Only a wishful fantasy a hundred years ago, the modern airline can now boast being one of the largest corporate industries around the world. Spurred on by massive competition between the ‘big three’ jet manufacturers – Lockheed, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing – the 20th century has given birth to this most technologically advanced industry.

However, these three corporate giants, located on the West Coast of the United States, have met with stiff competition from specialized companies in Europe, such as Airbus Industrie. Airline manufacturers in Brazil, Australia, Canada and other parts of Europe have also increased the standards that are expected of a modern airline.

Airlines surged ahead with massive expansion and vigorous growth after the World War II. Then came the world-wide recession during the early 1980s, forcing the airlines to engage in unique new patterns to woo new customers onto their flights and keep the old ones. Bankruptcies and mergers to avoid bankruptcy became common fears on the stock markets. This resulted in the aircraft manufacturers sinking fast and needing to make sharp reductions in production. The flying customer became like almighty God to the airlines – the savior from final dissolution.

Fare cutting battles delighted those who had become dependent on airlines for business transportation and allowed the once-a-year traveler to become a traveler during every major holiday. Frequent flyer clubs were almost giving away toasters in order to sign new customers on. The airlines began to join with telephone companies to offer an extra 1000 bonus miles for switching one’s telephone service.

One of the greatest boons presented for the travelers was being able to fly from a smaller community by a commuter airline. Small town airports sprang up around the globe: one no longer needed to drive hundreds of miles to Chicago or Denver or London to catch a plane. Keeping up with a changing society, the airlines replaced ‘stewardesses’ with both male and female ‘flight attendants.’

The challenge of massive air-control for the crowded skies requires that the various airlines work harmoniously in planning and developing airports. These airports have become works of art with fountains that reach three stories up surrounded by luscious, peaceful greenery to soothe the weary travelers. Luxurious lounges for frequent travelers who pay dues are available. Merry-go-rounds and child care can even be found.

Of course, inside the airliner itself is a world of conveniences to take the traveler’s minds off of the time spent in the air. Individual movie screens can be found for each person, along with a full schedule of channels to choose from. An array of radio and music choices are also there, along with whatever electronic hook-ups one might need for their lap-top computers or cell phones.

A hundred years ago the thought of flying from one continent to another in a ‘big bird’ was fantasy, and the current airline structure couldn’t even have been created in one’s wildest dream. It pays to dream big! And to follow your dreams!

I love traveling. And I am not referring to the annual trips to the same uninteresting places. What I am talking about is trips to exotic destinations, which almost always means traveling abroad.

This is undoubtedly an expensive proposition which is further complicated by the continuous rising of aviation fuel. All these have made me very careful and wise.

Thus, the first thing I have been doing consistently for some time now when I am planning a trip is to search cyberspace for cheap international flights.

Due to the many prejudices that exists with regards to cheap international flights, I simply cannot proceed without shedding more light on some of the blatant falsehood that is associated with this.

The most important misconception is one that infers that when you get a discount tickets for overseas trips, you will end up flying on a nondescript airline with a blighted safety record.

This is simply not true. In fact, the reverse is almost the case because with a little bit of luck, you can even secure seats on your favorite airline that is leaving from the airport that is closest you.

The next warped tale about cheap international flight is that any one who holds such tickets will have to fly standby, an euphemism for your non departure at all. This is the reason why I am writing this; to debunk the misconceptions, and further inform you that it is very feasible to save substantial money on overseas trips even when you buy a seat of your own.

The last of the misconceptions is the one that says that the only method you can use to obtain cheap international flights is when you claim to be a student or an elderly person.. Again, this is wide off the mark. Anyone that is smart enough to take advantage of the offer can benefit from the discount tickets.

Okay, you are now aware that you can indeed benefit from cheap international flights, what next?

Where can you find them ? in most cases these discounts airline tickets can only be found on various travel sites online. However, majority of the websites you come across will be only offer straight discount travel services.

What this means is that your intended departure and arrival dates must be fed into the database of the website,to get a list of the cheapest fares that are available on the stables of all airlines on those dates.

These fares of course will be much cheaper than the one the airlines will quote if you telephone them directly. Wondering how I got to know this? Because I actually checked! This method is one of the easiest way to get cheap international flights.

Some websites uses a bidding system for their cheap international flights. Just like the normal bidding process you are familiar with, you will specify the amount you are willing to shell out for your plane tickets.

And after about two days you will almost certainly receive an e-mail informing you whether you bid was successful or not.

While this is also a good way of finding cheap international fare, you must realize that any amount you specify is a binding offer, and will be penalized if you try to renege on it.

The disadvantage of this is if you happen to find a better deal later on, then it is your rotten luck! Just as when your bid on cheap international flights is too low, your offer will be rejected.

If you are savvy enough, these few information is enough for you to develop your technique of getting cheap international flights for all your future vacations.

Since I don’t pay full fare for my airplane seat, the extra cash can be used for other useful and memorable things on the journey. You can also enjoy this privilege in no time if you adhere to the tips.