Posted by André Nosalsky :: October 9, 2008 @ 2:00 pm

Many vacations and trips require flying. With the fuel prices always on the rise and a sluggish economy, air travel costs will only be going up and not down. Here are six tips to help you receive the most value for your money when flying.

1. Travel during the low season. Most destinations have a high and a low season, although there might be very little difference for you. For instance, in southern Florida or the Caribbean, summer is considered the low season and winter the high season. This is because many people in the northern areas want to get away from the cold and snow during the winter and thus the demand is high. During the summer, fewer people travel to these destinations and the rates are much cheaper for flights, hotels and other services.
2. Book your flights in advance. Many airlines offer their best rates months in advance; this is the best time to buy. Also, making your reservations in advance will give you the most flight options. Check the rates one day before or after you were planning on flying and many times this will make a big difference in the rate you will pay.
3. Check the airports near your destination. Many big international airports have extra fees and taxes that are added to your ticket. Or sometimes the airport is a bottleneck hub, where many airlines are forced to have a connecting flight. Check for small airports around your destination and you might be surprised at how much you can save.
4. Fly during the week. Because most travelers like to fly on the weekend and business travelers like to fly home for the weekend, the weekends have the highest rates. Choosing a flight in the middle of the week might save you money and make the trip less crowded.
5. One stop? Don’t automatically click on the “Direct flights only” checkbox when searching for flights. There are many times when you can have a stop that will add an hour or two to your flight, but might save you lots of money on the ticket price.
6. Checking in bags? Some airlines have started charging for checked baggage, $15 to $25 per bag. Check with your airline for the specifics and be sure you have up to date information. Consider leaving unimportant things behind and packing a carry-on case for your trip to save on this fee and reduce the amount of stuff you have to haul around.

When air travel is on your schedule, following the above tips will help you to save money and avoid any surprises.