If you can manage it, discount travel is the best way to go. There are many ways in which you can go about saving money on airline tickets. You can save scores of money if you purchase your airline tickets at the last minute. Airlines are desperate to sell empty seats on upcoming flights - especially those that leave on Saturday and return on the following Monday or Tuesday. If you are just looking to take a mini vacation this would be an excellent way of getting discount travel.
Another exciting and useful way to gain discount travel is through frequent flyer and other loyalty programs. If you use a credit card and rewards airline miles for every dollar spent you can make an investment towards your next trip. You will find that whenever you rent a car, book a hotel room, or purchase an airline ticket, you are joined to that company's loyalty program. This widens your scope for traveling options and possibilities. Once you are apart of one frequent flyer plan, the sky is the limit.
Booking flights during low seasonal periods is another great tactic on earning discount travel. If you wanted to travel to Australia, for example, the best time to go would be between June and September. This is when tourism is at its low point so cheap seats will be easier to come by.
Another way to obtain discount airline tickets is to book connecting flights instead of direct flights. However, this may not be the best solution. It will indeed lower your airfare but can cause problems, especially in the winter when storms fall at the drop of a hat. If your connecting flight is delayed you will have no choice but to wait, and it can become quite the hassle. There is also a greater risk in your luggage being misplaced.
In the end, it is your final decision on what you believe is the best way to achieve discount airline tickets. Remember to find the best deal that suits you and all of your needs, and that purchasing last minute tickets is your best hope for a discount.
Even if you choose to obtain discount travel, you want to make sure you will have security benefits (e.g. ensuring your luggage is taken care of). Traveling at a cheaper rate shouldn't mean that you lose benefits and security. When you plan your vacation and are looking for a discount, be sure to find the best arrangement for you. After all, you want to enjoy your vacation.