The low cost airline, launched by Southwest airlines in the 80s, is no longer an American phenomena. Low cost carriers are popping up around the world. They are taking over domestic and international flights throughout Europe and Asia and select routes in Africa, South America, and the Middle East. A few even operate international flights. And many make money.

Yet there is a flip side to cheap tickets. travelers can spend a good amount of their time scouring the web for the best deal. Not all countries have a low cost carrier and not all airports are serviced by a discount airline.

Many low-fare airlines cannot be booked through on-line agencies or portals, such as Orbitz and Yapta. Promotional offers are almost always limited and expire on a daily basis.

And when you finally find a flight, it is difficult to compare the offering. The following airfare tips will reduce your search time and help prepare you for any additional travel time.

Research

• Determine which carriers service the route you wish to fly. Most airport web sites include route maps as well as a list of airlines. Alternatives will only become apparent if you check the web site of both airports, arrival and departure.
• If you are traveling abroad or within a foreign country or continent, identify local on-line agencies and consolidators of discount airfares.
• Low cost flights often make use of secondary airports. Make sure you know where you're going and can get a rental car before you book. Most low-fare carriers and many consolidators provide such information on their web sites.
• Many low-fare carriers offer point-to-point service. It may not be possible to check-in for a second flight at a transit desk. So you may need to build-in some time between flights to accommodate any passport formalities, get your luggage and check-in for the next part of your trip.
• Security precautions introduced by the credit card companies may limit your ability to book flights on foreign websites.

Getting the Best Deal On Airfare

• Initiate your search with on-line agencies and consolidators.
• Subscribe to the airline and to the portal's newsletter.
• Utilize services that enable you to set a price, such as the Orbitz "Deal Detector". Orbitz will send an email if fares on the route you select drop to the price level you set. The service is available for free.
• Use the portal as a reference tool. Book directly with airline. This may lessen the service charge without affecting the airfare.

Comparing Fares

• Low cost fares are often quoted on a one-way basis.
• Taxes, handling fees and other surcharges are not always included in the initial price. Click through to the final page to effectively compare airfares and fees.
• Airfare may be quoted in the airline or portal's local currency only. Converting airfares to USD will facilitate comparison.

Before You Depart

• Pack a lunch or a snack and drinks for all. Food and drinks are no longer included in the price of the ticket!
• Come to the airport early if you want to sit next to your spouse and the kids. Seating is likely to be open and boarding is often based on the order in which passengers check-in.

Learn More Airfare Secrets, Get To AirfareSecrets.net to get more tips.