice on that and invest the savings instead. (All fares directly from the United Airlines website as of this morning)

How to Save Money on Air Tickets 2
So, now you know that where you fly in the general vicinity of your destination makes a huge difference in how much you pay, so what else can you do to save money? Well, if you're willing to adjust where you fly, you should also consider adjusting when you fly, as this can have a significant impact on ticket prices too. Another United Airlines example is for a round trip flight from the rain in Seattle to the sun in Miami on the same April dates as above. Leaving at 6:00am and arriving in Miami at 4:38 pm through Denver will allow you to get round trip tickets for $505. That also requires you leave from Miami at 6:00am for the return trip on the 20^th.

If you don't care to get up at 3:00 so you can get to the airport 2 hours early, you can sleep in until 7:00 am and fly out at 11:11am for the sum of $590. The other problem with waiting on this particular trip is that you'll have to connect through the hell that is Chicago O' Hare, the airport that recently had one of the worst on time performance records of any major airport in the nation.

If you really don't want to get up at 6:00am for your return trip from Miami, I understand. However, waiting until 1:00pm will cost you plenty, as ticket prices will jump to $857 round trip, even if you still leave Seattle at 6:00am. Move your departure out of Seattle from 6:00am to the 11:11 time slot and you'll be paying $932.50 round trip. So, drag your rear end out of bed early and save money on those tickets! An added bonus is that the airport is frequently less crowded at that hour of the morning, which alone may make it worthwhile.

How to Save Money on Air Tickets 3
Now you know you can save money on your tickets by being flexible about when and where you fly. The next thing you can do to save is not be picky about the airline on which you fly. Using Alaska air for your flight, rather than United, will let you fly out at 7:00am and pay only $458, rather than $505. The penalty here is that you have to connect through LAX, and the flight times stretch this into an all day event, as you arrive in Miami at 7:50pm. U.S. Air, on the other hand will cost you $705 for the same trip. (all fares from the repective airline's websites)

How to Save Money on Air Tickets 4
One other thing you can do to save money on your flight is to check for online discounts. Some airline offer special web-only discounts. The same Seattle – Miami trip can be had from Southwest Airlines for only $298 round trip, if you book the flight online. If you are looking for international air travel destinations check out Vayama.com for great savings on 1,000's of international destinations.

Obviously, the key to savings on air travel is flexibility. The ability to adjust when, where, and on which airline you'll be flying will net you some handsome savings on the trip. Bon Voyage!