Budget Vacations

A year ago, cheap airfares were relatively easy to find. Not so much anymore, mostly due to the rising fuel costs airlines are incurring...and passing down to the consumer.

The decline started slow with a few budget carriers, like Skybus and ATA ceasing operations. Then existing airlines found new ways to carve profits out of the thousands of passengers using them.

Pay extra for checked bags. Pay extra for exit row and reserved aisle seats. Create business sections out of airplanes that used to be one class only and charge more for those seats. Axing free snacks and then free sodas and water. Charging fees for phone reservations.

Now many airlines are simply reducing the number of flights to destinations or eliminating low-profit routes all together.

It seems as though flying the friendly skies may be a thing of the past.

Savvy budget travelers, however, will look to these changes as mere challenges to be overcome, rather than obstacles.

Don't be afraid to try new airlines, fly out of alternate airports or get creative with your routing. Take public transportation to the airport instead of paying to park. Be flexible on your flight times and even the days you can fly. Ask yourself if you really need to bring three suitcases for a weekend trip. Read the fine print and fee detailing on the tickets before you buy.

No matter what the airlines throw at you, there are still ways you can bring the prices down when you fly.

So while the constant changes make it more difficult to find cheap seats, those who keep themselves informed and are flexible with how they plan their trips can still nab great deals on airfare.

And Suite101 will be there to help you.