| The no-frills airline, launched by Southwest in the | | | | - Security precautions introduced by major credit |
| 1980s, is no longer a U.S. phenomena. Low cost | | | | card companies may limit your ability to book |
| carriers are popping up around the world. They | | | | flights on foreign web sites. |
| are taking over domestic and international routes | | | | Getting the best deal |
| throughout Europe and Asia and select routes in | | | | - Initiate your search with on-line agencies and |
| South America, Africa and the Middle East. A few | | | | consolidators. |
| even operate intercontinental flights. And many | | | | - Subscribe to the airline and to the consolidator's |
| are profitable. | | | | newsletter. |
| Yet there is a flip side to cheap tickets. Travelers | | | | - Utilize services that enable you to set a price, |
| can spend a significant amount of time scouring | | | | such as the Orbitz "Deal Detector". Orbitz will send |
| the web for the best deal. Not all countries have | | | | an email if fares on the route you select drop to |
| a low cost carrier and not all airports are serviced | | | | the price level you set. The service is available for |
| by a discount airline. Many low-fare companies | | | | free. |
| cannot be booked through on-line agencies or | | | | - Use the consolidator as a tool. Book directly with |
| consolidators, such as Expedia, Orbitz and | | | | airline. This may reduce the service charge |
| Lastminute. Promotional offers are usually limited | | | | without affecting the fare. |
| and expire on a daily if not hourly basis. And when | | | | Comparing fares |
| you finally find a flight, it is difficult to compare the | | | | - Low cost fares are often quoted on a one-way |
| offering. | | | | basis. |
| The following tips will reduce your search time and | | | | - Taxes, handling fees and other surcharges are |
| prepare you for any additional travel time. | | | | not always included in the initial price. Click through |
| Research | | | | to the final page to effectively compare cost. |
| - Determine which carriers service the route you | | | | - Airfare may be quoted in the airline or |
| wish to fly. Many airport web sites include a route | | | | consolidator's local currency only. Converting fares |
| map as well as a list of carriers. Alternatives will | | | | to a single currency will facilitate comparison. |
| only become apparent if you check the web site | | | | Before you depart |
| of both airports, arrival and departure. | | | | - Pack a lunch or a snack and drinks for all. Food |
| - If you are traveling abroad or within a foreign | | | | and drinks are no longer included in the price of |
| country or continent, identify local on-line agencies | | | | the ticket! |
| and consolidators of discount airfares. | | | | - Arrive at the airport early if you want to sit |
| - Low cost carriers often use secondary airports. | | | | next to your companion and the kids. Seating is |
| Verify distance and ground transportation before | | | | likely to be open and boarding is oftentimes based |
| you book. Most low-fare carriers and many | | | | on the order in which passengers' check-in. |
| consolidators provide such information on their | | | | Find out who flies where |
| web sites. | | | | European Travel Network |
| - Many low-fare carriers offer point-to-point | | | | WhichBudget |
| service. It may not be possible to check-in for a | | | | Low-cost consolidators |
| second flight at a transit desk. Thus you may | | | | SideStep |
| need to build-in time between flights to | | | | BravoFly |
| accommodate any passport formalities, claim your | | | | Copyright © more2explore S.r.l. All rights |
| luggage and check-in for the second leg of your | | | | reserved. |
| journey. | | | | |