Here’s the real low-down: When is the best time to buy really cheap airfares? I’ll give you a big hint right here: use the tools and technology on FareCompare.com. That’s the way to guarantee you get the very best price available. Now, here are some other great tips that will help you pay less for airfare.

7-INSIDER AIRFARE TRICKS

1) Know what a GOOD PRICE is; the information is on Farecompare.com

• Put in your city-pairs in top left “Search Airfares” Box; select “Best Deals” and then “Find Airfares”
• FareCompare keeps 3-years + of historical airfare information which allows you to see if the current market price is high or low.
• If the current airfare is at or near an all-time low, this is the time to buy.

2) Check the price VOLATILITY of your city pair

• If the prices are bouncing around by $100 or more a few times a month, make sure you buy on a down-swing.
• Farecompare.com shows a 30-day history bar chart so you can quickly check volatility.

3) Know when the best time to buy was LAST YEAR

• Farecompare.com shows a 1-year history graph so you can see what happened to airline ticket prices historically.
• Caution: Prices may not conform to past history but they often do.

4) Know the PRICE TREND for your city pair

• If the airline ticket prices are trending up, it may be a good time to buy even if the price is not near an all-time low.

5) Sign up for FareCompare’s Free Airfare E-mail Alerts

• These free email-alerts tell you exactly when airline ticket prices have significantly changed.
• Cheap seats are limited, so the first to know get first crack at them.
• Sign up on FareCompare’s homepage; its quick, easy and free.

6) Attention RISK-TAKERS

• There are occasions in when certain-city pairs are available at the last minute at bargain rates. Perfect for those who can pick-up and go at a moments notice.
• If you aren’t flexible, or only a little flexible, this is not for you.

7) ADVANCE PURCHASE is always preferred

• 14-day advance purchase (sometimes 21-days) before departure will ensure you wont pay business travelers sky-high prices.
• The best time to start shopping is about 3-4 months for departure for U.S. domestic travel — this is the time when the airlines are actively managing their prices and you are more likely to get a better deal

Also check out

FareCompare.com’s Top 10 Secrets of Air Travel Insiders

and the

FareCompare.com - Step by Step Guide to Finding and Buying Discount First Class Airline Tickets

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