Cheap flights, with the full fare shown first
Low fares quoted by a person, with taxes and carrier charges included, and a plain explanation of what the cheaper fare gives up.
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Cheap flights, with the full fare shown first
The cheapest fare on a route is usually the one booked in advance, on a less popular day, with a connection, and with fewer included extras. Search above or call ; an advisor compares the fare families and tells you what each one includes before you choose.
What makes a fare cheap
- Fare classes. Each flight is sold in price buckets. The cheapest buckets have few seats and sell out first.
- Day and time. Midweek departures and early-morning or late-evening flights are often priced lower than Friday and Sunday peaks.
- Connections. A one-stop routing can cost less than a nonstop on the same route.
- Nearby airports. Newark versus JFK, Oakland versus San Francisco, or Fort Lauderdale versus Miami can change the price.
- What is included. Basic fares remove seat choice, changes and sometimes carry-on bags.
What a cheaper fare usually gives up
| Feature | Basic economy | Standard economy |
|---|---|---|
| Seat selection | Assigned at check-in, or paid | Free standard seats on most carriers |
| Changes | Usually not allowed | Allowed; usually no change fee on large US carriers |
| Cancellation | Usually no value | Usually a future travel credit |
| Boarding | Last group | Standard groups |
| Full-size carry-on | Allowed on most large US carriers; not on some | Allowed |
Always confirm with the advisor: rules differ between airlines and between domestic and international fares.
How we look for a low fare
Advisors search across airlines, nearby airports and flexible dates in the Amadeus system, and compare fare families side by side. We quote the total including taxes, and we name our service fee before you pay.
We do not sell self-transfer itineraries made from separate tickets without telling you. If the first flight is late on separate tickets, the second airline has no duty to rebook you. When a cheaper option carries that risk, we say so.
When booking direct is cheaper
On simple domestic nonstops and on low-cost carriers there is often no agency fare that beats the public one. If the airline's own website is cheaper for your trip, the advisor will tell you.
How the booking process works
- 1Search or callEnter your route and dates above, or call the desk and tell an advisor where you want to go.
- 2Compare optionsAirline, departure times, connections and fare family, with what each fare includes for bags and changes.
- 3Hear the totalBase fare, every tax and carrier charge, and any service fee, quoted as one figure.
- 4Approve and payPayment is processed securely by , the merchant of record on your statement.
- 5Receive your ticketBooking reference, the airline's six-character record locator and a 13-digit e-ticket number per traveller.
- 6Verify with the airlineLook up the record locator on the airline's own website to confirm the booking.
Important information
Cheap Flights: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to book a cheap flight?
For US domestic trips, fares are often lowest one to three months before departure. For international trips and holiday periods, booking earlier usually helps. There is no single magic day of the week to buy.
Is the price you quote the final price?
Yes. The quote includes the base fare, all mandatory taxes and carrier charges, and any Expedian Holidays service fee. Optional extras are listed separately.
Do cheap flights have hidden fees?
Not from us. Airlines may charge for optional items such as checked bags or seat selection. We name them before you book.
Sources and rules referenced: DOT full-fare advertising rule, 14 CFR 399.84; published fare family rules of major US carriers.
Ready to book, or just have a question?
There is no charge to ask, and we will tell you when booking direct is cheaper.