How a Travel Agent Finds a Cheaper Fare: The Seven Checks

The checklist a good phone agent runs on every quote, and why each one moves the price.

By WarBird Flight editors · Updated September 19, 2026 · 2 min read

1. Dates by a day

Moving a departure from Friday to Thursday or a return from Sunday to Monday is the largest single saving on most routes. Our data study on whether nonstop flights cost more shows a nonstop is the cheaper ticket on about half of routes, which is exactly the kind of comparison an agent runs for you.

2. Every airport in the metro

New York has three, Chicago two, Washington three, Houston and Dallas two each. Fares differ between them on the same day.

3. Nearby cities

A departure from an airport an hour away can undercut the local one by more than the fuel costs, especially on routes served by a low-cost carrier from the neighbor.

4. Split tickets

Two one-ways on different airlines when one carrier is cheap outbound and another is cheap on the return.

5. Connections that are cheaper than nonstops

On many routes the one-stop itinerary through a hub is priced below the nonstop, particularly on international trips via the Gulf or Europe.

6. The next fare class up

Basic economy or a Light fare can be the wrong buy once a bag or a possible change is counted. Agents price the all-in cost.

7. Credits and fares you cannot see

Applying an unused credit, checking student or military fares, and, on some international routes, consolidator fares that airline sites do not show. Call (708) 866-8751 to have all seven run on your trip.