How to Find Cheap Air Tickets
Arguably the most uncomfortable form of travel ever invented but undoubtedly the quickest. If you want to go immediately from Britain to your destination then you should look around for the cheapest flights available.
Airline seats, like every other commodity, are sold at a variety of prices for the same item and it is important to shop around for the best offers.
Bucket shops: In the 1970s 'bucket shops' appeared in Britain , selling illegally discounted airline tickets. Although it is still theoretically against the law to sell discounted tickets in this way no action is ever taken by the government and it has become an accepted part of airline ticket sales.
The Air Travel Advisory Bureau (Tel: [020] 7636 5000) will provide you with telephone numbers of reputable bucket shops dealing with your desired destination.
High street travel agents: Since the appearance of bucket shops the major travel agents have cottoned on to the importance of discounted tickets. They now all offer various discounts on 'flight only' tickets, but they will invariably be higher than the bucket shops. Sometimes travel agents will quote you the first price that comes up on their computer. In some cases there will be others seats at lower prices so it is worth asking if this is the only price available.
Types of Ticket
Apex/Super Apex (Advance Purchase Excursion)
One of the best options for the traveller looking for the best deal. It is the method whereby airlines offer officially discounted seats. There are certain restrictions with APEX tickets - they must be booked and paid for well in advance of departure, varying between seven days and a month, a minimum stay abroad is required and there are no stopovers allowed. However, these are minor considerations for the committed traveller with a relatively flexible agenda. They are well worth the reductions of up to 60 per cent.
Pex/Super Pex (Public excursion fare)
Similar to Apex except that there is no advance-purchase requirement. Thirty per cent cancellation fee.
Excursion fares
Available on some long-haul routes and with fewer restrictions than Apex. Flights can be changed and the savings on full economy fares are between 25 and 30 per cent.
Standby fares
Cheap seats on the day of departure - available mainly on routes to North America . Although the tickets can be bought three months before departure, it will depend on the availability on the day. A reasonable option if you can wait around until a seat becomes available.
Round-the-world tickets (RTW)
The cheapest way to fly around the world, with prices starting from approximately £700. Most of them are valid for a year and you have to make a minimum of at least three stopovers. Although they are great value you should think carefully before you choose this form of ticket. You will have to keep traveling in the same direction and you will not be allowed to 'backtrack'. Ask yourself if you really do want to visit all the destinations on your ticket or if you are going just because it is a cheap option. They tend to remove flexibility from the independent traveller.
