Good airfare strategies?

[Homeslice]

So we all know 3 weeks in advance is supposedly the "deadline" for good fares...........But lately I've been noticing there's no difference at all anymore. Seems like they fluctuate daily, and there's no big "drop" at the 3-week point anymore. One time I scored a hella cheap ticket the day before........I guess they were desparate to fill that flight? I have also heard that on Wednesdays the airlines cut fares cuz of low demand, and then raise them back up Friday??.....And then theres airlines like SW that have these sudden price cuts that only last 1-2 days, but I forget what day they usually announce those.

Anyone have any good tips? I don't like sites like Hotwire because I want to know exactly what it's giving me before I book.