1. Not doing enough research: Today, with so many resources online at our fingertips, we can not only find the cheapest airfare, but find all the information to make sure our flights are safe, comfortable etc. Other things to consider looking into are the airlines track record on service, baggage allowance, delays, upgrades etc.

2. Buying the first cheapest: If you have at least a few days time before your trip, wait and research on different websites. Site like Farecast, forecasts if the fare is likely to go up or down on the day of your travel, therefore helping you with best time to buy. Farebuzz even meets or beats the price, if you find something cheaper than any other consolidator site. Some sites like Cheapoair offer $5 per person up to $25 for a family of 5 for any flight delays, and is currently offering $10 off coupons on each ticket.

3. Not knowing departure time can make a difference: We all know Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest days to travel. What about the time of flight? Sometimes a few hours can make a good bit of difference. Just plug in different times and see.

4. Not buying in advance: Fares go up, and there are fewer choices when there are 21, 14, 7, and 3 days left before the trip. Yes you can at times find great last minute deals; these are the seats that the airline is not able to fill as it gets closer to the flight date. However you do have to be very flexible if you are counting on this type of deal.

5. Buying ticket with too many restrictions: Cheaper fares usually come with a host of restrictions, make sure you know and read about them, before the purchase. Especially if you are traveling with kids you really need to consider, what if you can't make that particular flight. Can it be changed to another flight at all? If, so what is the cost for change? Is there any sort of refund, full or partial, for a flight a later time? Is there any insurance you can buy to cover the tickets in case you can't make the flight? Travelguard offers a variety of travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance can be a good idea when traveling with children, or traveling overseas, or staying somewhere for a long period of time.

6. Ticketing Errors: Sometimes with the excitement of the upcoming trip and having found a great deal, we might make ticketing errors. Things you need to double check before you hit the buy buttons are: spelling of your name, date of travel, the city -destination, and if are stopping by any other, airline etc. Needless to say an error even with a typo can create a big hassle at the check in.

7. Airline loyalty: Some people have a comfort zone with an Airline and don't want to try anything else; it's almost a pride for sticking with one airline for so many years. Get real. The only thing you have to stay loyal to (in this case), is your wallet. Traveling is discovery, find what other airlines have to offer, you might like it better.

8. Forgetting Discounts: Lot of us have memberships or affiliations through work, credit cards, banks or other groups that may allow us to get discounts on plane tickets. It may be direct or indirect through programs like cash back rewards. It may be a small amount, but take advantage of it, once you do, it becomes a habit, and eventually add up for a good bit of savings.

9. Using mileage just for coach only: Some of us assume that redeeming mileage is just for coach tickets. For a bit more miles you may be able to get discounted first class or business tickets.

What are some mistakes you made buying your plane tickets?

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I'm Shreejana Hickman, and I began the blog, Travel Bargain Mama to assist moms, families, and any travel enthusiasts, find the ultimate travel bargains available, family and or kid friendly activities throughout the US, around the world, or in your local area. Despite these tough economic times, we can still enjoy traveling to new and exciting places, or to a favorite city. Our Mission at Travel Bargain Mama is getting more with less.
I currently live in Atlanta with my husband Scott, and our 2 year old son Seth. All of us love traveling, and take every opportunity to do so. Before having Seth, I worked in consumer and small business banking for 6 years, and I have a degree in finance from Kennesaw State University. Throughout college projects, and my career in banking, I've always been focused on saving money for my clients and businesses. Now I intend to do the same for my readers through this blog.
I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, which is in Southeast Asia. Nepal is the beautiful land of Himalayas, and where Mt. Everest stands, the tallest mountain in the world. We take a 25 plus hour flight, with 3 connections, to Nepal, once every 2 to 3 years. This blog includes writing about this and other trips, New York City, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Montreal, Los Angeles, India, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Bahamas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., London, Bangkok, Tibet, and many more domestic and international destinations. We live in Atlanta, but New York City is almost a second home to us as we visit family and friends about 4 to 6 times per year.
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