25 Nov How to Book Flights for the Best Experience
The cheapest time to book flights depends on the season, holidays and school breaks. You’ll also want to consider airlines’ reputation, onboard comfort and frequent flier programs.
Book Direct With the Airline
Whether you’re using an online flight search engine or calling a travel agency, it’s always best to book directly with the airline. This way, you can ensure that your reservation is in the system and that you have all the information you need for a smooth travel experience. Plus, you can get the most out of your loyalty program if you buy through the airline’s website, as many airlines offer special perks to their loyal customers who book direct.
When you make your reservation, check that all of the details are correct and that your fare is the lowest available. If you have any special accommodations that you need on your trip, such as a wheelchair or dietary restrictions, it’s important to note this at the time of booking. Some airlines may also ask you if you want to add insurance to your flight. While this is optional, it’s a good idea to read up on what it covers before you decide to do so.
Airlines want you to book directly through them, and they’ve done a great job of making it difficult to shop their fares on third-party websites. Even if you find an airline’s price on an OTA, they’re often loaded with fees and upselling offers, like seat selection.
Another benefit of booking directly with the airline is being able to contact them in case of a problem, such as a flight cancellation or rescheduling during the pandemic. This is particularly useful for those who fly often, as it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing flight schedules and fully booked flights during this time. If you have any problems, a simple phone call or email from the airline can quickly resolve any issues.
Book a One-Way Flight
Most people default to searching for a round-trip flight when looking for fares, but booking one-way flights can actually save money in some cases. This is especially true for travel within the United States and between destinations served by one airline, as these types of flights typically cost less as a one-way ticket than a round-trip ticket. This is because round-trip tickets are priced to include an extra leg between the two destinations, but many airlines sell a lot of cheaper one-way flights on these routes.
You can also book cheap one-way flights to popular destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. These airlines often offer one-way prices that are much lower than half the price of a round-trip ticket. And in some cases, you can use these low-cost flights to get to a major hub and then book a connecting flight home.
One-way flights aren’t usually more expensive than a round-trip flight for international trips, but it depends on demand and the specific dates you want to fly. Some airlines, require round-trip purchases to get their lowest saver award rates for miles tickets. And for some countries, it can be difficult to get a visa without a return ticket, so buying a temporary onward ticket may be necessary if you’re flying with a one-way ticket.
However, booking a trip on multiple one-way tickets can be more of a hassle than booking a single round-trip flight. It can take longer to manage multiple itineraries and keep track of all the separate bookings, and it’s harder to find a deal for the whole trip if you’re flying with a variety of airlines.
Book a Round-Trip Flight
If you’re planning on taking a long trip, it’s often cheaper to book a round-trip flight. However, it’s important to check prices regularly and be flexible with your departure dates. Round-trip flights tend to be more expensive during popular travel times such as holidays, school breaks and 3-day weekends. It’s also important to book your travel well in advance to get the best deals. Gary’s article describes some of the headaches with Expedia’s customer service that you might want to consider.
Another thing to consider when booking round-trip versus one-way flights is whether or not you’ll be flying international. Some airlines charge higher taxes and fees on award flights that originate in certain areas of the world. In those cases, it might make more sense to book two one-way awards to save money on the outbound and return flights.
You should also keep in mind that it’s generally easier to cancel paid flights than award tickets. If you see a good deal on a round-trip ticket and can change your dates, it’s worth booking the full itinerary to lock in those lower fares. Alternatively, you can use an airline’s app to manage your flight and change dates. Most airlines have dropped their change fees, but you may still be charged a fee for changing an award flight.
Book a Flexible Trip
A flexible trip might sound out of the question, especially for those who are paying for flights with cash or airline miles, but for those who can be flexible with their dates and destinations it can yield some major savings. Start by weighing the various dates and destinations that suit your needs. It’s also worth checking out the policies and reputation of the airline you’re considering booking with as they may vary by carrier.
Many airlines began offering flexi flights during the pandemic as a way to allow travellers more flexibility in their itinerary. These flexible tickets allow you to change your departure date without incurring any fees from the airline, though each airline has their own flexi ticket options with different restrictions.
Having a flexible itinerary can greatly improve your overall travel experience, especially if you’re planning a vacation for the long haul. By flying into one airport and out of another, you can create some truly unique experiences – like road trips that include stops at the top restaurants and attractions in the region.
In addition to having a flexible itinerary, consider adding a travel insurance policy to your trip. These plans often offer coverage for a variety of reasons, from canceling or delaying a trip to covering missed connections and lost luggage.
Being flexible with your trip itinerary can save you a lot of money, but it’s not easy and it takes time to explore the different options. If you’re willing to put in the work, however, it can be well worth it. Just remember to be smart when it comes to choosing your route and accommodations, and always book with reputable carriers.