American, for example, boosted its frequent-flier bookings to more than 10 percent of all tickets issued. Delta, by contrast, is the most miserly of the majors, rationing out just 6.3 percent of all seats for frequent fliers last year. Overall, the major carriers increased award bookings by 0.3 percentage points in 1997. Recommendations A lack of true competition means that consumers have few options when they fly. Shop for tickets early, but be flexible.
Airlines begin accepting reservations eleven months ahead of the scheduled date of departure.
So start monitoring prices as soon as you know your travel dates, using all the resources available to you. Get acquainted with the online options. Web sites operated by the airlines may not have the lowest fares. Shop even after you buy. The dollar value of an unused nonrefundable ticket, though not convertible into cash, can be applied to the purchase of a new ticket within two years.