Before you start planning your getaway, have you tried and of these six different ways to get discounted airfare? This article has been written to give you a way to plan the best vacation you've ever had while getting the cheapest airfare possible.

Cheap Airfare Tip 1: Overbooking

It's a fact of cheap airfare travel these days. If you have a flight, it will most likely be overbooked. But instead of taking this situation as a frustrating time waster, why not get free, or at least discounted airfare out of the deal instead? Here's how to do it. First, call the day before your flight, and find out if it's been overbooked. If so, make sure to get to the airport 90 minutes before you are supposed to originally. You want to be the first in line! Since legally airlines are required to ask for volunteers before bumping people, offer to be bumped, but not without some discounted airfare negotiations. First of all, quote Rule number 240 (no need to know the details, but airline workers know this rule!), using it to prove that the next available flight is yours, whether or not it's with the same airline. Then, depending on how long you need to stay in the airport will determine what kind of vouchers or freebies you should receive for the time spent.

Two hours delay should at least get you a meal voucher, if not some sort of discounted airfare. If you play your cards right, you may even be able to get two or more free flights during your wait, depending on how long you are kept on the sidelines. A little bit manipulative, but it's an excellent way to get free, or discounted airfare. Just don't forget to bring lots of reading material.

Cheap Airfare Tip 2: Special Offers

Every airline has a 'special offers' page on their web site. Do you check them out regularly for cheap airfare deals or at all before booking a flight? If you bookmark all of the airlines catering to your geographic area, and any areas that you plan on traveling to, many of these 'special fares' will be better (in most cases, much better) than any search engine cheap airfare peek-a-boo that you do.

There are several finer points to watch with these cheap airfares, though; look for hidden charges, read the fine print, make note of any restrictions, and take action quickly (because most of these special offers are a limited time only).

Cheap Airfare Tip 3: Choose a Different Airport

Instead of having a fixed destination, why not look at the major airports NEAR where you plan on traveling? This one simple task can instantly change a so-so fare into cheap airfare. Think about it for a bit - if you are planning to travel to Montreal, why not look at New York's airport instead? It's a couple of hours drive more, sure - but the savings you'll have could be enormous. Almost all of the special fares for the US for any international flights are based out of New York, or Orlando. So why pay hundreds of dollars more for something that may cost you a bit more time?