Cheap flights 'still available for early bookers'

It is still possible for travellers to find cheap flight bargains, despite the fact that many airlines are being forced to raise their fares to offset rising fuel costs, a travel expert has claimed.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, said that the key to finding cheap flights is to book early.

"Early bookers will always score the best deals when it comes to cheap flights," he commented.

Mr Hall urged bargain hunters to constantly "keep their eyes peeled for special deals" and be aware of the factors that can cause the cost of a flight to escalate.

He said that people looking for cheap flights must be willing to book early, travel at antisocial hours, fly with hand luggage only and check in online.

According to figures released by the International Air Transport Association this month, global passenger traffic growth stood at 3.8 per cent in June.

Airlines based in North America saw demand growth of 4.4 per cent, while Latin American carriers saw the strongest increase of 12.5 per cent.

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