The following are 7 tips that can be used to get cheap flights. These cheap flight tips are very basic but effective in getting cheap flights.

1. Ask your agent if a flight is a "code-share" flight. That means the same flight is offered by two different airlines. Just copy down the name of the other airline and check into what they are charging. Only one of the airlines is actually operating the flight. The actual operator always offers this flight for less, so book with them.

2. There's a little-known class of airline ticket called 'Q-up' (also known as 'Y-up' or 'Z-up') that, in many cases, can land you in the first class section of an airplane for less than the price of a last-minute coach seat.

So the next time you book a flight, ask your agent for this special class. You can also search for the discount first class in online booking sites such as Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz. Expedia's Q-up fares can be seen by clicking on "Rules and Restrictions."

3. Use credit cards to pay for the airfare. Some credit cards offer special discounts on airfares. Take note of such cards and use them to pay for your airfare. Usually there may be a 10-15% decrease in airfares when the airfare is paid through credit cards that offer airfare discounts. Using a travel reward credit card helps you to earn mileage rewards which can be used on other airlines for your next travel.

4. Book airline tickets and hotel together. There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you.

5. Always look into round trip tickets---sometimes one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don't use the return trip. I know it's weird but I've seen it for myself where indeed a round trip ticket is cheaper.

6. After searching the mega search sites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity to find out which airlines are offering the cheapest airline tickets for your trip, go to the airline's website and enter the identical travel itinerary information, you might find a pleasant suprise. Sometimes airlines offer exclusive discounts up to 50% off the mega search sites airline ticket price and no booking fees to get you to purchase through the airline's website.

7. Sometimes tickets will lower from the time you bought your ticket. If you realize the ticket of your flight has been reduced since the day you purchased it, give the airline a call to discuss that situation. Most definitely they will refund you with the difference in your purchase. Airline companies profit millions every year from those who don't check back on their ticket prices after purchase. Even better, sometimes airlines will offer you free vouchers toward future ticket purchases if you ask.