A seat with more restrictions and a lower price is fine for the average pleasure or business traveler. After you ask for the lowest fare, inquire if there are any promotions that day or coming up soon. Often there is one starting the next day. The agent may apply the promotional fare for you early, or hold your seat for 24 hours and officially book the flight the next day. If you get cut out of a promotion, call again after 10 p.m. that night or first thing in the morning.
Airlines often reinstate a promotion if it worked.
If you miss a midnight deadline, call the airline in an earlier time zone or book on the Web. Before you make the final booking, ask about deals for companion fares, seniors and students. And if the ultimate fare is higher than another quote, say so. A fare war may just be beginning and you'll get the lower rate. Use the Web to shop for cheaper flights Comparing fares used to be a full-time job.