Are You Looking for Cheap Airfare? Know the Pitfalls First
There is more to booking airfare than just shopping around for the cheapest flights.
Here are some tips that will help you find the airfare and airline that are best for you.
• If a rate seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check all details carefully before buying a ticket that appears too cheap.
There might be conditions such as having to take a companion; or the airline might charge exorbitant fees for checked baggage.
Don't book before you look! Discount airfares are usually non-refundable.
• Check the fare offered by the airline itself on its Internet site.
Air carriers pay commissions to booking agents, and they often shave those commissions off the rates when you reserve directly with them.
• Be aware of where the destination airport is located.
Flights often land at secondary airports, which may be several miles from your hotel.
• Compare different routes, especially if you're not concerned about taking connecting flights.
Sometimes it's cheaper to go a little out of your way or deliberately choose a flight that lands at a secondary airport.
• Check into extra charges for things such as: - Wi-Fi Internet - Pillows - Blankets - Headphones - Food and liquor - Seat assignment fees • Head to your favorite search engine.
Search for "customer reviews NAME OF AIRLINE" (without the quotes), substituting the name of the airline you plan to use.
Remember, though, that opinions are just opinions and try to find a site with several recent reviews.
Something that happened five years ago may no longer be applicable.
• Knowing the seating plan will help you make an informed choice about the best seat for your needs.
Many Internet sites display complete seat-map graphics where you can see at a glance where you will enjoy the best legroom.
The locations of emergency exits and lavatories are also clearly marked.
Once you know the type of plane you will be using, go to the website of your airline and look for information there.
If you cannot find anything, search the Internet for "seating plan TYPE OF PLANE" (without the quotes), substituting the model of aircraft you will be using.
• Safety is an important consideration.
The Internet can help with that as well.
Search for "safety records TYPE OF PLANE" to find safety information about your preferred aircraft.
• Understand the difference between direct and non-stop flights.
A direct flight will not have any connections, but it will land somewhere at least once during the flight.
Avoid missed connections and delays by selecting a non-stop flight.
Non-stop is also the safest option if you are a nervous flyer, as most accidents occur during take-off and landing.
• Regulations regarding the size and weight of carry-on items vary depending on the airline you choose.
The rules are very restrictive in some countries.
You might have to buy smaller luggage or check your carry-on.
When you have finally made your decision, pat yourself on the back.
Flying is statistically the safest way to travel.
Here are some tips that will help you find the airfare and airline that are best for you.
• If a rate seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check all details carefully before buying a ticket that appears too cheap.
There might be conditions such as having to take a companion; or the airline might charge exorbitant fees for checked baggage.
Don't book before you look! Discount airfares are usually non-refundable.
• Check the fare offered by the airline itself on its Internet site.
Air carriers pay commissions to booking agents, and they often shave those commissions off the rates when you reserve directly with them.
• Be aware of where the destination airport is located.
Flights often land at secondary airports, which may be several miles from your hotel.
• Compare different routes, especially if you're not concerned about taking connecting flights.
Sometimes it's cheaper to go a little out of your way or deliberately choose a flight that lands at a secondary airport.
• Check into extra charges for things such as: - Wi-Fi Internet - Pillows - Blankets - Headphones - Food and liquor - Seat assignment fees • Head to your favorite search engine.
Search for "customer reviews NAME OF AIRLINE" (without the quotes), substituting the name of the airline you plan to use.
Remember, though, that opinions are just opinions and try to find a site with several recent reviews.
Something that happened five years ago may no longer be applicable.
• Knowing the seating plan will help you make an informed choice about the best seat for your needs.
Many Internet sites display complete seat-map graphics where you can see at a glance where you will enjoy the best legroom.
The locations of emergency exits and lavatories are also clearly marked.
Once you know the type of plane you will be using, go to the website of your airline and look for information there.
If you cannot find anything, search the Internet for "seating plan TYPE OF PLANE" (without the quotes), substituting the model of aircraft you will be using.
• Safety is an important consideration.
The Internet can help with that as well.
Search for "safety records TYPE OF PLANE" to find safety information about your preferred aircraft.
• Understand the difference between direct and non-stop flights.
A direct flight will not have any connections, but it will land somewhere at least once during the flight.
Avoid missed connections and delays by selecting a non-stop flight.
Non-stop is also the safest option if you are a nervous flyer, as most accidents occur during take-off and landing.
• Regulations regarding the size and weight of carry-on items vary depending on the airline you choose.
The rules are very restrictive in some countries.
You might have to buy smaller luggage or check your carry-on.
When you have finally made your decision, pat yourself on the back.
Flying is statistically the safest way to travel.
