17 Airfare Secrets for Scoring the Cheapest Flights

Cheapest Flights

Cheapest flights can be gotten, that is, if you are aware of some trendy and less obvious strategies. 

"Golden rules" about buying cheap flights, like booking domestic flights 57 days before the departure date, are no longer valid, as there has been a huge shift in the travel industry in what days were thought the cheapest to booking flights. If a study has not been conducted recently, or only one year ago, do not put too much faith in it; there's no reason to worry about booking a flight far in advance. The stellar tips below are current.

17 Airfare Secrets for Scoring the Cheapest Flights

1. Flexibility is Everything

The more flexible you are, the much cheaper flight deals you can book. Here's a new way of doing things: Instead of deciding where to go next, choosing dates, and then searching for the cheapest possible flight tickets to certain destinations on those particular dates, consider first selecting your destination and dates based on the best going deals available. By exercising greater flexibility where you travel and the specific dates you fly, you will have a far better opportunity to find cheaper airfare.

2. Book First, Think Later: Cancellation   

Take complete advantage of the free 24-hour cancellation window while purchasing flights. Because of the Department of Transportation's strict regulations, any flight booked to or from the United States could be canceled without worry of incurring a penalty, for 24 hours after the flight's reservation; it must be booked no less than one week before the flight's departure. What this means is that if you buy a flight and the ticket price drops within 24 hour window, you could cancel the original flight and purchase the new, less expensive one.

Warning: the 24-hour rule can only work for flights directly bought with the airline or with booking engines such as Priceline.

3. Set a Price Alert

You can choose emails or push notices to your cell phone which will tell you exactly when the flight you are interested in has increased or decreased in price. This may be a great way for getting the best possible price on a certain flight. You can do this on the majority of search travel sites and OTAs. Why miss out on potential easy savings?

4. Buy in Foreign Currency

Because regular fliers travel abroad now and then, you could switch the currency on the airline's website to determine if the price would be listed in other monies.

You can save big this way. For example, if an airline increased the flight price in US dollars but not in Indian rupee, you could book flights at half the price! But this may require altering either the location or language on the airline's website; or you may change to the home country's URL, where ticket prices are generally cheapest by searching in its local currency.

5. Sign Up for an Airline's Travel Rewards Credit Card

One of the smartest ways to take full advantage from travel credit cards is to use the hefty sign-up bonuses. For example, if you sign up for a new travel card when the airline is offering unusually high quantity of bonus miles, you could score yourself literally thousands of dollars worth of reward points by just opening the card.

Although several of these travel cards could have higher annual fees, a big sign-up bonus may amount for months or even years worth of free flights!

6. The Best Time to Book a Flight

Even though you might see great deals flashing on your computer screen for international airfare three to six months out, if you are flying during peak times, or perhaps your plans are not very flexible, it's smart to begin searching sooner.

This does not automatically mean you ought to purchase tickets when hitting the 6-month window; hold on till you find a good deal. And, just ignore the old advice that travel experts often repeat regarding booking the cheapest flights at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday; that used to be true but now airfare prices are updated often and great deals could pop up any given moment when least expected.

7. Utilize Momondo to Ensure You are getting the Best Flight Price

Upon finding what you imagine to be the cheapest flight wherever, try searching on Momondo; it will search dozens of OTAs; bear in mind that it may not display the cheapest fares seen on large OTAs and Google Flights.

8. Fly During the Low Season

Have you ever scanned flight prices from the USA to Europe's insanely popular cities in August? Surpassing quite easily $1000.00, they can frighten seasoned and expert travelers alike.

But are those the same ticket prices in February? Flying from major hubs in USA to Europe, you could often locate roundtrip flights throughout the winter months for less than $400 or even $300!

9. Fly Basic Economy

A basic economy flight ticket could save you money, if you do not require checked luggage or advance seat selection. Pay only for what you need.

10. Search for Free Hotels and Stopover Tours

Whenever an airline imposes a lengthy layover because of its very tight schedule, the airline will usually offer a free STPC, or stopover paid by carrier, which can include a free tour or hotel room as well.

11. Enroll in the Airline's Loyalty Program

If you fly one particular airline often, join its loyalty program in order to earn points each time you go anywhere. Then, you can redeem such points for upgrades or flights in the future. If you accumulate enough miles and achieve a considerable status with the airline, you might receive free upgrades.

12. Skiplag to Discover Hidden-City Fares

Hidden-city ticketing happens by booking a flight to a place beyond your final destination, and then end your flight on the layover city. This could save you a ton of money on last minute trips.

13. Prolong Your Layovers

Sometimes only by extending a layover a few days in another city in-between, you can score a cheaper flight to your original destination.

14. Don't Overlook Sales

Airlines are frequently offering amazing deals which you may jump on fast enough and save yourself hundreds of dollars on your next flight. Sign up for your favorite airline's newsletter to be on top of their latest flight deals.

