Flight Alternatives to Save You Money

Flying can be expensive, but if you have a little or a lot of flexibility you can save lots of money on a flight. Most of these flights are not for the planner, but if you are able to go with the flow you just might be able to have the vacation you have always wanted and save at the same time.

Courier Flights - In exchange for use of your check in baggage space on a flight a courier flight will get you a greatly discounted fare. A company uses your baggage space to carry a parcel overseas. The idea may conjure up images from movies of innocent people unknowingly smuggling drugs. In reality it is a safe business and you usually never even see the package. The International Association of Air Courier Travelers, www.courier.org, requires a small annual membership fee but gives you access to the world of courier traveling. .

Standby Flights - Patience is a virtue holds true when it comes to a standby flight. It can be a great hassle of waiting all day and night or as simple as stepping on a flight as if you had a normal ticket. Some airlines, though not all, offer standby ticket options. Check with your preferred airline for their standby options. If you have time, patience and can do without checking luggage standby might be the option for you.

If you are 18 - 22 years old try Airtranu.com which offers low cost standby segment tickets for young adults. You can travel throughout the U.S. on standby for a very low cost. They even have a frequent flier rewards program.

Overbooked Flights - Some airlines don't like to admit it, but overbooking is a common practice in the industry. When overbooking catches up with them and they end up with more people than seats on a flight they compensate volunteers who are willing to give up their seat. To take advantage you need to let the agent at the gate know, as soon as possible, that you would be willing to give up your seat, if it is necessary. Peak travel times are the highest likely to overfill. But, the downfall is there is no guarantee that you will be bumped even if you volunteer and you do need a ticket initially, but if you have a flexible schedule volunteering your seat in case of an overfilled flight can be very rewarding.

If you would like to travel to more than one destination and are okay with planning many months in advance Airtech.com specializes in multi destination tickets and can get you round the world ticket for much lower than if you planned it on your own. If you are really adventurous contact Airtech about space available tickets. You could end up at a completely unplanned destination but save an insane amount of money and have an incredible experience.