Travelers today are always on the lookout for the best deal possible. Websites that search for cheap airline fares for you are becoming more popular, making it easier to find the flight you want at a price that won’t bankrupt you. However, another option that may work better for some people are those that provide fare alerts. These sites work in a couple of different ways either posting the alerts on their pages or emailing them to you.

If you are flexible on the dates you can fly, you may be able to find some great deals during the week. Airlines often run specials or discount tickets during the week, when there are fewer travelers, in the interest of boosting business during off peak traveling hours.

It’s not always easy to find these lower airline fares though. If you are trying to fly on Tuesday but there is a better fare on Monday and you can change your plans to accommodate that lower price, it can sometimes take hours of searching and endlessly entering information to find the best flight. Sites that offer fare alerts can make the search shorter and less difficult by posting the cheap fares for the week in an obvious spot on their homepage.

When you travel, which airline do you use? Many people have preferred airlines that they use each time they fly but many others will use a variety of airlines depending on the prices and availability. Receiving fare alerts in your inbox can help you to choose from the myriad of different flights and airlines, giving you the cheapest flight possible with the minimum amount of effort and time.

Airline fares can also vary depending on the airport you use at either end of your trip. If you live close to more than one airport, it can sometimes be difficult to find the one that would be less expensive to fly from. Many websites that are commonly used will list your flights according to which airport you specifically choose, not bothering to check if there is another airport close with less expensive fares. However, some will search for close by airports and list prices for those alongside the airport you choose and you should try to use these sites whenever possible.

When receiving fare alerts, be careful to check and make sure the price you are quoted is actually the price you will pay. Many of the current airline fare alert sites will list the best prices for each airline but may not include taxes, service charges, or are based on a membership status or frequent flyer program.

Traveling these days can be a stressful experience, sometimes ruining a whole vacation. Between getting through security at the airport and oftentimes less than pleasant travelers and staff, you want to do everything you can to lessen the stress. Receiving fare alerts can help you ensure that you’re getting the best price and lessening the stress of planning your trip, so you won’t feel so flustered once you get on that plane.