Booking your flight: Tips on choosing a flight
Planning for your next vacation is exciting. Thinking of the places you will see and the things you will do can build expectations. Now comes the practical aspect of booking your travel plans. If you are booking a flight, you will likely have many options. So how do you find the right flight? Are there all airlines the same? How do you find the best deals? You may have other questions or concerns that need addressing. Here are some things to consider when choosing which flight and which airlines work best for you.
Should you use a travel site or book directly with an airline?
The answer is to use both as a resource. By researching all options, you will find what works best.
Start by using one or more travel sites. Travel sites are a great way to compare airlines. Initially, you will enter basic travel information: dates you are traveling, where you are going, and how many are traveling with you. You can easily modify your search parameters to narrow down your choices if there are initially too many to choose from. Search parameters might be shortest and non-stop flights, cheapest flights, and preferred arrival and departure times. Travel dates and times that are flexible will offer you the best deals. Midweek flights are typically less traveled than weekend flights. Most airlines have cheaper rates for those midweek flights. Many travel sites also allow you to bookmark or watch a flight. Bookmarks will notify you if the flight drops in price.
If you find a flight or flights that appeal to you, take note of the airlines. Once you have identified an airline, go to that airline's website and start your search process again. Sometimes, you may find that same flight or another flight that offers you a better deal if you book directly with the airline. Additionally, you may find a credit card offer that discounts bookings if you use that card. Most airlines offer a credit card that earns points for travel when you use that card. These credit cards can also be a way to build miles with an airline if you plan on using that airline again. As with any credit card offer, read the fine print. Be responsible with credit card usage. However, if the credit card offer can save you money now and in the future, consider it.
After searching for a flight with an airline, you may still want to go back and use a travel site to book your flight. An advantage of using a travel site is a bundle package. You can easily book a hotel, a flight, or a car rental on one site. Bundling a travel package is one of the best ways to save money for your trip. Using a travel site for all your bookings will also create an itinerary that is easy to reference. Everything you need to know about your travel plans will be on one travel site. Many travel sites also offer a credit card for booking your trip for additional savings.
Are all airlines the same?
No, they are not. Whether you book a flight directly with the airline or using a travel site, do some research. Some airlines have free carry-on luggage and one small backpack or purse. Others may have fees even for carry-on luggage. Some will allow you to check in one bag for free. Others may charge you for every bag checked in. Luggage fees can add up if traveling with a family. Airlines have different allowances for the size and weight of your luggage. Airlines also differ in their seating policy. Some offer open seating, and others allow you to choose your seats. Some will allow you to select a seat for a fee. WiFi availability also varies with each airline. Use due diligence when booking any flight. Booking a cheap flight and then getting charged many hidden fees is frustrating.
Why do some airlines offer me better options for my trip?
All airlines have a central hub. A central hub is the city where an airline is based. Most airlines direct most flights in and out of their central hub. Airlines' options are better when a flight goes in or out of the central hub. Where you live and where you are traveling may help you decide which airline has the most options for you. United Airlines has its primary hub in Denver. If you travel to the Rocky Mountains, United Airlines might have more options. Alaska Airlines might be your best option if you travel to Seattle. The airport you are closest to might be a hub for an airline. I live near Dallas, so I am close to two main hubs. For me, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have the most options for booking. Since I use those airlines frequently, it works for me to use their frequent flyer and rewards programs. You can easily search any airline to find their central hub. Having this knowledge may help you determine which airline is best for you.
Booking your flight can seem stressful. But if you can identify your needs, you can quickly narrow your options. Understanding how to use the different websites will help your search. With the proper knowledge and information, you will find what works best.
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