Here are some suggestions for decreasing travel expenses and how to "Plan Ahead".

Plan Ahead - Try to make travel reservations at least 14 days in advance to take advantage in Advance Purchase Fares (in participating markets). The highest savings usually occurs when there is a 14-21 day advance purchase. Along with possible savings you will also take advantage of a greater selection in schedules.

Non-Refundable Tickets - **Effective 9/1/02-- There have been major changes in the Airlines' policy with regard to non-refundable tickets. Changes can by made only prior to the original ticket's travel date for a $100.00 fee and any difference in fare. If tickets are not used for the dates they were reserved, they no longer have any validity or cash value after the travel dates. Some airlines are allowing returns to be changed enroute for same day travel only on a standby basis for a $100.00 standby fee and others are not allowing changes to the return for any reason. You will have to purchase a new one-way return ticket at the "walk up" rate. Airlines are no longer issuing "waivers" to bypass these new rules.

Staying a Saturday night will usually lower your travel expenses - Combining a Saturday night stay with an advance purchase of 7, 14, or 21 days will decrease your roundtrip air fare by half (depending on availability). Restrictions will apply.

Take Advantage of airline airfare wars - Fare wars are usually advertised on the local news programs and in newspapers. Fare wars are only applicable to certain markets during specific travel times but the savings are substantial. Most fare wars require a Saturday night stay, or travel on less crowded days of the week.

Participate in frequent flyer memberships - Accumulating mileage on each carrier will gain you preferred service and special travel perks.

Flexibility - Bring flexible with travel times and using alternative airports will be helpful to the Travel Counselors when checking for lower fares.