Booking flights has become extremely easy with the advent of online booking but finding the best rates may not be as easy. Airfares do not necessarily depend upon the cost factor; it is more of a demand and supply type of scene. The price that you pay depends upon on a number of factors such as the day of the week, the time of the day you want to travel, when you purchase air tickets and the destination.

Here are some useful tips for finding the best rates of flights.

Advance Reservation

One of the best tips for finding the best rates you will ever get is to book in advance. Reserve your passage as soon as your travel plans are finalized and money is available. Everything else comes after that. The earlier you buy, the cheaper the cost. However, be sure of the travel dates. If there is even a slight doubt, buy from an airline that has a lower charge for changing dates.

Low-Cost Airlines

Advance reservations may not be possible always as there are times when you need to travel at a short notice. Impulsive weekend vacations, family weddings or emergencies mean you have to buy air tickets on the spur of the moment. Make sure that you compare rates. There may be a low-cost airline running a flight to the destination you are looking at.

Online Travel Sites

An online travel site will search a large number of airliners and airfares and display the prices offered by each. There are also a few large online travel agents that are in a position to offer better rates than others. You may even find airfares lower than what the airline is offering at a particular point in time. This is because these travel agents have booked bulk tickets in advance at highly discounted prices to sell to their customers.

Fare Alerts

If you are a frequent traveler, you will do well to sign up for fare alerts. Most major airlines as well as online travel websites announce flight sales allowing you to make your travel plans accordingly.

Online Bidding

For cheap domestic airfares, you may can try and bid for tickets online. Punch in the travel date and destination and the maximum amount you are ready to pay. You will be notified after some time whether the air carrier has accepted your bid or not.