1. Browse through a deals website.
The most commonly known deals website for flights is expedia.ca , but I have found that Kyak.com actually tends to find even cheaper flights than expedia! Leading up to a trip or a visit, I will check Kyak several times through the week.
2.Book directly through the flight provider
When it finds a good price, I often go through the flight provider directly to book the flight. Sometimes when you book through affiliate sites, you can accidentally end up on a wait list if a flight is full, and you don't want that. For example, I will go to WestJet's website when Kyak finds a good deal using one of their flights and then book directly with WestJet. that way I know for sure my seat is secure.
3. If your trip is short, don't check baggage
And by short, I mean a trip less than 1.5 weeks. You can save money and stress by not checking a bag for trips this long. It is hard to pack for a week in a little carry on and a purse, but trust me, it can be done. And then you're not worrying about getting your luggage on a layover that has you switch airlines (almost NO flights are possible without layovers nowadays)
4. Don't be afraid of multi-airline trips
Travel is changing. Now flight providers are starting to team up to provide a flight plan that can get you anywhere. WestJet often works with Delta, and I have found their prices as well as flight times to be the most reasonable (even if Delta flights aren't always the most comfortable) If you're from the states and travelling to Canada, I highly recommend any flight with WestJet. You're guaranteed to have a positive experience with them.
5.Booking Far in advance or waiting till the last minute
This is your biggest gamble. You can either book 6 months or more in advance to get a decent deal, or you can take a big risk and wait, sometimes even until the night before a flight to book one. This can either work in your favor or the price can rise, But if it does drop, I can promise you will be saving at least $100.00 on your ticket.
6. Check in to your flight as soon as possible.
It's easy to forget, especially if its on your return flight, but checking in to your flight before you get to the airport has amazing benefits, even if you don't print your boarding pass, you can at least select your seat and know that you will be on that plane the next day. And if you are able to print your boarding pass the day before, it will greatly streamline your experience at the airport.
