Compare Flights - The Smarter Way

You never want to book too early, or two late. Airlines know that someone booking far ahead has a set schedule, while someone booking late is likely desperate. As such, people who book too early or too late will likely pay a premium. According to research, the best time to book is two months in advance.

There are two main major flight seasons: Summer (April - October) and Winter (November - March) in the Northern Hemisphere, with the opposite being the case in the Southern Hemisphere. Demand is lower in Winter, but much higher in Summer. As such, prices tend to cool down in Winter, and so if you;re looking for a quiet get away, taking off when the snow falls is your best bet..

Good news for early risers and night owls; Studies show that the cheapest flights are in the early morning, we're talking when the sun isn't even out yet. Most people can't be bothered to set out that early, and so if you're willing, you can score a cheaper deal.

Some more research shows that the best day to fly is Tuesday, as this is when demand is lowest, meaning cheaper prices, and maybe some extra space to stretch out in when the plane takes off.

This might come as a surprise, but the busier your destination, the less you can expect to pay for a flight. Why? Because competition is bigger between airlines, and so you can have your pick of deals. If you destination is more remote, consider flying to a big location nearby an making your way from there.

You might be able to save a buck or two booking with one of the smaller airlines, but consider their policy on carry-on luggage, seating arrangements, and even refreshments. Bigger airlines are able to give travelers a bit of a discount on the finer points, while smaller airlines often have to make extra wherever they can. Be sure to find out about any extra costs before booking.

If you thought you could escape rising gas prices by taking to the skies, think again! Gas prices affect the cost of flights just as much as they affect drivers at the pump. Additionally, due to the often international nature of flights, tariffs and taxes you may not be familiar with will also add onto the cost of flights. Check out what's going on with gas in the place you're flying to, it could mean a costly, or even a cheaper return flight.

Flights that have a few lay overs tend to be cheaper, while direct flights cost more. You need to decide whether you'll stick it out for a few hours more, and save some money, or pay up and get to your destination sooner.

Shhh, don't tell anyone we told you this, but sometimes the price of flights are incorrect because of a misplaced comma, system fault, or some other error. If you manage to find a price that's too good to be true, but complete the checkout, the airline has to honor it. So keep an eye out for these unintentional special offers.