Don't make these 5 mistakes when booking your next airfare

Let’s face it, we all love to travel. Whether it be for business or a vacation, the chances are that you are going to fly, meaning you will be purchasing airline tickets.

One would think in this day of easy access to the internet that we would all be airfare gurus by now. That’s simply not the case.

Here are some tips that hopefully will save you a fee bucks, money that you can add into the local economy of your new digs.

1) Extend Your Search

A mistake many people make when searching for flights is relying on one search exclusively which is a big mistake.

Never depend on a single flight search.

Flight comparison sites are all the rage, and there many to choose from. As they say, it’s always good to share the wealth.

Some sites that you want to look at for your next flight are:

Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, TripAdvisor, Hipmunk, Momondo and Hopper.

Also many times you just might find the lowest fares from the airlines sites directly. Never under estimate the airlines being cheaper for your flights.

While not all that common, I once found a $200.00 difference on a flight to Dubai on Emirates searching between two of the aforementioned booking engines.

2) Check the “REAL” Price with “TAXES”

This has happened to many a traveler. Just because your fare from JFK to Heathrow in the deadest of winter (think February in both New York and in London) reads $199.00.

Before you jump up and down for joy, think, did you check the taxes? Yes, taxes entering the UK can be exorbitant. Combined with U.S. taxes and that $199.00 deal of the century is now $799.00

3) Don’t Overpay - Social Media is Your New Best Friend

My have times have changed. I remember calling my parents collect from Kathmandu. Most of you do not even what a pay phone is. But, I do hope you know where Kathmandu is.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, your probably using social media. Do you even remember life before Facebook? There are groups on both Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin where the focus is on sharing airfare deals, finds, and knowledge. The Points Guy, Smarter Travel, Mighty Travels, Airfare Watch Dog are good sites to get acquainted with. Also subscribe to frequent traveler John Discala, ask Johnny Jet. John is a wealth of knowledge and never pays full fare.

Social media groups like Nomadness Travel Tribe and SecretFlying are excellent facebook groups to join.

4) Use a Travel Agent

Those of you old enough remember a time when a travel agent was a necessary component to any trip planning. Well, I’ve got news for you, travel agents are still in business and as strong and vital as ever. I should know, I spent my life owning travel agencies, before becoming a travel journalist and author. If a flight is complicated, yes that’s more than flying one hour from Sfo to Lax, you might consider someone who spends every working hour and sometimes more seeking out the best deals. Travel agents are like the doorman at the club who can put you at the front of the line. You just might save big bucks.

5) A Little Creativity Can Go a Long Way

Ever consider breaking a fare? It’s always something to consider when flying beyond a hub city. Think about a flight from Chicago to Athens via London on British Airways. Compare the price to London only, and if it is way cheaper, consider searching smaller carriers, the likes of Easy Jet, that is if you have little luggage. The point is do not limit yourself to a simple round trip search. With so many short haul providers flying seemingly everywhere on the planet, or at least between most points within Europe and Asia, explore your options, as the possibilities exist that point to point short haul flights might be cheaper.