With fuel prices at record levels, it is becoming more and more difficult for travelers to find those elusive bargains. Booking airfare can be a frustrating and expensive experience, and many of us have the nagging worry that the passengers sitting around us paid much less for the same ride.

Fortunately for cash-strapped travelers there are a number of proven ways to book that dream vacation or essential business trip for less. When it comes to air travel a little bit of flexibility can go a long way, and those flexible travelers are often able to score the best deals.

There are a number of areas in which a traveler’s flexible nature can pay big dividends. The most important of these include:

Departure Time – Many travelers do not realize how large a role departure time can have on airfare. While the savings vary, many seasoned travelers have learned that overnight flights (the so-called “red eye” and early morning flights often sport the lowest fares. Those passengers who are willing to take on some inconvenience in the form of odd hours flights may find themselves handsomely rewarded.

The Day of the Week – Seasoned travelers already know how difficult and expensive it can be to fly on peak days. Flying out on a Friday and back on a Sunday night can leave a serious dent in the traveler’s wallet. Those with more flexible schedules may want to consider traveling on days that tend to be less busy. While these busy times can vary considerably from airline to airline and location, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are generally the best bets.

Advance Planning – When it comes to air travel, it pays to start planning early. While there are still the occasional last-minute bargains, these opportunities are expected to continue declining as more and more people take to the skies. Airlines typically use booking windows that look out 21 days, 14 days and 7 days, with the fares adjusting accordingly. Getting into the widest possible booking window will typically result in the greatest savings. Those travelers who plan to use frequent flier miles to book a trip should also be sure to book early. Those seats are limited and they tend to go fast, especially to hot locations like Europe or Hawaii.

Use Alternate Airports – The fares to and from airports in the same geographical region can vary substantially. Travelers who are willing to travel to airports further from home may be able to find significant savings. It is a good idea to compare airfares to and from several nearby airports.