How to Book The Lowest Airfare Online

Booking your own airfare online can be a great way to save money and get the best deals. It takes a bit of legwork, and knowledge of where to look online.  We've got you covered!  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Be flexible with your travel dates. If at all possible, try to fly on weekdays or during off-peak times of the year.
2. Use a flight search engine online. Flight search engines like Google Flights and Kayak can help you compare prices from different airlines and travel websites.  Hopper is a great app that lets you see when the lowest fares are available, even months ahead.
3. Sign up for email alerts. Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that will notify you when there are price changes for your desired flight. On Google flights, toggle the "Flight Tracker" button and you will receive notifications when the fare goes up or down.
4. Use a credit card that offers travel rewards. Many credit cards offer travel rewards that can be redeemed for free flights or other travel expenses such as hotels and car rentals. You may also be able to use your points for upgrades on your flight.
5. Book your flight in advance. 44 days prior to departure for flights within the US and Canada is optimal for the lowest fares and 120 prior for international flights.
6. Consider flying with a budget airline for the shorter haul segments.  Check their "on-time" ratings and be careful about add on expenses such as luggage etc.

Google or Kayak?  Where Can I Find the Best Airfares?
Google Flights: 
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
Google Flights is an excellent option if you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use flight search engine. It has a clean and easy to navigate interface that makes it easy to find the flights for any destination.
Google Flights also offers excellent features that can help save money, such as:

1. Price alerts: Click on "Price Tracker" to receive price alerts so that you're notified when the price of your desired flight drops (or goes up!)
2. Flexible dates: You can search for flights within a date range, so you can locate the cheapest dates.  Click on the monthly grid to see all of the prices for each date.
3. Google Maps integration: You can view a map of your flight path, so you can visualise your route.  It's a cool new feature.

Advantages and disadvantages of Google Flights

Advantages:

• Simple and easy-to-use interface
• Variety of features to help you save money
• Wide selection of airlines
• Google Maps integration

Disadvantages:

• Not as many airlines as Kayak
• Some features are not available in all countries

Kayak:
https://www.kayak.com/flights​

1. Kayak is another solid option for finding low airfares.  It offers a larger selection of airlines than Google.  It provides the traveller with ways to save money:
2. Price comparison: Kayak compares prices from different airlines and travel websites, so you can be sure you're getting the best deal.
3. Price trends: You can view price trends for your desired flight, which you can monitor the rates so you can book when the prices are at their lowest for that time period.
4. Hidden city fares: These are fares that do not include a return flight.  You can get creative with your itinerary which may save you money.

Advantages and disadvantages of Kayak

Advantages:

• Wide selection of airlines
• Price comparison from different airlines and travel websites
• Price trends for desired flight
• Hidden city fares

Disadvantages:

• Interface can be cluttered
• Some features are not available in all countries