Use Twitter to find cheap airfare

I can’t remember the last time I used a phone to call an airline to make a reservation.  I just go online. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I received my tickets in the mail.  I just print them out from my computer.  Recently, I’ve stopped waiting in line to check-in…seems like a waste of time to me.  I just check-in from the comfort of my own home…again thanks to the internet.

Here’s the next way the internet will change the way you book air travel.  The newest bargains are just a “tweet” away.  We’re talking about Twitter, folks.

JetBlue and United Airlines are now offering their Twitter followers first dibs on some discounted fares. They’re quickly connecting with customers to fill seats on flights.  It’s a new, faster way to promote sales.

Jet Blue is now sending out “cheeps.”  For instance, here’s one of their previous offers --a $9 one way ticket from JFK to Nantucket.  Now, that really is cheap!  The airline has been notifying its followers about deals on Mondays – giving them 8 hours to book a trip for that weekend or the following weekend. (Unfortunatley -- the closest airports offering Jet Blue flights are Chicaglo O'Hare & Pittsburgh. For more...check out "Where We Jet." )

Yes, this is spontaneous planning.  Hey, you didn’t plan to go to Nantucket…but at $9 a ticket, you can make arrangements!  That’s what the airlines are counting on.  They figure the Twitter audience is the right audience for these deals – they’re already spontaneous in the way they use social networking. Plus, this may bring some first-time customers into the fold.

United has their own lingo for Twitter…their special fares are called “twares.”  Their sales tweets can come at any time for a flight leaving any day.  Fliers really have to act quick here – offers are usually only available for one to two hours.

Many airlines continue to offer e-fares, and notify fliers about last-minute deals via e-mail.  In those cases, travelers typically have a few days to make a decision.  It’s your more traditional discount.

It will be interesting to see if other airlines follow suit and if these programs will last.  Will they truly be successful?  Personally, I’m not a spontaneous traveler.  I like plans.  That’s right…I’m a planner, a scheduler, a perfect packer.  But, when you tell me it’s only $18 roundtrip to get a weekend away, that just might change.  I bet I can pack a bag in a cool ten minutes….

Wondering if you’d be tempted into a quick getaway?  First, you have to join Twitter…and then just sign up to be a JetBlue and United follower.  Bon Voyage!