By Ian J Stevenson

Everybody loves a bargain, especially when it comes to travel. The hottest competition for your travel dollar these days is in offering cheap airplane tickets, but how cheap are they really, and what are the risks?

There is the old saying that you get what you pay for, and there is some truth to this when it comes to cheap airfare. Not all tickets are equal, nor are all ticket vendors. Before handing over your credit card, know exactly what you are getting (or not getting) for your money, and who, exactly, you are giving your money to.

The first decision is where to buy the ticket. The options include traditional travel agencies, the airlines themselves, and on-line agencies. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

The store-front travel agency is a good choice for the novice, or for those who need a lot of hand-holding. They are great for handling everything connected with your trip, with little effort on your own part. This of course comes at a price, as no service is ever free. As always, shop around for the best price.

Most of the major airlines offer tickets directly to the public. Many have their own website where the airline tickets can be purchased. Reservations can also be made over the phone. Occasionally bargains are found this way, but usually the airlines offer blocks of seats at a discounted price to resellers, who can then pass them on at a saving to the traveler.

The most popular choice these days is to look for cheap airline tickets on-line, as this is where the real bargains are often found. The rule when shopping this way is “buyer beware.” Read the rest of this entry »