Article Surfing Archive

Unless you've got wealthy parents, most students, just don't have the money to get on a plane at a whim! Having been a student and traveled a bit during my earlier years when I had little income, I know few ways to get cheap airfare, even on short notice. The good news is that these "tricks" make travel possible without having to miss class or take multiple part-time jobs.

First, I recommend that you fly standby for cheap airfare.

Students, age 18 to 22, can fly under a hundred dollars as a standby passenger. This coach class travel is available if, and only if, you happen to be at the right airport at the right time. The seats are ones that did not sell or were cancellations or no-shows. One of the catches is that you're only allowed a single carry-on. There's some risk involved with this method, but you can minimize the risk if you call ahead to the airline. If the flight you desire is already oversold, then it's likely you won't get a seat. However, if the flight's merely full or better yet, not full, then you've got a chance. Once you're at the airport, simply inform the clerk that you're willing to travel your destination on standby. You will have to make a payment and board the next plane when your name is called. Be prepared to pay a small amount extra for taxes, security fees or passenger facility charges, around $10.50.

The second method is to fly with a deal for cheap airfare. To do this, you will have to check for cheap airfare on the Internet. There's often deals offered exclusively to students. One drawback is that you may have to use an airline that you wouldn't normally choose or you might not be able to leave when you want. However, the amount of money you may save should more than compensate for your inconvenience. Don't forget that the secret to cheap airfare is being flexibile. Chances are you're going to have to give in some, in order to reep your reward.

Third, fly with a companion fare in order to get the cheap airfare. This is yet another way to avoid breaking the bank to get where you want. Essentially, companion fares are cheap airfares for people traveling in groups of two or more. They work only if you and your group depart on the same flight with the same airline. So for this to work, you'll have to split the overall fare difference with your companion. You need to be aware that if you change your flight itinerary, the difference in departure or arrive dates and times can increase the fare for each member in your group.

The method that I used to frequently use, which worked well for me was to fly at the last minute. Typically I was forced into this strategy because I procrastinated getting my tickets. It did save me dollars a number of times throughout my collegiate and even post collegiate days. You would be surprised how cheap airfare can get with this method. If you travel alone, look into web-only cheap airfares. These fares are shown on the website of a given airline. They aren't typically offered anywhere else because they're last minute offers. As with the other methods discussed above, the internet provides the best way for an airline to display availabilities. For you, it's easier than making numerous calls to travel agents or to the airlines themselves. One drawback about this strategy is that it typically doesn't work during popular travel times like the Holidays. If you think you're going to get that last minute deal on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, you will likely be disappointed. Go ahead and try, but don't hold your breath.

The last strategy you can try, is to fly with auctioned cheap airfare. I don't have much experience with this method, but I know plenty of people who have made it work. Think of Priceline more than Ebay. If you're experienced with auctions and the bidding process, I recommend that you try the popular "name your own price" websites for a discount airfare. When you're using an auction service, bid no lower than the value of the ticket you want at its lowest discount price. If this strategy doesn't get you what you want, then you will have to check for cheap airline tickets from airline consolidators who are essentially dealers in bulk airplane tickets.

There's other ways to reduce your traveling costs, but they aren't as dramatic as the strategies mentioned above. They're basically common sense. Book a flight way ahead of time, I recommend at least two months in advance. Also, you can try traveling during non-peak times. There's cheap tickets available for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday night departures and returns. Lastly, you can try flying with a lesser-known airlines.