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So this question is probably being asked about 3 months too late, but here goes anyway. My family is planning a cross-country trip over the Christmas holiday, but have not yet purchased our flights.

Does anyone have general or specific recommendations for saving on airfare? (anything from websites you swear by, purchasing timeframes, etc.) Thanks in advance for the help!

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Here's what I'd do:

  1. Go to an aggregator like CheapFlights.com to get a fairly decent base price for the dates you want.
  2. Once you find the cheapest place, go to a click-through rebate site like MrRebates.com or EBates.com (here are a few more; those are affiliate links but you're welcome to go to the sites directly, and either way your rebates will be the same) to see if you can get an extra discount (usually only 1-2%, but hey).
  3. Now that you have a base price, you can go to priceline.com to try to underbid this best price. I think you should be able to get a couple of chances before it starts to get to be too late.
  4. If that doesn't work, then go back to the cheapest ticket you found, hit one of the rebate sites, click through if you can, and get the ticket. (This is a back-up.)

A couple of other tips. If you're more flexible with your travel dates, you'll have more choices and more possibilities for lower prices. Also, I wouldn't try Priceline too many times, because the closer you get to your travel dates, the fewer seats will be available.

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Agree with all above-would also go to the airlines site before final purchase-occasionally the price posted there beats everyone else-doesn't hurt to check. It is really aggravating to go on a trip with your friends, after busting your behind for a cheap ticket-and find out theirs was cheaper-and bought at the airline site with one click!!!!! Have a great trip. – Dr Dean Nov 21 at 15:52
One other site to check-Clark Howard (.com I think) usually has a good handle on airline specials. – Dr Dean Nov 21 at 15:55
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I like Kayak, it does a good job, although it does leave out a few options, including Southwest.

If you're young and feeling risky, you can try flying Airtran U via standby. No checked baggage and no guarantee of a flight, but if you're lucky and get on, flights are either $69 or $99 depending on the distance.

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