10 Tips On How To Book A Flight
Before you start searching for anything and read these tips on how to book a flight, you need to look up the restrictions of the country you’re planning on going to. It is your responsibility to check if you will be allowed as a visitor. Traveling has changed significantly since 2020 and we no longer take chances.
In order to avoid unpleasant situations, money loss, and wasted time, just read carefully if you are allowed in the particular country and what kind of documents you need to provide at departure and arrival (sometimes it might be different). Airlines and transport carriers are not responsible for warning you through their websites about certain laws. It is your responsibility to know.
Once you know that your next destination is on a green light and you’re not going to take a road trip to it, you can start looking for an airplane ticket. Before you press “BOOK” make sure you got the best deal with those tips!
1. Where to book
Use the combined search websites first to see which airline has better offers to your desired destination.
2. Check prices with different devices
When returning to a particular website/application to check if the price has dropped, try to use a different device and never log in to your account. Search as a guest. Search platforms would “notice” which dates you need to travel on and might purposely increase the price. In other words- once the system detects an interest it will try to charge you more.
3. Check the official carrier price on their website
Once you find the best deal, go and check the official website of the carrier. They would almost always give you a better deal since they don’t pay commission to a third party this way.
4. Round trip
Sometimes round trip is cheaper than one way. If you’re planning on using a different kind of transport on your way back, you can always book a round trip to save money and just not show up for your flight.
5. Use the same airline for flights with connection
If you have more than one flight to your destination, always book them both with the same carrier. Don’t try to save money from booking two different low cost flights for example, because in case of delay and missing the second leg no one is going to compensate you or refund you. You might not even be able to get another flight the same day if everything is booked. If you are lucky enough to get- that would be pricey.
6. Stopovers
Always check the connection (if any) and the duration of the stopover. Some deals are deals because of the ridiculously insane long hours in between flights.
7. Arriving on the next day (+1)
Don’t forget to look for the +1 which indicates that your arrival will be on the next calendar day. This is crucial if you have a schedule or a place to be at an exact time.
8. AM and PM
Don’t ignore the AM and PM. There are sooo many people who have missed their flight simply because they misread their itinerary. Some airlines show the time with the 24-hour clock (a.k.a. military time), but others only show it in AM and PM.
9. Baggage limitations
Always read the details and baggage limitations. Big companies always provide free checked in luggage for international flights but low cost almost never.
10. Install the application of the airline you’re flying with
When booking from a platform or a carrier that has an application- install it on your phone and sign in. Make sure you subscribe for notifications. You will be reminded once your flight is close, once the checking is open, and you will also get notified about the boarding and any changes when at the airport.
BONUS TIP:
Always search for an airport instead of a destination. Sometimes you will see a way cheaper price without noticing that you’re going to land at a different airport but still at your final destination. Always check the transportation from and to the airport you’re going to arrive at. Sometimes a flight will be cheaper if you land at a specific airport but you’re going to spend more to get to your accommodation.
Leave yourself enough time (when possible) to check as many websites as you can so you get the best deal. Be careful with the flight details and avoid unpleasant surprises. Booking a flight at a good price always makes me feel better and more excited when traveling on a budget, because I already know I saved some cash for more experiences to spend it on later.
Do you use any other tricks when booking flights? Let me know in the comments below!
Some people get homesick. I get “plane sick” … Wait! Not like being sick on the plane, just that I miss being on a plane, heading somewhere.
