One way she does that is by taking a vacation during the off-season. She's even gotten free tickets by getting bumped. Bette LaGow, who just finished editing Consumer Reports Best Travel Deals 2000, says that there are any number of ways to snag a cheap seat. First, check the newspaper for airline ads early in the week. Then act fast.
Discounted seats are limited.
But if you get closed out, don't give up. Consumer Reports says to try calling the airlines after midnight or early in the morning when unconfirmed reservations get cleared out. LaGow says that you just might get lucky. Also, check with competing airlines. Fare wars heat up quickly.