(MONEY Magazine) – The December announcement had a propitious air about it: Most of the major airlines had voluntarily pledged to quote consumers the lowest fare available and to provide more information about lost baggage and delays. Whether you believe the airlines are responding to passenger complaints or trying to head off government regulation, the move seems a step in the right direction.

But before you're lulled into complacency, take heed: Yes, the airlines will offer their lowest price for a given flight, but the same factors that always determined that price--peak vs. off-peak travel times, advance vs. last-minute purchase--remain. So we asked Tom Parsons, editor of Bestfares.com, for a few tips on always getting the lowest fare.

Pick up the phone. Despite all the hoopla about Net fares, airline sites generally don't offer the lowest advance fares, Parsons says. To benefit from the pledge, book flights through the reservation desk.

Be inquisitive. If you ask about a 3 p.m. flight, the airlines aren't required to mention that the 3:45 p.m. flight costs $50 less. Ask about alternate airports and departure times and dates, daily specials, family packages, two-for-one discounts and child and senior fares.

Keep watching. Some airlines will now make up the difference if their fares drop after you've purchased your ticket.

--GRACE JIDOUN