Here are The Traveling Professor's tips on getting good airfares:

Use matrix.itasoftware.com to search for airfares.   I have published a 7-page guide, free to anyone who subscribes to my monthly newsletter that will get you not only the best airfares, but the best air itinerary to Europe and just about anywhere else.   If you are already subscribed. the link is published in the July 11 newsletter.  Otherwise, subscribe here and you will get the link immediately once your subscription has been confirmed: http://eepurl.com/bbMuuL 

Look at Alternative Airports:  In Italy for instance, Milan (MXP or LIN) is by far, the cheapest airport to fly into.   Bologna (BLQ) offers some good deals too.   For instance, I have a trip coming up to Florence.  I get into Milan at 6:20 a.m. on a $783 R/T flight from New York JFK.    I take the 1.5 hour train down to Florence and I am there well before check-in time.  By the way, matrix.itasoftware.com will let you plug in those alternative airports, that's why it is important to have my 7-page guide to show how to do so.

Use Alternative Airlines:  Norwegian Air, IcleandAir have offered some terrific deals, especially for Economy Comfort and Business Class.

"LIke" My Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TravelingProfessor):  Last week I posted a great deal from Virgin America for instance.   Being in the travel business, I get first look at all sorts of special offers and I am happy to pass them on to you.

Be a Loyal Customer:  I try to limit the number of airlines I fly.  This lets me accumulate a significant amount of airline miles into a limited number of accounts.  The best way to redeem miles for flights is a story for another blog post, but I would say every 4th or 5th flight I take to Europe is "free".