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Air travel allows the travel consumer to reach their
travel destination in the least amount of time. But sometimes air travel
can be costly. If you follow these few simple rules, you will find the
least expensive air travel.
Air travel is far different today then it was a
decade ago. Improvements to technology; combined with global events, has
alter the industry. For example in the 1980 airline deregulation opened
up air travel to the average travel consumer. Air travel became an
affordable travel option for most in the Western world and so they took
the advantage. This was the decade when frequent flyer points were
introduced to the air traveler. And we loved them. Unfortunately
security could not keep up with the increase in use, and it would begin
to show.
By the 1990’s more people had enjoyed a travel
excursion using air travel than owned their own vehicle. The first
website was posted for air travel consumers to book their own flights.
This saw the birth of the large travel companies.
The turn of the century ushered in tighter security
measures for air travelers due to the terrorist attacks of 2001. A
supersized plane was introduced in 2003 which allowed 800 people to
travel by air at once.
But now the costs of air travel are exorbitant due to
fuel shortages. Still people want to travel by air. Here are a few ideas
on how to do so as economically as possible.
Be flexible with your travel plans. Ask yourself the
following three questions as you are booking your air travel
reservations. First, if by changing your travel time, can you reduce the
cost of you air travel? Second, what is the best day to fly with the
airline? For most airlines, the best day cost wise to fly is on a
Wednesday. The most expensive air travel occurs on the week-ends.
Finally, if you can fly late at night or early in the morning you will
notice further reduction in your cost. Is this an option for you?
Book your air travel in the off season if you can. Air travel pricing is
directed by supply and demand, so as the demand for air travel decreases
so to do the prices.
Remember to ‘shop till you drop’ for your air travel
tickets. Go to all the airline websites and monitor them daily. You
could even turn to an air travel finder to help you with this task.
However you decide to go be diligent, it will pay off well.
It is true that if you allow for a stop over, your
air travel will be cheaper still. Direct flights are always more
expensive.
Remember to look into memberships in travel clubs.
They will often have further discounts available. Another good idea is
to purchase an air travel package which includes air travel, hotel, and
a rented car. These are wonderful ways to save further on you air travel. |