Tips on How to Minimize the Cost of Flying

It's here! Spring is finally here. Well in some parts of country anyway. It's this time of year that we all start thinking about our summer vacation. Whatever this is for you, relaxing on the beach, horseback riding through the mountains, or whatever it is that helps you relax. Whatever it is that you want to do this summer there is no reason that you should pay full price to get there.

On pretty much every flight that you have ever been on the passengers that are sitting all around you have all paid different for the same ticket that you did. The reason for this depends on a few things like where you bought the ticket, and how you planned your route.

One thing that you must know is that flexibility means more savings for you. If you are able to leave on a different day, or a different time you will have more options. Here is a list of what you can do to save yourself some cash.

Make your plans as far in advance as possible. This is something that works well with summer vacations, because we know pretty much every year when we are going to take our vacation. Some airlines will actually let you book your flight up to three months before take off. When you are able to buy tickets in advance you can qualify for "early bird" discounts.

Don't be loyal to one airline. Yes we all have that favorite airline where the seats recline just the way that you like, and the flight attendant makes you laugh. If you are loyal to one airline then you are closing yourself off from all the deals that are available from other airlines. For Example last week I flew from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, not a vacation destination I know, but this is still a good example. I usually like to fly the big guys like American, Delta etc. but I found out that Southwest was offering the flight at only $39 each way. Were talking $80 that's almost half off what some of the other guys were charging!

If you're lucky like I am, there are several airports all within driving distance from my home. I am within driving distance from ABE, PHL, and EWR. That gives me a lot of options when I travel. If you happen to live in an area that has a few airports, make sure that you check the deals out at them. Ok so maybe you will have to drive an extra twenty minuets to get to the airport. Wouldn't you travel that extra twenty minutes to save $100?

A lot of people these days are utilizing their internet to find best fares on airfare. I really like this because you can plan your vacation in the privacy of your own home, and you do not have some travel agent trying to sell you something so that they can get their commission check off of your vacation. Make sure that if you are going to look for deals online that you go to a site that gives you the option of having a flexible date. Sites like Orbitz and Travelocity have this feature.

One final note, if you do not have flexibility in your travel day you do restrict yourself a little, but check out Priceline.com. My partner is flying out of Philadelphia at the end of May for his sister's graduation, and by using the site he was able to save almost half of the cost of just purchasing the ticket through the airline. I wish you good luck, and hope you enjoy the sun.