Cheapest airfare from USA to Tana

So I've started traveling back and forth to Madagascar quite regularly. In fact, we are moving there! The prices I have paid for international airfare in the past have varied SIGNIFICANTLY. I'm seeking your tricks of the trade to get the cheapest flights.

1. How far in advance do you buy your tickets?
2. Round trip vs. one way?
3. Cheaper if you book TNR-USA-TNR or USA-TNR-USA?
4. Airlines?
5. Special deals?
6. Is anyone aware of discounted flights for children over 2?
7. Optimal length of travel (too long = expensive, too short = expensive)?

Somebody help me out. There are four of us and this is starting to add up!

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