Difference between revisions of "Book a Flight"
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#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 maybe a package deal. | #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 maybe a package deal. | ||
#*Make a list of your plans and have them handy while you book. | #*Make a list of your plans and have them handy while you book. | ||
| − | #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.<ref> http://www.businessinsider.com/23-secrets-to-booking-cheap-flights-2012-7?op=1</ref> | + | #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.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.businessinsider.com/23-secrets-to-booking-cheap-flights-2012-7?op=1</ref> |
| − | #*Wednesdays are the generally the cheapest day to travel. .<ref> http://qz.com/169299/how-to-avoid-every-common-mistake-when-booking-a-flight/</ref> | + | #*Wednesdays are the generally the cheapest day to travel. .<ref name="rf2"> http://qz.com/169299/how-to-avoid-every-common-mistake-when-booking-a-flight/</ref> |
| − | #*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).<ref | + | #*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).<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Flying from alternative airports can often be cheaper and offer better connection times than large airport hubs.<ref | + | #*Flying from alternative airports can often be cheaper and offer better connection times than large airport hubs.<ref name="rf1" /> 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. |
| − | #Compare flight prices. How much a flight costs varies greatly depending on many variables including the day you book, how far in advance you book, and even the website on which you book.<ref | + | #Compare flight prices. How much a flight costs varies greatly depending on many variables including the day you book, how far in advance you book, and even the website on which you book.<ref name="rf2" /> By comparing prices from different sites, you are likely to get the best flight deal. |
| − | #*Book approximately six weeks in advance if you can. This will generally give you the best flight options and prices.<ref>http://www.businessinsider.com/23-secrets-to-booking-cheap-flights-2012-7?op=1</ref><ref>http://qz.com/169299/how-to-avoid-every-common-mistake-when-booking-a-flight/</ref> | + | #*Book approximately six weeks in advance if you can. This will generally give you the best flight options and prices.<ref name="rf3">http://www.businessinsider.com/23-secrets-to-booking-cheap-flights-2012-7?op=1</ref><ref name="rf4">http://qz.com/169299/how-to-avoid-every-common-mistake-when-booking-a-flight/</ref> |
| − | #*Tuesdays around 3pm Eastern time are the cheapest time to book your flight.<ref | + | #*Tuesdays around 3pm Eastern time are the cheapest time to book your flight.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*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. | #*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. | #*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.<ref | + | #*Airline websites are also an excellent place to book tickets. It’s not uncommon to find cheaper and better flights on airline sites.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*For more options, consider one way travel on different airlines for each leg of your trip.<ref | + | #*For more options, consider one way travel on different airlines for each leg of your trip.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Keep a list of flight fares and offers. As you compare flight offers, keep a list of all relevant details including departure and arrival airports and times, fees, and cancellation policies. This will help you more easily decide on the right flight to purchase. | #Keep a list of flight fares and offers. As you compare flight offers, keep a list of all relevant details including departure and arrival airports and times, fees, and cancellation policies. This will help you more easily decide on the right flight to purchase. | ||
#*Note if the price includes such items as taxes and baggage fees. | #*Note if the price includes such items as taxes and baggage fees. | ||
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#*Many travel and airline sites will offer further special deals for add-ons such as rental car or hotel room. | #*Many travel and airline sites will offer further special deals for add-ons such as rental car or hotel room. | ||
#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. | #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.<ref | + | #*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.<ref name="rf3" /> |
===Booking with an Airline or Travel Agent=== | ===Booking with an Airline or Travel Agent=== | ||
#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. | #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. | ||
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#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. | #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. | #*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.<ref | + | #*Like with online booking, consider being flexible in your plans for the best prices and times.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*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. | #*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. | ||
#Compare prices from different agents. Call several travel agents and ask them for price quotes. By comparing what different agents offer, you will get the best flight deal. | #Compare prices from different agents. Call several travel agents and ask them for price quotes. By comparing what different agents offer, you will get the best flight deal. | ||
