Plan your getaways outside these times. Charters Charter flights can give you big savings on overseas and transcontinental runs, with prices roughly equivalent to those offered by ticket consolidators which are generally 20 to 30 percent off major airlines' fares. Some charter companies fly their own planes, while others operate like consolidators, buying large blocks of tickets from major airlines and selling them at wholesale prices. Charter flights have drawbacks, however. First of all, you'll usually have a limited choice of days and times.
Charter companies make money by flying less often, but filling every seat.
Furthermore, service and comfort is below that of major airlines. Cancellations can be a problem, since the next flight might be days later. In order to find charter flights, call a travel agent or ads in the travel section the newspaper. You can find a company that serves your destination of choice. Most of them have their biggest listings in the Sunday edition.