Even without the recession finding the best airfares is always tops on the list. Here are a few tips to insure finding the lowest fares possible.

1. Don’t take for granted that you will find the best rate on your first try. Shop around; compare fares with your travel agent and Internet. Most the time it’s the "luck of the draw"; airlines rates are dynamic and can change within minutes. If you think you found a good fare hold it for 24 hours, that will give you time to some comparison-shopping.
   
   
2. Avoid weekend or holiday travel. If you need to fly during peak times make sure you book your flights well in advance.
   
   
3. Large cities can have multiple airports, you might save by choosing a different arrival destination.
   
   
4. Check directly with the airlines, often they have specials, or one-day sales that can beat out even the wholesalers.
   
   
5. If using miles check to see if the airline you plan to travel on has a sale on mileage. Periodically you can find 5,000 mile discounts and more.
   
   
6. Be flexible try different dates or change your itinerary by a day or two it can save bundles.
   
   
7. Check out a package with a tour company. To receive the best discount fare they might have a 2 night minimum hotel requirement. You won’t have to stay there but the price of the air could be less expensive than purchasing just air.
   
   
8. Airlines post new fares and released seats just after midnight, if you are a night owl check fares directly with the airlines.
   
   
9. Book roundtrip tickets, its very rare that a one way would be less.
   
   
10. Check out budget airline websites. Some of the best would be Ryanair, EasyJet, Germanwings, Air Berlin, Condor, Flybe, Wizz Air and Eurofly just to name a few. Be aware that low cost airlines will cut frills in order to give you deep discounts. Most discount carriers have no gate service and will park on the tarmac then bus you to the terminal. No free drinks or snacks, even water has a fee. They can charge for checked in baggage. No legroom. But the fares are incredibly cheap!
    
    
11. Here is a list of reputable internet discount companies, it is always a good idea to compare rates to find the best deal:
    
    Expedia
    CheapOAir
    Travelocity
    Kayak
    Cheapflights
    Bestfares
    Orbitz
    Hotwire
    Cheap Tickets
    Farecast
    Sidestep
    
    
12. 12. If you are a student and under 25 years old find even better rates at one of these Student Rate Wholesalers:
    
    www.studentkayak
    www.statravel.com
    www.StudentUniverse.com
    www.EFCollegeBreak.com/Europe