The Ins and Outs of Airfare: A Complete Guide

by Vinnie Bravdica

You can view our other posts here: Vacation Planning | All Inclusive | Cruising | Insurance

1. How Airfare Pricing Works

Dynamic Pricing
Airfare is not static—prices can change by the hour. Airlines use complex algorithms based on:

• Supply and demand
• Booking windows—Airlines do not allow booking more than 330 days prior to flying (e.g., how far in advance you book)
• Time of day/day of the week
• Seat class availability
• Competitor pricing
• Customer behavior (like repeat visits)

Fare Buckets (Booking Classes)
Each flight has multiple fare buckets (booking classes), even within the same cabin. These include:

• Economy Y, B, M, Q, etc. (each with different rules and refundability)
• Business J, C, D, etc.
• Prices vary depending on which fare class is available when you book.

Revenue vs. Award Tickets

• Revenue tickets: Paid in cash or credit.
• Award tickets: Paid with airline miles or points. These are subject to availability and often involve extra taxes/fees.

Pro Tip: Travel B and V utilizes the same booking tools that top online agencies use, allowing us a full gamut of inventory.

2. Factors That Affect Pricing

Timing
Best time to book:

• Domestic: 1-3 months in advance.
• International: 2-8 months in advance.
• Best days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday.
• Avoid: Holidays, peak summer, spring break.

Flight Routes

• Hub airports usually have better pricing due to more competition.
• Nonstop flights tend to be more expensive than one-stop options.
• Geography: Some regions are just more expensive to fly in and out of.

Pro Tip: Alternatives can cost hundreds less—leave your options open.

3. Fees, Taxes & Surcharges

What You See Isn’t Always What You Pay

• Base fare: Only part of the total cost.
• Fuel surcharges: Added by some international airlines.
• Airport taxes and security fees: Vary by country and airport.
• Baggage fees: Often not included in basic economy.

Pro Tip: Though unavailable through your online booking engines, Travel B and V can demonstrate all your fees prior to booking.

4. Fare Types

Basic Economy

• Lowest fare.
• No seat selection.
• Last to board.
• No changes or refunds.
• Sometimes no overhead bag allowed.

Main Economy / Standard

• Includes seat selection (sometimes).
• Allows for changes (with fees).
• Standard boarding group.

Premium Economy

• More legroom, better service.
• Costs more but offers comfort for long-haul.

Business / First Class

• Luxury seating, meals, lounge access.
• Prices vary wildly but are often 4-10x more than economy.

5. Tips for Getting the Best Fare

Search Strategies

• Use an agency like Travel B and V, rates are usually the same—or less.
• Use incognito mode or clear cookies when searching the online travel options.
• Set fare alerts and track prices over time—or have your travel professional do this for you.

Flexibility Is Key

• Being flexible on dates and airports saves money.
• Look for “nearby airports” or alternative cities.

Book in the “Goldilocks Window”

• Not too early, not too late.
• Avoid booking last minute unless there’s a flash sale or special event.

Tip: There’s no longer such a thing as a convalescent fare.

6. Loyalty Programs & Points

Frequent Flyer Programs

• Join for free.
• Accumulate miles for future flights or upgrades.

Credit Card Rewards

• Many cards offer airline miles, statement credits, and lounge access.
• Some provide travel insurance, priority boarding, and free bags.

Pro Tip: Did you know Travel B and V can utilize your travel points when booking

7. Tools to Track Airfare

• Google Flights Explore: Great for finding cheap destinations—not always where you wish to go.
• Hopper: Predicts when to buy—based on their assumptions, not the airlines schedules.
• ITA Matrix: Deep tool formerly used by pros—deals aren’t easy to locate.
• AwardHacker / Point.me: Helps with booking flights using points—just not as generously as a Professional agent.
• Travel B and V: Uses Sabre which is the same tool used by all the online discounters.

8. Error Fares and Deals

Error Fares—though rare, it is recommended working with a professional to find them

• Pricing mistakes by airlines.
• Follow deal sites like:
• Secret Flying
• Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going)
• The Flight Deal
• These fares often get honored but aren’t guaranteed. Book fast and wait to make other arrangements.

Pro Tip: These are completely transparent to the public, however can be located using a Travel Professional

9. Cancellation, Refund, and Change Policies

Domestic vs. International

• U.S. carriers often allow free 24-hour cancellation.
• COVID-era policies have eased change fees, especially in higher fare classes.

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable

• Refundable fares are expensive but flexible.
• Travel insurance can sometimes protect non-refundable tickets.

10. Hidden City Ticketing & Other Tricks (With Caution)

• Hidden-city ticketing: Book a flight with a layover at your actual destination and skip the final leg. Risky—can violate airline policy!
• Throwaway ticketing: Similar trick, can violate airline policies.
• Skiplagged.com: Uses these techniques, but airlines dislike it and may penalize repeat use—can violate airline policy.

Pro Tip: This practice is highly NOT RECOMMENDED, as it can result in extra fees and even loss of privileges with the airline.