4 Easy Steps to Cheap Flights

These days you don't need another reason to hate the airline industry. Full flights, outrageous fees, long lines, and delays have become the frustrating norm.

Looking for revenge? Or maybe just a good deal?

Here are the four things you need to know to get the best deal on your next flight:

#1 - Check several websites

Research first with a search engine. I like Orbitz or Travelocity for a domestic flight or Cheapoair for international searches and multiple-leg trips. You pick your favorite; you really can't go wrong. Find which airlines serve your route and which one offers the best price.

Once you've done your research, head straight to the homepage of whichever airline offers the best deal.  It's always best to book directly with the carrier when you can because they typically offer a slightly better rate than the search engines. Plus, you are ensured a seat.

Avoid calling the airlines. Rarely do they offer a better deal, and most charge a phone booking fee of $15-$30.

#2 - Tuesday afternoon

Tuesday = deal day. The game usually starts when one airline discounts a route (say Delta's LGA to LAX, for example) and the other carriers will be forced to follow suit (Continental, American Airlines match Delta's offer). If you wait until Tuesday afternoon, that should be enough time for all the carriers to match other competitors' lower price and you get the best deal on the airline you prefer.

#3 - Act fast

If you see a good price, grab it. Rarely do sales on flights last, and if it's cheaper than competitors it won't stay that way for long.
One month in advance is usually the worst time to buy. I typically have more luck 3 months, 3 weeks, or 3 days in advance, but for some reason purchasing right at that one-month mark is the worst.
Keep in mind some airlines require a 30-, 14-, or 7-day advance purchase.

#4- Be flexible
If you can, try not to use exact dates when searching for a flight. Try the "day before" or "day after" options or "+/-3 days" which will provide you with more possibilities and better offers.  Remember Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.

Also, think about flying into neighboring cities, for example instead of Boston try Providence, RI or Oakland, CA instead of San Francisco, CA. If you are flying into New York City, type "NYC" as the airport code instead of specifying LaGuardia, Newark or JFK. You'll get more options at better prices.