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Ask the Armchair Traveler: how do I get a cheap airfare?

January 21, 2008

Many Web sites promise the cheapest airfares. Only three actually deliver, in the humble opinion of The Armchair Traveler. Find out which ones made the cut.

With the debut of this podcast, I am embracing my inner armchair traveler. I’ve endured enough taunting about my grounded ways by my editors, family and Tim Leffel.

I’ve decided it’s time to come clean.

I am the Armchair Traveler.

Deal with it.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

7 comments

  • http://www.kango.com Kango Suz

    Cool podcast! And there’s no shame in being an armchair traveler (IMHO).

    Yay for traveling from the desktop.

  • Christopher Elliott

    Thank you!

  • Priscilla Margola

    I have used CheapTickets, Flights.com, and Expedia. When I find a flight that is good to my budget, I then try Delta or AA. If they don’t match what I find on the aforementioned sites, I call them (Delta or AA) and say what can’t they match? Nine times out of 10, they do! Also, the day of the week and time play into getting a cheaper flight, but if you are trying to connect with a cruise, you have to fly at a certain time.

  • Michele N

    good until the end there. do what you do and “just stay home”. easy for you to say as you have already indicated you live so close to Disney you go every other weekend. Many of us don’t have such fun and numerous options within a short drive. I can stay home in Wisconsin and bury myself in blankets with the -5degree weather while you mix it up with mickey!

  • Michele N

    p.s. can you tell I’m jealous!

  • Christopher Elliott

    Actually, I said that because I’m the Armchair Traveler. Get it? I don’t go anywhere.

    PS — It’s not that much warmer here in Orlando. Well, a little bit. ;-)

  • http://www.contrariantraveler.com/ Tim L.

    Chris, I wasn’t really taking a jab at you there in the Cheapest Destinations Blog post you referenced. Like being a music reviewer that doesn’t have to go to late-night club shows, there’s something to be said for giving travel hassles a pass, especially when you’re talking about domestic airline ones. Speaking of domestic, I’ve got one of those little tykes myself, and it does make things more difficult. But I start feeling like I’m missing out after a while, so I’m off to Panama next month. I’ve been home too long. Keep giving us the real deal though, from your desk or otherwise!

    - Tim

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