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Hotwire Savings Savvy

Hotwire Cheap Airfare Tips

You can save a lot using Hotwire flight deals, but you should know what you are doing.

These points give you the information you need to save comfortably using Hotwire's lowest fares.

Are Hotwire airfares good deals?

Yes, Hotwire offers great flight deals. Think of Hotwire as a discount outlet store. Hotwire's fantastic discount fares come from unfilled seats that airlines release to Hotwire. The airlines' "overstock" is your bargain.

Hotwire does not work so well during peak periods. If you're traveling to Las Vegas on a Friday and returning Sunday expect fares to be higher.

What are the best deals?

For best prices on Hotwire.com, look especially for a "Special Low Fares," which is explained below.

Also, take advantage of Hotwire's helpful Flexible Date Search, which let's you search any 30-day period for the number of days you wish to stay.

Which airlines does Hotwire use?

Hotwire works with airlines like American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Cathay Pacific, United, Singapore, British Airways, Frontier, US Airways, and Virgin Atlantic—the ones that generally offer advanced seat selection. Hotwire doe not use Southwest Airlines.

Are there advanced purchase requirements?

No, not for the fares displayed. However, no fare is guaranteed until paid for.

Can you get Hotwire discount fares on same-day flights?

Yes, if discounted seats are still available.

In order for you to have ample time to get to the airport, Hotwire currently won’t book you on a flight earlier than

5 1/2 hours for Canada and the U.S.
7 1/2 hours for international destinations

from the time you completed your booking. Moreover, you can't book "Hotwire Special Fare"international flights after 4:00 p.m. (local time at the airport) for same-day departures. This limits what is available.

Must I stay over a Saturday night for the lowest fare?

Generally no.

Do I pick my flight times?

Hotwire.com offers two types of airfares —

Regular Discounted Fares—you pick your airline and flight times, as on other sites.
Hotwire Special Fares—you pick the day, but not the time or airline, for the largest discount.
For travel within Canada and the U.S., a Hotwire Special Fare may depart anytime between 6 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., unless Hotwire tells you otherwise prior to booking.

When offered, Hotwire Special Fares to destinations outside of North America normally involve overnight travel and may need more than one connection. Also, all passengers to international destinations now need passports or an approved alternative.

What if I don't see a Hotwire Special Rate?

Try other dates and alternative airports.

These low fares are worth some flexibility on your part. Hotwire may suggest alternatives.

What about connection times?

Hotwire Special Fares to Canadian or U.S. destinations travel either nonstop or with no more than one flight connection, unless Hotwire tells you otherwise prior to booking.

Eighty percent of Hotwire Limited Rate connection layover times in North America are 90 minutes or less. Scheduled domestic layovers are never longer than 3 hours.

International travel other than to Canada can require longer connections.

Non-jet aircraft?

Hotwire Special Fares won't guarantee travel on a jet.

Can I get a refund or make changes?

Once you authorize your credit card payment for a Hotwire Special Fare, you can not get a refund. You won't be able to change your ticket even by paying a fee.

Regular Hotwire discounted fares follow the usual airline rules. These tickets are usually non refundable.

How will I get my ticket?

Tickets to places in North America and most international tickets are issued electronically. You don't have to bring along a paper ticket, which may be lost or stolen.

However, be sure to bring a copy of your confirmation for airport security and check-in. If your printer doesn't work, write down your reservation information.

Can I stand by for alternative flights?

Most airlines, but not all, allow you to stand by for alternative flights on the same day for a nominal fee, when using Hotwire discounted tickets.

You should stand by for earlier flights. If you don’t get on earlier, you can always use your reserved flights. Also, having no checked bags helps when standing by, because an airline can put you on a flight at the last moment without worrying about the time needed to transfer your checked luggage to the new flight. Passengers without luggage do have priority in some cases.

Should I do anything after booking?

Yes, call the airline to request aisle or window seats, if available, and to check deadlines for checking in and for being at the gate. (If not at the boarding gate when called to board, your reservation may be given to a standby passenger.)

Reconfirm flight times prior to traveling, and allow extra time for getting to the airport.

Any other tips?

Again, always check alternative dates on Hotwire.com.

Enjoy getting a great Hotwire flight deal!