Google flights
1. The Background:
If you’re traveling soon, booking a flight is one of the most important parts of finalizing your plans. But between airlines constantly changing prices and the many options of where to purchase your flight, booking can get a little confusing. The following methods will help you successfully book the best flight for your upcoming trip.
2. Outline your tentative travel plans.
Think about where you plan or might like to travel, the dates you would like to go, if you just want to book flights or a package deal.
- Make a list of your plans and have them handy and easily accessible while you book.
3. Consider being flexible in your plans.
The more flexible you are on everything from departure and arrival airlines and airports to travel dates and package deals, the more likely you are to get a great deal on your flight.
- Wednesdays are the generally the cheapest day to travel. .
- You can often find good deals on last minute flights, especially if you buy in conjunction with a hotel and/or rental car (known as a package deal).
- Flying from alternative airports can often be cheaper and offer better connection times than large airport hubs. For example, if you want to go to Washington, DC, consider flying to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) instead of National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International (IAD). BWI is just slightly outside of Washington and has excellent transportation into the city from the airport.
4. Compare flight prices.
- Book approximately six weeks in advance if you can. This will generally give you the best flight options and prices.
- Tuesdays around 3pm Eastern time are the cheapest time to book your flight.
- Travel sites collate information on the best flight prices and available times. These include Kayak, Expedia, CheapTickets, and Priceline. Travel sites automatically allow you to compare prices and factor in travel variables.
- It’s a good idea to compare travel site prices as well, as their respective offers can also vary greatly.
- Airline websites are also an excellent place to book tickets. It’s not uncommon to find cheaper and better flights on airline sites.
- For more options, consider one way travel on different airlines for each leg of your trip.
5. Keep a list of flight fares and offers.
- Note if the price includes such items as taxes and baggage fees.
- Read each flight’s cancellation policies and change fees. Not knowing these in advance can cost you a lot of money and time if you need to cancel or change your flight.
6. Purchase your ticket.
Once you decide on the right flight for your upcoming travel, it’s time to buy your ticket.
- Follow websites prompts. Every site will ask you to fill in information on items such as your name, number of travels, frequent flyer number, seat and meal preferences, and credit card information in order to book.
- You can usually pay baggage fees and select seats during your booking sessions. It’s a good idea to do this in advance to minimize your time checking in at the airport.
- If you’re traveling internationally, you will need a passport to confirm the reservation.
- Decide if you want to pay for extras such as upgrades in seat class or travel insurance.
- Many travel and airline sites will offer further special deals for add-ons such as rental car or hotel room.
7. Print booking confirmation and other relevant documents.
Make sure to take these documents to the airport with you on the day of your flight to avoid any questions or problems with your booking.
- Follow the “24-hour rule.” Within 24 hours of booking your flight, check the prices one last time. If the fare has decreased, call the airline and rebook the flight at the lower price with no penalty.
8. Outline your tentative travel plans.
Just as with online booking, think about where you plan or would like to travel, the dates you would like to go, if you just want to book flights or maybe a package deal.
- Make a list of your plans and have them available while you talk to the travel or airline agent.
9. Contact a travel agent or an airline representative.
You can call either traditional travel agents or airline reps to help you find the best flight booking.
- Give the agent the information on your tentative travel plans. Also let them know pertinent information including your seat preferences, and if you are flexible in your travel dates and airlines.
- Like with online booking, consider being flexible in your plans for the best prices and times.
- A good agent will alert you to all of the variables in booking your flight like alternative airports and smaller airlines. They’ll allow you to decide what offer is best for yourself.
10. Compare prices from different agents.
- If you find an agent you like but they don’t have the best offer, let them know about the lower price you found and see if they can match or better it.
11. Purchase your ticket.
- Call the agent and let them know which flight you’d like to book. Answer any questions they may have about items such as available seats or your meal preferences.
- Ask questions about the booking. Find out about extra fees including taxes, baggage fees, and upgrade costs. Ask about cancellation and refund policies
12. Get a copy of your booking confirmation and other relevant documents.
Make sure to take these documents to the airport with you on the day of your flight to avoid any questions or problems with your booking.
-
Booking agents are there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
-
Consider working with a travel agent to book your flight, as they might be able to get tickets at a negotiable rate or discount.
Related Articles
- 29 Tips to Become Warehouse Sales Agent
- 21 Tips to Set Up YouTube Homemade Food Production
- 6 Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Pots and Pans for Your Gas Stove
- Empowering Financial Education and Community Development
- How to Make African Restaurant Houston Menu
- Is a Hotel Business Profitable?(Yes, Read on 50 tips)
- The Best Place to get a Business Loan
- 39 Reasons Why you Need Bombas Socks for your Outfits
- 24 Tips Exploring the Convenience and Concerns of Wireless Ring Cameras
- Top 14 Fashion Store Business Plans
- 3 Different Tax Filing Options in the Years Ahead
- How to Start Snail Farming Business
- 10 Reasons Why Everyone Needs a Radio Flyer Tricycle
- Shrimp Farming: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Own Shrimp at Home
- 64 Tips on What an Entrepreneur Must Assume when Starting a Business
- 22 Best Code to Build A Successful Gym Business
- Business plan: Why it’s Important and How to Write One
- 22 Tips Unveiling the Pursuit of Wealth: Strategies to Win Big Money
- 39 Tips to Get Best Opportunities in China market
- How do I correct a payroll date in QuickBooks? (Read this 20 Tips)
- Top 10 Breakfast Restaurants In The United States: Your Guide To The Best Morning Meal
- 13 Basic Points about Ice Cream Business
- 9 Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Own Truck Delivering Business
- 28 Tips to Start Strollers & Accessories Business in Nigeria
- 7 Tips Leveraging Your Skills for Online Consulting Services
- 15 Comprehensive Guide on What is a Travel Nurse
- 5 Tips To Save Money On Your Bet9ja Mobile Phone Bill in Nigeria
- 14 Best Journey of Growth: The Transformative Learning Experience
- 6 Tips Exploring the Dynamics of Online Money Marketing
- Dynamic Landscape of Sports Entertainment Marketing
- Basic tips for Car Tire Buyer
- How to Start a Cosmetics Business
- 13 Ways of Finding a Hair Salon that Suits You
- 20 Tips to do Flexibility Exercise
- 41 Analytical Fact on Livestock Farming Business
- 6 Best Power of Newsletters for Startups: A Strategic Tool for Success
- 16 Tips to Get into School of Nursing
- Top 13 Entrepreneurial Resources for Young Entrepreneurs
- 33 Best Skills for Business Development Executive
- 16 Tips Elevating Comfort and Sustainability in Active Wear
- 25 Tips to Run Silent Nellis Auction Hours Business
- How to Cook Frozen Ground Chicken Pasta Recipes
- How to Start CCTV Installation Business
- 9 How To Start A Grocery Business
- 30 Tips to Become Audiologist Consultant
- How to Make money in Chops & Home-made Bakeries(15 tips)
- 31 Tips Unveiling the World of Data Entry Freelancers
- Best Business Communism/Socialism
- 38 Best Ways to Locate Good Online Colleges for Business
- 25 Tips Navigating the Flavourful World of Online Foodstuff Business