Five strategies for finding cheap airfares in 2009

— -- Last year was rough for the airline industry. In response to the recession and jet fuel prices that nearly doubled between January and July, passengers saw dozens of airfare hikes, new fees for every imaginable service, not to mention major capacity cuts, three domestic airlines shutting down, and the merger of two giants, Delta and Northwest. For travelers, it was a year in which many pondered taking a staycation rather than face the cost and hassle of flying.

Is even more caution required in 2009? Here at SmarterTravel.com, we don't think so, and neither do you: A recent Smarter Travel poll shows most readers—78 percent in fact—plan to fly as much or more than in 2008. More than half of readers say they plan to book travel but are still holding out for the right deal. After reflecting on what happened last year and consulting with some of my fellow industry observers, I can tell you that while finding good air deals will be a challenge this year, there are some real opportunities for savings if you employ the following tactics.

1. Look for winter and spring sales

After experiencing a drop in demand for holiday travel, the airlines have been offering a bonanza of sales in January to win back customers. Thus far, most of the major low-cost and legacy airlines have advertised numerous good deals for travel as far out as June, even on international flights, a trend that is expected to continue for at least the next few months. Keep an eye on the SmarterTravel airfare section for the latest sales.

"It will be particularly good through winter and spring, with lower airfare prices than in 2008," says Mike Fridgen, the Vice President of Marketing and Product for Farecast. "Travelers will benefit not only from lower prices, but from less congestion at the airport, on the plane, and in their hotel."

You may be tempted to wait longer and see if prices drop further, but if you see a price you can live with now, you should book, because the deals may not last long. "If the price of jet fuel increases dramatically or there are further capacity cuts beyond what's already been planned, prices will have to reflect those conditions," says Travelocity Senior Editor Genevieve Brown.