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Some tips are given here for a cheap air fare:

* Use insider language when you search for a flight

If you book directly through an airline, specifically ask for the lowest published fare. If you don't, you could get a higher fare on the same flight, same seat. In fact, tickets are classified by everything from restrictions on cancellation to numbers of days before flight time. A seat with more restrictions and a lower price is fine for the average pleasure or business traveler.

After asking for the lowest fare, inquire for any available promotions on that day or coming up soon.

* Use the Web to shop for cheaper flights

Comparing fares used to be a full-time job. No more. Frequent travelers can learn about fare wars online, via e-mail or by fax.

* Look for promotions

Special promotions are offered all the time by airlines, usually in concert with a credit card company or a retailer.

* Buy 'APEX'

If you book directly with an airline, plan ahead enough to get an APEX ( Advance Purchase Excursion) fare. Buy your tickets seven, 14 or 21 days before the flight and stay over a Saturday. Tickets are nonrefundable, but often can be exchanged for a $100 fee. On domestic flights, APEX costs about one-third or less than the regular fare. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic shave an extra $100 off if you book 90 days or 45 days ahead respectively. Airlines change fare policies quickly, however, so call airlines regularly.

* Book through consolidators

Consolidators are companies that buy blocks of tickets from airlines and resell them at a discount from 30% to 60%. The only catch is that you may not get frequent-flier miles and changing plans may be more restrictive. You can call directly or use a travel agent. Some airlines have their own consolidators.

* Look for creative booking strategies

If you like puzzles, you can book that $224 round trip special from Boston to Miami for mid-April, then fly to the Bahamas for another $193. The round trip from New York is about $501. You save $84. Especially for long flights or offbeat destinations, this can work wonders. But if the savings are relatively modest, then you must decide if convenience is worth the extra price.

* Consider charter airlines

Charter companies hire airplanes and fill them to the brim. It's not my favorite way to travel for several reasons.

* Companion fares for two

Airlines often offer special 'companion fares' to induce you and your significant other to choose that carrier. The fares are often based on a higher priced ticket for the first traveler, but offer significantly reduced rates for the second passenger. The sum total is less than if you bought two tickets at even a discounted rate.

Flying for less is not a difficult task. Just because the person next to you paid full freight to fly in a crowded coach section of a cross-continent flight doesn't mean you have to share in that experience.