Speak to your employer well in advance of when you’d like to take your vacation time, to see if your boss is flexible – ask if you can take time off depending on when the cheapest airfare is available.

Note: Avoid being locked into a rigid vacation schedule.

Cheapest fares are generally available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (during the day) and Saturdays.

Note: Avoid the days business travelers fly: Sunday night, Monday morning, and Fridays

Very cheapest flights: red-eyes. Next cheapest: middle-of-the-day, and evening flights.

Note: In other words, don’t fly when it’s most convenient for you.

This may mean driving an hour or two to get to a bigger airport but the savings can be well worth it.

Note: Not true in all cases – for example, Cincinnati can be more expensive than nearby smaller airports. Do comparisons before you book.

Try Florida in the summer or Chicago in late winter – you’ll find the same amenities, for a lot less.

Note: Some popular year-round destinations (Hawaii, Orlando) may offset higher airfares with heavily discounted hotels.

You’re going to take the trip – you might as well take the miles, as well.

Note: Even if you never use the miles, you may qualify for worthwhile perks like priority boarding.