ITA Matrix: How to Search for Cheap Airfare with Flexibility & Other Tips

I often use the ITA Software Matrix, which is one of the most useful tools to search for available flights and low fares. Google has another aggregator now that is faster than ITA Matrix--Google Flights--which is also very useful with a smoother user interface. But if you know the tricks and codes to input into ITA Matrix, you can be a lot more specific in your queries than you could be using Google Flights.
Using ITA Matrix
First, go to matrix.itasoftware.com.

Type in your home airport and destination airport.

Free First Class 2014: Cheap Flights, Fuel Surcharges on ITA Matrix

This is the twenty-fourth post in a monthlong series that started here. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete.

Free First Class Next Month: Using ITA Matrix to Find Cheap Flights and Fuel Surcharge Info

Hey! You're reading an outdated Free First Class Next Month series. Check out the latest version published in April of 2015 here.

This is the twenty-ninth post in a monthlong series that started here. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete. I am writing this for an audience of people who know nothing about frequent flier miles, and my goal is that by the end, you know enough to fly for free anywhere you want to go.