How to find a cheap ticket

1. First you want to find out which flights exist to your destination. For example, log into Fly, Orbitz, Cheap Tickets, Expedia, Travelocity, Offerotravel, and check which are the options for your itinerary. This will give you an idea of which airlines you want to contact. Try the preliminary version (2007) of ITA's search engine for air fares (US and Canada only) or download Side Step's search engine.
2. Check the web sites of the airlines to see which of those fares are actually available (some may be sold out). Airlines encourage you to make reservations on line.
3. Search engines for flights pop up all the time. Some favorites in 2009 are: Travelzoo, Mobilissimo, Sidestep, Kayak, Dohop.
4. Some discount fares are only available through agencies. Best for international, Flycheapabroad (probably the cheapest in 2009, but, like all consolidators, their tickets do not qualify for frequent flyer miles), Airline Consolidator (ditto), Vayama, Cheap On Air, ETN, Low Fares, Wholesale Fares, DiscountAir, Lowest Fares , Airtech , Travel Flea Market, Cheap Discount Flights.

   Ticket Planet specializes in cheap round-the-world tickets.
   One Travel specializes in last minute tickets.
   If you use the phone, these are our recommendations: 510-843-4883 (Wings and Wheels), 800-777-4194 (SaveOnTravel), 800-644-4686 (Lowestfares), 800-204-9693 (M&K). These agents have discounted tickets and are creative.

5. For travel between cities outside of the US, my favorite is by far Vacations A La Carte's search engine. Europe by Air finds best air fares in Europe.
6. London is a good place to stop and look for cheap airfares to the rest of Europe. Airline Network has excellent deals from London to the rest of Europe. This site lists all the cheap airlines from London to the rest of Europe. Check also Budget Travel's list of cheap European airlines and Cheap Online Flights.
   Travel Overland has excellent fares from Germany to the rest of the world.
   From France try VMC.
   For destinations in Africa, try Palace.
   Other London resources: Flights4less, Cheap Flights, Opodo, Youth Hostels In.
7. Students and teachers may want to check the special deals offered by Council Travel (650-325-3888) and Student Travel (best location: 510-841-1037).
8. You can also make your bid for a ticket at Priceline: if an airline accepts your bid, they will contact you. Most likely, you will receive (very expensive) counter offers. Better deals seem to be available at Sky Auction.
9. If all fails, check the list of the travel agencies of the world.