As more people forego the annual trips and excursions in order to save money, airlines are cutting prices and travel agents are working hard to make travel packages more affordable. Still, there are several ways to cut costs on the final price of airline travel with some strategic buying and simply by planning ahead. If you've been thinking about taking a trip this year but have been holding back because of a tight budget, consider these simple ways to cut costs on airline travel this year:

1. Make sure your baggage meets the weight requirement. Many airlines are tacking on an extra fee for baggage that weighs more than 50 pounds, so it's worth the time to weigh your bags at home to make sure you meet the requirement. Extra bags can cost up to $25 per bag at check-in, so you may need to reconsider your packaging strategy in order to save money.

2. Avoid the ?perks? of travel. From renting entertainment systems during the flight to tuning into music, airlines are imposing fees for a variety of amenities and services. Skip the extra costs by bringing your own entertainment on board.

3. Double check the flight schedule. Confirming your flights at least once before departure can save you time and stress if the flight has been cancelled or postponed. Many airlines have been cutting flights from the roster in recent months, and you may or may not have been notified. Plan ahead by learning as much about your flight as possible.

4. Get to the airport as early as possible. Avoid last-minute delays so you're not paying extra for an overpriced taxi or requiring extra services to get you and your baggage to the terminal on time. Plan to get to the airport at least 2-3 hours in advance to ensure your itinerary stays on track.

5. Calculate your bottom line price when bidding for tickets. Many auction sites and discount travel websites can impose hefty surcharges and fees to the bottom line price, so make sure you're well aware of the actual price you will be paying after the transaction is complete.