Air travel is the fastest way for most vacationers to get to Orlando. In fact, air travel may be less expensive than you think if you know the tricks to getting an affordable flight.

Be flexible on the day and time of departure and return. Fares can differ greatly depending on when you fly and how long you stay. Consider flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, which are historically lowerfare days. Also include a Saturday night stay in your travel dates, when possible, as it may produce a lower fare. And try to avoid traveling during holidays, as this results in significantly higher fares (though flying on the actual day of a holiday can sometimes be a money-saver).

Take advantage of the many “fare sales.” To learn about sales, visit airlines’ web sites or travel sites such as Expedia (http://www.expedia.com), Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com), Travelocity (http://www. travelocity.com), or Kayak (http://www.kayak.com). Note that not all airlines are represented on these travel sites. Subscribe to e-mail fare alerts from travel sites and from the airlines that serve your home airport(s). If Southwest Airlines is an option, be sure to check out their web site (see http://www.southwest.com). Tip: It pays to book at least 21 days in advance in most cases, but when you’re not ready to book, check out Google Flights (http://www.google.com/flights/explore/)—it offers price predictions and shows you when fares are rising or dropping.

Be sure to include luggage and/or seat assignment fees when you compare fares. You’ll find handy fee charts at http://www.kayak.com.

Try alternate airports, such as Orlando Sanford or Tampa, when researching fares. It may be less expensive to fly to another airport and rent a car to drive to Walt Disney World.

Be persistent. Ask for their lowest fare if you call the airline directly. When you find a good deal, put it on hold immediately (if possible), note your reservation number on page 23, and cancel later if necessary.

Consider Priceline.com (http://www.priceline.com), where you name your own price for a round-trip ticket (but once your price is met, you can’t cancel).

Finally, don’t stop shopping. If your airline offers a cheaper fare later, you may be able to rebook at the lower rate (watch out for penalties).

Once you reserve a flight, make a note of the reservation numbers, flight numbers, seat assignments, and layovers on your LIVE Guide! Travel Worksheet or first PassPocket. To arrange ground transportation from the airport, see page 22.