We know searching for the cheapest airfare tickets can be a daunting task. From   researching directly through an airline’s websites to perusing hundreds of third party discount sites, there are so many resources and outlets to explore.

But which are the best? We did a little digging and think these are great places to start your search.

Third-party websites
While you can try the usual websites like Kayak or Priceline, you should also explore other options for great deals. TheFlightDeal.com includes many discounts that are essentially a mistake, so you have to grab these deals fast. They don’t last long before the airlines realize the mistake and fix them. If your schedule is flexible, this might be the site to check out to get the best bang for your buck.

If scanning different websites on your own seems overwhelming, let AirfareWatchdog do all of the work for you. This site scours the internet to find the best possible deals. It’ll even email you alerts when a deal is found but like most of these sites, you have to act fast before the flights book up.

If the above two websites don’t have what you’re looking for, check out Mashable’s list of 10 websites for the best flight deals. Its list includes Hipmunk, Google Flights and Yapta to name a few.

Frequent flyer and rewards programs
One question many have when it comes to rewards programs is which one is the best? We found it’s beneficial to research a few to see which fits best with your travel and buying habits. It’s also recommended to find one that works and remain loyal. By only gaining points through one airline or one credit card, it’s easier to rack up points and redeem them for the flights you want.

Sign up for airfare alerts
Timing is everything when it comes to booking a flight, so if you have some time to think before purchasing airline tickets, sign up for airfare alerts. The sooner you know about a price drop, the easier it is to snag that deal and be on your way to the destination of your choice!

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