15. Focus on Flying Across the Ocean Very Cheaply

If you are thinking to visit a distant location, it could be less expensive to book one ticket to the main hub, and then a second ticket from there to your final destination. For example, if you wish to fly to Alhambra, Spain, it's probably cheaper to book one roundtrip flight from your home to Madrid and a second roundtrip ticket from Madrid to Alhambra than it would be to buy a ticket to Alhambra on one itinerary.

16. Don't Overlook Destinations with Low-Cost Carriers

Carriers such as Frontier, AirTran, and Southwest all drive down airfares along their routes. So, it may be quite wise to travel a bit longer to a larger airport with low-cost carriers, because even major carriers flights will most likely be cheaper.

17. Avoid Friday, Sunday Flights, & Traditional Travel Days

This may mean going away before and returning later than usual, or even flying exactly on the holiday. Pelletier, the travel specialist, says you can save up to 50% by simply flying Christmas Eve or Day. She said: "We saved $300 per ticket around Thanksgiving for our family of four by flying out the Saturday before Thanksgiving and coming back the Saturday after. Not everyone can swing that with their work schedules, so my advice is to leave Thanksgiving day and return on Saturday for cheaper fares."

Bonus: 3 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Flights

There is no reason why you ought to pay more for your airfare. To assist you in avoiding major pitfalls which even the most seasoned travelers are guilty of falling into, here are the top three:

Don't Overlook Alternate Airports

Most likely you are missing on much better airfare deals by searching on a certain fair-sized airport. To bring other close by gateways into the mix, select the "All Airport" option displayed on several flight booking and airline websites, which includes a city code, and not an airport code. For example, if flying to or from Atlanta, websites such as Expedia permit you to use ATL instead of AHN or MCN, and will return airfare deals from all airports.

Consider Looking for Deals on a Different Browser

Many frequent travelers have long suspected that booking engines and airlines may actually be showing higher airfare on routes which you've previously searched. How is this possible? The site knows you are very keen on certain fares and guesses that you may be open to pay a little more for them, if you are currently researching your next trip from Los Angeles to London, and have frequently checked airfares on the route in recent days. So, it's worth searching two ways: on a different browser where your searches are not tracked, and on your usual browser such as the one you might be logged into, a favorite booking website like Priceline.

Don't Mistake a Nonstop for a Direct Flight

A nonstop flight is precisely what it sound like; but a direct flight might include some stops along the path to pick up or drop off passengers. So, you might want to pay a bit more for the nonstop, quicker flight.

Fired Travel Agent Tells the Public the Airline's Dirty Secrets, How to Turn Them Around In Your Favor, Including How to Fly Practically Free!

9 Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Paris

Paris Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

As the world's most beautiful city, Paris is arguably the most romantic city as well. Besides its magnetic charm, the culturally rich city is very walkable with many excellent sights that have been inspiring numerous artists, writers, and filmmakers. Is it no wonder why Paris is the world's number one tourist destination? 

As the supreme example of style, Paris is also one of the world's most glamorous cities. Called suitably the "City of Light," is the pinnacle of artistic expression, culinary delight, and architectural beauty. More than 30 million visitors annually can't be wrong. 

To learn which are the places you absolutely must visit, refer to my list of 9 most famous must-see tourist attractions in Paris with my Paris travel guide. I have left the very best for last.

1.  Louvre Museum

The mega Louvre Museum gets more than 10 million visitors each year, making it the most visited museum in the world and a high-ranking attraction not to be overlooked. A lot of the rage comes from the museum's three ultra-renowned masterpieces, Leonardo di Vinci's Mona Lisa as well as two famed Greek statues, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo.

Louvre offers visitors a great deal to see such as an extraordinary Egyptian collection that includes mummies, jaw-dropping galleries of European paintings depicting from the Middle Ages to the middle of the 19th century, and stunning rooms filled with exquisite tapestries, ornamental items, and furniture.

But outside, 20th century glass pyramids and a mirror-like pool contrast sharply with the elaborate Renaissance architecture of the old royal palace.

2.  Latin Quarter

To get a taste of an older version of Paris, spend an hour or two discovering the charms found in the Latin Quarter.

Initially settled by Romans during the first century, this renowned Left Bank community has long been attracting from bohemians, scholars to political protest. Just look closely and you shall see real traces of medieval Paris in the winding, narrow streets and aged buildings.

Enjoy a cool drink at the brasseries on Boulevard Saint Germain where Camus, Hemingway, and Sartre sat out during the 1920s, visit the intellectuals at the Pantheon and the tombs of French heroes, and then gaze at the Unicorn tapestries and the ageless beauty of Lady at the Cluny Museum.

Also, continue along the narrow side streets and explore the tiny bistros, quirky boutiques, and old bookstores. 

