How to save on airfare

Tools

Marissa Hollowed

Story Created: Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:10 AM

Story Updated: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:39 AM

PADUCAH - We decided to plan out a family trip to Orlando, Florida in the month of July. This way we can compare fares.

Our first tip to save some cash in the sky is if you want to travel cheap, being flexible is the key. That means being able to arrive and depart on any given day of the week. The high demand days are Fridays and Saturdays. So, if you can be flexible and avoid those days of the week that are high demand, you'll find cheaper fares. The least expensive days to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If you really want the best deal, hit the internet early. The cheapest fares tend to run out quickly.

No one likes to pay more than they're told, so beware of extra fees. It's important to know what to expect.

Some hidden fees to watch out or even ask about include...

1. A fee for reserving on the phone or in person can cost you anywhere from five to twenty-five dollars. In fact...United levies a 15-dollar fee for speaking to a human to reserve your tickets and Southwest, American, and Jetblue can charge up to 10-dollars.

2. You could be charged anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars to cash in your miles and decide against using your ticket.

3. And be ready to pay between 50 and 100 dollars to bring your pet on board.

4. Some airlines charge up to $35 to check a bag when flying domestically. If you're flying out of the country, fees could be up to $100 one way.

Another good way to be on top of the savings, sign up for a program that will alert you to deals.