The flight is usually the single biggest cost of the trip. With a few tricks it gets cheaper and the route smoother.
Book Early, Stay Flexible
For summer and vacation periods it pays to book several months ahead. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you often save significantly. Weekdays are frequently cheaper than the weekend.
Choose Your Gateway Wisely
You do not necessarily have to fly to where your trip begins. Large hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, or New York are often the cheapest. From there you continue by rental car or connecting flight.
An Open Jaw Ticket Saves Backtracking
On a road trip you do not have to start and end in the same place. An open jaw ticket, for example flying into San Francisco and out of Las Vegas, saves you the drive back to your starting point. In flight search this is usually called multi-city.
Watch the Total Cost
Do not compare the ticket price alone. Baggage fees, seat selection, and layover times add up. A slightly more expensive nonstop flight can end up being the better deal.
