If you plan to travel in the near future, booking your flight is one of the most important steps in bringing your plans to fruition. However, between the constantly changing airline prices and the different offers that the various sites and agencies make available, the booking process could get a little confusing. The following tips will help you successfully book the best flight for your future travels.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Book a Flight Online
Step 1. Define the plans you have for your trip
Think about where you should or would like to go, the dates you would like to leave, if you prefer to book just the flight or want to buy an entire vacation package.
Make a list of your projects and keep them handy while you book
Step 2. Try to be flexible in your plans
The more flexible you are on every detail, from the flight company to the outbound and return airport, from travel dates to the possibility of purchasing a vacation package, the more likely you will be to grab a good opportunity.
- Wednesday is generally the cheapest day to travel.
- Often you will find bargains for last minute flights, especially if you buy a hotel stay or a rental car together with the flight (this type of offer is called a tourist package).
- Secondary airports are often cheaper and offer better travel times than large airport centers. For example, if you want to go to Milan, you could consider arriving at Linate Airport instead of the more famous Malpensa Airport. Linate, in fact, is practically outside the city and offers quick and cheap connections with the stations and with the center.
Step 3. Compare different prices
The cost of air travel varies enormously depending on many variables, including the day of booking, the advance with which you book and also the website you choose to consult. By comparing the prices offered by different sites, it is very likely that you will be able to grab the best offer.
- If possible, try to book six weeks in advance. This way you can evaluate the best flight options and prices.
- Typically 3pm on Thursdays is the most convenient time to book a flight.
- The flight portals take care of reporting all the information on flights at the best price and on the timetables offered by the various companies that deal with a specific route. These sites include Kayak, Expedia, CheapTickets, and Priceline. Thanks to this type of site, you will be able to automatically compare prices and other variables.
- It is advisable to compare the prices offered by different sites as well, as the respective offers can be very different.
- The websites of the various airlines will also allow you to conveniently book your tickets. On this type of site, moreover, it is not so rare to find cheaper and cheaper flights.
- To have more options available, consider making the outward and return journey with two different companies.
Step 4. Make a list of the various rates and offers
As you compare the various offers, write down all relevant details, including departure and arrival airports, times, costs and cancellation policies. This will make it easier for you to decide on the right flight to buy.
- Check if the price includes airport taxes and any baggage surcharges.
- Read carefully the cancellation and exchange policies for each flight. Not informing yourself in advance could cost you a lot of time and money if you need to cancel or change your flight.
Step 5. Buy your ticket
When you have decided on the flight that is right for you, it will be time to proceed with the purchase.
- Follow the instructions on the site. All sites will ask you to fill in certain information, such as your name, address and preferences for the seating and meals served on board, as well as the credit card information you will use to book.
- In general, you will be able to pay the baggage and seat fees during the booking process. By doing this you will save on check-in times once at the airport.
- If you intend to travel outside the European Union, you will need a valid passport to confirm your booking.
- Choose whether you want to pay for extras, such as any upgrades to the flight class or travel insurance.
- Many travel sites or airline companies make additional offers available at the time of booking, for example to rent cars or book hotel rooms.
Step 6. Print your booking confirmation and other important documents
Make sure you bring these documents with you to the airport on the day of travel, to avoid any problems and questions regarding your booking.
Follow the "24 hour rule." Check the prices one last time within 24 hours of booking. If the cost of tickets has decreased, depending on the airline you are traveling with (e.g. Ryanair), you may be allowed to make some changes to your booking free of charge
Method 2 of 2: Book a Flight with an Airline or a Travel Agency
Step 1. Define a travel plan
Just like with online bookings, think about your plans, your destination and the dates you would like to leave and try to figure out if you prefer to book just the flight or buy an entire vacation package.
Draw up a list of your preferences and keep it handy when you speak to the travel agency or airline
Step 2. Contact a travel agency or airline customer service
You can try to contact both a traditional travel agency and the customer service of a flight company: they will help you find the best deal.
- Provide the representative with all the information related to your travel project. Tell them all relevant information, including your seating preferences and if you are willing to have some flexibility with regards to travel dates and the airline to fly with.
- Just like with online bookings, being flexible in your plans will help you find better prices and times.
- A good representative will inform you about all the variables related to booking your flight, such as the possibility of departure from secondary airports and the possibility of traveling with low cost airlines. It should allow you to decide for yourself which offer is best for you.
Step 3. Compare the prices offered to you by the different representatives
Contact more than one travel agency and ask for their quotes. By comparing what the different agencies offer, in fact, you can get the best offer.
If a travel agency has made a good impression on you but has not offered you the best offer, let them know the minimum price that has been offered and check if they can offer it in turn, or even improve it
Step 4. Buy your ticket
Once you have found the offer that is right for you, you can proceed with the purchase of the ticket.
- Contact the agency and let them know that you would like to book. Answer any questions they will ask you, such as about available seating or your preferences for the meals that will be served on board.
- Ask any necessary questions regarding your booking. Find out about all additional expenses such as taxes, baggage fees and to upgrade your flight class. Ask everything you need to know about any cancellations and refund policies.
Step 5. Get a copy of your booking and other necessary documents
Be sure to bring these documents with you to the airport on the day of travel, to avoid any problems or questions regarding your booking.
