Flight Ticket FAQ

Introduction

Booking flights can be a challenging and confusing process, especially with the numerous options available and the various fees and fare classes offered by airlines. In this comprehensive guide, we will share our best tips and strategies for finding cheap airline tickets and navigating the complexities of flight booking. Whether you’re planning a domestic or international trip, these tips will help you make informed decisions and save money on your airfare.

The Best Ways to Book Flights

When it comes to booking flights, there are four essential factors to consider: using the right flight booking tools, comparing fares, understanding fare classes, and evaluating the value of award flights. By following these steps, you can find the best and most affordable airfare for your next trip.

Use the Right Flight Booking Tools

To begin your search for cheap flights, it’s recommended to use online flight search tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner. These platforms provide a convenient way to compare fares from multiple airlines and find the best deals. However, there are two exceptions where you should search for flights directly on the airline website:

1. When flying with Southwest Airlines: Southwest does not include its fares in third-party search results, so it’s wise to compare its prices on both its website and a search tool.

2. When booking award travel: Award travel is generally only searchable through the airline website.

Google Flights is often preferred for its simplicity and comprehensive search results. Throughout this article, we will use Google Flights as an example.

Dive Deep to Compare Fares

When comparing fares on different airlines, it’s important to look beyond the initial price displayed. Airlines often add hidden fees and charges throughout the booking process, making it difficult to determine the final cost. To cut through this complexity, consider the following shortcuts:

1. Look at airline fees and ratings: Compare domestic airline fees using cheat sheets that break them down into categories such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, and cancellation fees. Additionally, check airline rewards program rankings to evaluate the value of miles, points, and other perks.

2. Determine the final cost before booking: Airlines often lure customers in with low fares and then add fees during the checkout process. To avoid surprises, compare the final costs of different airlines before entering your credit card information. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best option.

Understand Basic Economy vs. Regular Economy

Full-service airlines like American and Delta offer two types of economy tickets: basic economy and main cabin (or regular economy). It’s essential to understand the differences between these fare classes before making a decision.

Basic economy tickets typically have more restrictions and fewer benefits compared to main cabin tickets. Here’s a general comparison of the two fare classes:

Basic Economy:
– Seat selection: Not allowed or available for a higher fee.
– Changes and cancellations: Usually not allowed.
– Points and miles: Not earned or earned at a lower rate.
– Elite status benefits: Usually not included.
– Baggage: Carry-ons may be included, but checked bags are not included.

Main Cabin (Regular Economy):
– Seat selection: Allowed, sometimes for a fee.
– Changes and cancellations: Allowed, often without a fee.
– Points and miles: Earned at the usual rate.
– Elite status benefits: Included.
– Baggage: Carry-ons and checked bags may or may not be included, depending on the airline.

When choosing between basic economy and regular economy, consider factors such as seat selection, flexibility, points earning potential, elite status benefits, and baggage allowances. Basic economy is suitable for travelers with fixed plans, no seat preferences, and who are not concerned about points or elite status benefits. Regular economy is preferable for those who value more flexibility, want to earn points, enjoy elite status benefits, and require baggage allowances.

Book with Points and Miles if it’s a Good Deal

If you have a stash of airline miles or credit card points, it’s worth considering using them to book flights instead of paying with cash. However, it’s important to evaluate whether it’s a good deal by comparing the cash prices and the value of your miles or points.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to book an award flight:

1. Sufficient miles: Ensure you have enough miles for the specific flight you want to book. Generally, at least 20,000 miles are required for a short round-trip flight.

2. High cash prices: If the cash prices for a flight are high, using miles or points can be a more cost-effective option.

3. Main cabin preference: Keep in mind that most award flights are in the main cabin, so if you prefer a basic economy fare, using miles may not be suitable.

To determine the value of your miles or points, you can multiply the number of miles needed for a specific itinerary by their approximate value. Tools like calculators can also help you assess the value of your redemption.

In general, if the values are close or if you have miles that may expire or depreciate, it’s advisable to use them for booking flights. However, it’s essential to evaluate each situation individually and consider your specific preferences and circumstances.

How to Book Flight Tickets Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve discussed the best ways to book flights, let’s walk through the process step-by-step using an example flight from Seattle to Denver.

1. Use a flight search tool like Google Flights to compare fares from different airlines. Enter your departing location, arriving location, dates, and other preferences to see a list of results.

2. Dive deep to compare fares by looking at airline fees and ratings. Consider baggage fees, seat selection fees, cancellation fees, and the value of miles or points.

3. Determine the final cost before booking by carefully reviewing the fees and charges associated with each airline. Compare the total prices, including any selected add-ons like seat selection or baggage allowances.

4. Understand the fare classes offered by airlines, such as basic economy and regular economy. Consider your preferences for seat selection, flexibility, points earning potential, elite status benefits, and baggage allowances.

5. If you have miles or points, evaluate whether it’s a good deal to book an award flight. Compare the cash prices with the value of your miles or points, and consider factors like your mileage balance and the potential expiration or depreciation of your miles.

6. Once you’ve determined the best airline and fare class for your needs, proceed to book the flight. Follow the booking process on the airline’s website, entering your contact information and selecting any additional add-ons or preferences.

7. Before entering your credit card information, review the final price of the itinerary, including any selected add-ons. Compare this price with the prices of other airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

8. Repeat the process for other airlines if desired, comparing their prices, fees, and services.

By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of flight booking and find the best and most affordable airfare for your next trip.

Conclusion

Booking flights can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and tools, it’s possible to find cheap airline tickets and make informed decisions. By using flight search tools, comparing fares, understanding fare classes, and evaluating the value of award flights, you can save money and make the most of your travel budget. Remember to consider your preferences, needs, and circumstances when booking flights, and always compare the final prices before making a decision. With perseverance and a little bit of math, you can find the best deals and enjoy a smooth and cost-effective travel experience.