Best thing I ever did personally was get a mileage credit card[0]. Made booking flights so much more transparent. I can see the total round trip price up front, and compare them easily, and never get a surprise on the final price. Its really nice.
[0]: mines through Capital One Venture but there's many ones out there, research which works for you!
Google flight search and the airlines’ direct websites have shown total costs when you search for as long as I have been buying flights (mid 2000s).