My favorite method of checking airfare and truly feeling as if I am getting the best value is by using Google Flights http://www.google.com/travel/flights I check this site weekly, just to see what is out there. Often times, I will have dates in mind of when I may be able to head out of town without a destination in mind until I see what deals I can find out of some of my local airports.
Here are the tricks I use to score inexpensive airfare for my family of five.
1. Search ONE WAY rather than round trip at first so you get an idea of what the prices are for the flight you plan to take.
2. Type in a city rather than a specific airport in the search bar, such as LOS ANGELES rather than LAX.
3. Leave the departure date open when you search and it will display all of the prices for the months surrounding your trip. Simply going a day earlier or leaving a day later can save you hundreds💰
4. Check the prices throughout the week. It is known that Tuesdays are typically the best day to purchase flights, but I have seen prices change throughout the week and even throughout the same day. When you think of it, take a look.
5. Be aware of what the airline charges for luggage. In the picture below, it looks as if the spirit flight is the least expensive, however it is actually the third option United if you are taking a bag with you.
*In this example, United charges $40/per bag, Jet Blue $45/per bag and Spirit $65/per bag. Spirit also only allows 40lb, per bag, where Jet Blue and United allow 50lb. per bag.
Checked bag fee for other Domestic flights: Delta is $35/50lb bag, Southwest is 2 bags under 50lbs for bags free, American Airlines $35 (if you pay online) for a 50lb. Bag, Alaska Airlines $35/50lb. bag, Frontier $49/40lbs.
*please note these prices may vary depending on time of booking and your status with the airline.
Trip Trek Go 