Age and occupation discounts:
The final tips and tools in
this category have to do with who you are in terms of age,
health factors and military affiliation. Discounts, of differing
percentages, are given if you are under two, between two and
11, 11 and 23 or 24, and 62 (sometimes 65) or over. Under two,
sitting on a parent's lap, you fly free. From two to 11, many
airlines offer discounts... unfortunately these are primarily
on overseas flights. From approximately 11 to 24, you can qualify
for Student Fares. While they can save a lot of money, most
are very restrictive, some requiring a minimum of 60 days stay.
But if you are going to school at the University of Hawaii
and live in New York, your round trip fare home each year and
back to school will run you as little as $548 plus the usual
fees and taxes.More information for travelers
Senior plans are very similar
and both student and senior plans may use pre purchased coupon
booklets. Both
require proof of your status as student or senior and some
senior plans have promotions from time to time which allow
you to take a grandchild (or similarly aged child) as a free
companion! Bereavement fares are available which discount
coach fares if there is a serious illness, requiring an immediate
family member's presence, or a death in the immediate family.
Qualification by relationship, documentation requirements
from
doctor or funeral home, and fare bases and percentage of
discount vary so dramatically airline by airline that this
is one you
really want to shop for quickly when the need arises. More information for travelers
The
last affiliation, which can reduce fares, is being an active
duty
member of the military. This can save you money on trips
booked less than two weeks before travel dates or one way
trips. Generally
speaking, airlines charge 1/2 of a full coach fare for
a round trip or one way fare if that is all you are doing.
If
your
travel plans are for a round trip and are over two weeks
away you can usually beat the military fare which will still
charge
you 1/2 of the full coach fare. Not to worry, reservation
agents know these rules and will offer you the lower 14/21-day
advance
fare if it is better. I know I am breaking my own rule
about generalizations here but in 22 1/2 years in the service,
I never had an agent neglect to advise me of the lower priced
option. More information for travelers
Not all is rosy in frugal flying
and next we will look at some tricks that may actually raise
your fare after the fact or cause you to loose the miles in
your frequent flyer account! These pitfalls can come in many
forms but just using some common sense will keep you out of
harm's way. The ago old adage applies every time, "if
it is too good to be true, it probably isn't."
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