Next, tour through the old but beautiful churches boasting artistic treasures such as Saint Julien le Pauvre that dates to the Middle Ages. 

Then, visit the 1st century Roman arena, which is a treasure you do not want to miss in the Latin Quarter.

3.  Notre Dame Cathedral

Constructed in the Middle Ages at the historic center of Paris on lle de la Cite, the cathedral represents the grandeur of Gothic architecture.

The destructive 2019 fire today prevents visitors from entering inside to see the numerous paintings, statues, sculptures, exquisite stained-glass windows, and climbing up to the roof to enjoy amazing close-up vistas of gargoyles.

Although the repairs and restoration work continue nowadays, you can still admire the flying buttresses, tall towers, and additional features. Ideal viewing spot is the Left Bank of the Seine River.

4.  Montmartre & Sacre Coeur

Previously a separate village, and though Montmartre has been part of Paris from 1860, its winding roads, several trees, and gorgeous hillsides make it appear like entering a different place set apart.

You could walk past the community's several cabarets and cafes and imagine all the writers, musicians, and artists who called this home over a century ago.

But the most renowned sight is the shining white Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, constructed in Italian Byzantine style and observable from many places in Paris. Walk inside and admire the beautiful mosaics.

Do not dare miss the most interesting sections of the neighborhood so you can visit small art museums, parks, and a few old-fashioned windmills.

5.  Arc de Triomphe

As one of most recognizable attractions in Paris, the massive Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in the year 1806 by Napoleon to celebrate his army's triumphs across Europe, despite he was exiled and long dead when it was finally completed 30 years later.

The monument is surrounded by busy traffic on account of 12 main streets converging. Even though you could easily observe it at a distance, you can come near and get the best views to truly appreciate its fine architecture.

The best time to go by is on the first Sunday of every month when Champs Elysees bans automobiles and becomes pedestrian-only.

Buy a ticket and climb the staircase to the observation deck to enjoy sweeping views of Paris. At the bottom of the monument, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and timeless flame for honoring all the fallen French soldiers in World War l and ll. Also, catch its daily re-lighting ceremony each evening at 6:30 pm. Intricate statues and bas relief carvings portraying Napoleon's battles adorn large parts of the monument.

6.  Pompidou Center

Surrounded in a city loaded with traditional architecture, when Pompidou Center first opened, visitors reacted with outcries of derision at its exposed mechanical systems and raw design displaying exterior walls of brilliantly colored tubes. However, fifty years later, the museum's design by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano still stands out today in the cityscape.

When inside, revolving exhibitions of superb contemporary sculptures, paintings, sound and video installations account for the center's enormous popularity. 

Climb up to the remarkable rooftop deck, see the reflecting pool, and dine at the restaurant that overlooks the city.

Also, stroll around to the rear of the museum's right side to look at the Stravinsky Fountain; it's named after the composer and filled with sixteen water-spraying mobile sculptures.  

7.  Luxembourg Garden

Tall chestnut trees, an extensive pool where kids float toy ships, and several benches for seating among beautiful statues and colorful lush flowers make Luxembourg Garden the most popular park in Paris. And with as many as 448 other parks plus 2 forests in the city to choose from, that indeed is a great distinction!

In spite of the endless visitors flowing in, Luxembourg Garden scarcely appears crowded due to its 60 acres being divided into several distinctive areas.

Today, you can enjoy either lunch or drink at the open-air cafe.

If you are with the whole family, including children, visit the puppet theater and check out the fun pony rides. If traveling alone or as a couple, sit at one of the green metal chairs near the reflecting pool at the Medici Fountain and savor ten tranquil minutes of complete relaxation.

8.  Versailles Palace

With over 700 rooms, Versailles Palace is easily one of the world's largest. Renowned for its royal residents from King Louis XlV all the way to Marie Antoinette, the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, excessively decorated rooms of all sizes, and rare art, Versailles Palace allows you to get a memorable peek of royal life as you tour through. You could quite easily spend half a day here.

Highlights not to overlook include exquisite gardens packed with walkways, fountains, statues, tree allees, and flowers.

Insider's tip: select a guided tour to save a lot of time waiting. Guided tours can access a separate and faster security line.

9.  Eiffel Tower

Soaring high into the blue sky, the Eiffel Tower embodies Paris and provides you with amazing panoramas from three levels. For most visitors, climbing to the tower's highest-level tops their must-see attractions in Paris list.

Despite being able to observe the world-renowned landmark from several angles within the city, absolutely nothing beats the excitement of arriving at the observation platforms and seeing as the Paris landscape grows smaller at every successive level.

There are fine restaurants, a champagne bar, an ice-skating rink, and additional intriguing views via the clear floor on the first level.

Fired Travel Agent Tells the Public the Airline's Dirty Secrets, How to Turn Them Around In Your Favor, Including How to Fly Practically Free!