Airfare Expert: How to 'save' on Super Bowl flights

— -- Heading to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis - or wish you were? You'll enjoy these tips on finding the best-priced flights, but note the modifier - 'best-priced' - because you won't find anything cheap. It may make you feel better about having to watch the game from home or in a friend's living room. And even if you can't attend the Super Bowl, these strategies also apply to any big-event, high-volume travel period.

I want to go to the game. What's a flight to Indianapolis going to cost me?

Short answer: plenty. You have a good selection of airlines to Indianapolis International, including low-cost carriers AirTran, Frontier and Southwest but they all know you want to fly to the big game and they have all upped prices accordingly. Look for other airlines to follow American's lead - that carrier is adding five extra round-trip flights to Indy from LaGuardia, DFW and Chicago.

Last week, the cheapest flights from Boston and New York to Indianapolis were ranging from about $700 to $800 - and these were flights with multiple stops that included long layovers. This week, I'm seeing non-stops to Indy from Boston for about $1,600 round-trip, and as much as $1,800 from New York, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if it goes even higher.

What's the most expensive day to fly?

Indy airport officials expect the Monday after the Super Bowl (Feb. 6) to be their busiest day, and that means it'll be the most expensive. Other more expensive days to fly are the Thursday through Saturday before the game.

The cheapest days to fly will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before the game, and try to wait until Tuesday for your departure. There's a reason why many airline sales require you to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday -- they're typically the least popular days to fly, hence the cheapest.

Okay, I'll change the days I fly. Anything else I should know?

Definitely check out alternative airports. Yes, Indianapolis is most convenient, but that's also why you'll pay more.

Look at prices to cities like Dayton, Ohio (about a 120-mile drive to Indy) or to Chicago (about 180 miles away). If you're renting a car anyway, and don't mind a two- or three-hour drive, the savings can be worth it. See the chart for a breakdown.

Also, look for connecting flights as opposed to non-stops. They are almost always cheaper. If you can stand it, fly overnight or at dawn; again, the least popular times to fly are generally the cheapest.

Final reminder: Pack light, use a carry-on and save the bag fees most airlines will charge.

Is this year especially bad for Super Bowl airfare?

No. In late January of 2011, fares to the Dallas game were eerily similar. Example: Round-trip flights departing Friday and returning Monday from either Milwaukee or Pittsburgh ranged from $820-850. Those same flights with Wednesday departures and Tuesday returns dropped by more than $400.

So, I'm all set for my flight - now what about my game ticket?

Good luck! Last I looked - over the weekend - the official NFL site advertised tickets via Ticketmaster from $2,600 to $17,000+ a piece.

FareCompareCEO Rick Seaney is an airline industry insider and top media air travel resource. Follow Rick ( @rickseaney) and never overpay for airfare again.