I look online through Orbitz or Travelocity to find the flight I want, but then, I go to that airline's website to find that same flight.

I do the same as Alice.

Would Kayak help?

I agree to check all the sites then go to the airline directly. Nowadays most of these sites are pretty much the same price. Years ago when they started out and were competitive and you could get something much cheaper on Travelocity then Orbitz for example.

The supposed tricks like calling after midnight on certain days have not really worked for me.
You get the best rates when you can be flexible on when you leave and when you come home.

Since you asked this question, I am guessing you are not affiliated with an awards program one of your credit cards. I have gotten free tickets to American advantage also through my thank you points on Citibank. Many people like Captitol One.

Isn't there an extra charge if you call the airline? I think it's better if you do as the others said. Check the sites and then go to the airline's website. Don't call.

I use kayak as a resource for information.

I always book flights from their websites, and if I have any questions...I call the number on the website, or a chat link on the website.
The customer service reps are good, on the majors, and they have up to the minute, and correct information...much more helpful and knowledgeable than someone who works for a commission.
I have never been charged with a fee for calling them directly, and I have flown hundreds of flights.

There's a program called "sidestep"...it may be helpful to get the best fare.

Here is a link that might be useful: The link to use

I look online, multiple sites, easy and quick to flip dates around and sometimes get a deal. No hoops, just common sense. Sit down with a travel agent and let them do the work. Price will be the same. The only way to book with Allegiant Air or Southwest is their web sites. Good luck shopping.

I use expedia. The best day to check prices is Tuesday afternoon - one airline will drop their fare & then others follow suit. I typically book on either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. We often travel both to & from on a Wednesday or a Thursday to get the best price. The best time to purchase is 4-6 weeks out; I am usually too anxious/excited to wait that long so I start checking about 3-4 months out & then book when I find what I think is a good price. Depending on when you are traveling in November I would start checking now & book when you see prices going down. Hopefully it is before Thanksgiving! PLEASE check the add on costs - luggage, seat selection etc. Two years ago I started to buy from Allegiant & then got to their add ons & backed off. The total cost was too high! I think they charged $50 to check a bag! (I could be wrong on that...) Jet Blue checks one bag per person at no charge.
We travel from Buffalo NY to Tampa or Orlando most often & I have found the best prices on Jet Blue & Delta.

Good luck & have fun!

I third the Kayak website suggestion. I was trying all the sites and I noticed the price changed from day to day. Then, when I had to book it for real, I could see who was less expensive that day.

Absolutely do not call the airline, use their website. It's a huge hassle and does cost extra. How do I know? I have to do this all the time for my boss. Why be on the phone forever (sometimes), when you can book it all within moments online.

Too foten, what I see on the AA website isn't 'the whole story'.

When we fly to Hawaii I need to speak with a representative anyway to find upgrade-able seats, apply miles, and charge those costs. It adds $25 per ticket to talk to a rep -- a tiny fraction of the ticket cost. An AA rep has often found me things I didn't find the airline's site.

In the 30+ years of flying I've done my share of calling and using different sites...I've found, going straight to the airlines web site has gotten me the best deals....And if you can be flexible, normally there is a place to click for that and you can pick your fares....And you need to check often, you'd be surprised at the difference in prices just from 1 day to the next....Be careful, some of the "helping" sites charge a fee and you sure don't need that added expense...And, most airlines do charge for baggage, so if you can find one that doesn't, that's a savaings.....

Good luck and safe travels....

I also search everywhere on the web for pricing then book directly through the airline, like Alice.

Good point. If you're flying overseas, or all the way to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, then call. It's not gonna be cheap no matter what. I will say, you can even apply miles for upgrades online. So it could still work

Southwest only charges for 1 bag...but charges for 2nd or 3rd bag.

I travel with my best friend. We call her AAA agent. She books our flights, our accommodations and rental car. Gets us the AAA discounts. Friend has never had to use the "roadside assistance", but what they save us in travel expenses every year more than makes up for the 60.00 a year membership fee. And it's nice to know you have roadside assistance if you do need it.

Southwest give you TWO free bags--see link, and Jet Blue gives you one. Sidestep belongs to Kayak now. :( I've come to believe that only certain airports offer good deals, and the reservation must be made several weeks in advance. My area rarely has good flight deals because it's a large business hub.

I also clear computer history each time I look, though it appears they're on to that now. I agree that there's no point in looking at the 'middle man' sites now, for the most part, other than to give you a feel for how much each airline is charging.

Here is a link that might be useful: Southwest Airlines

I keep checking all these company's and usually find it on my own. I do have a little list I cut out of a magazine that might help.

airfares are 40% less when purchased online on Tuesdays & Wed.

Tues. just after midnight is the very best day/time to purchase on line.
Best to also purchase 6 weeks before your departure

Midle man sites consolidate the search. That's the only point. Search once, scan the prices, then go to the airline's site.

Angelaid made me think. We have a couple of travel agencies here that might be worth looking into also.

I used AAA years ago, but am no longer a member.

Thanks all for the input so far.