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If you have already booked a package trip through our customized planning services, you may not require these tips. However, if you are a guest attending a Destination Wedding and find the process of booking a flight to be overwhelming, then I have some helpful tips for you. While booking a flight may seem straightforward and commonplace in today’s world, there are still valuable insights and strategies that can enhance your booking experience.

Expert Tips from Your Experts in Travel, read more!

1. Take advantage of Google Flights for Research

Google Flights has been incredibly helpful for me when comparing flights. I particularly enjoy using it to compare dates, flight times, and routes. It’s a great tool for researching flights without having to commit. It’s easy to compare different airlines, flight times, and connecting cities all in one place.

You can simply enter your home airport city and the destination airport, and it will display all the major carrier flight times and prices. However, be cautious when initially searching, as the prices shown are not the final pricing and are mostly based on Basic Economy tickets. Nonetheless, it gives you a rough idea of the cost.

2. Don’t book your airfare thru a discount site, book directly with the airline

When you’re purchasing your own airfare and using Google Flights, keep in mind that it might also display options from other discounted online sites. While these options may seem tempting due to potential cost savings, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks. If there are any changes to your travel plans, dealing with these third-party sites can become a significant hassle.

It’s advisable to avoid using discount sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, and Booking.com for your flight bookings. If there’s a schedule change initiated by the airline, you may encounter difficulties modifying your flights through these third-party platforms. Additionally, these sites often sell restricted tickets with minimal changes allowed, limiting your flexibility.

To have more control over your reservations and to ensure greater flexibility in case of any changes, it’s recommended to book your airfare directly with the airline. By doing so, you can avoid potential long hold times and frustrations associated with making adjustments through third-party sites. Taking this direct approach can ultimately save you time and provide peace of mind when managing your travel plans.

3. Understand the different Rate Types & Fare Classes

We all know about Business Class/First Class but did you know that most airlines have now three types of Economy tickets? These are Regular Economy, Premium Economy, and Basic Economy.

Regular Economy Tickets, often referred to as “coach”, provide a seat assignment, a carry-on bag, and the option to pay for a checked bag. Premium Economy, located behind first/business class, offers extra legroom, dedicated bin space, and often includes alcoholic beverages and snacks. It is important to note that Premium Economy tickets are not the same as business class.

On the other hand, Basic Economy is the most affordable option but comes with several restrictions. With Basic Economy tickets, you may not be allowed to bring a carry-on, make changes to your flights (even for a fee), or have a seat assignment. Instead, a random seat will be assigned at the gate. Additionally, Basic Economy passengers board last and have limited re-booking options in case of weather delays or other issues beyond the airline’s control.

4. Watch your connection times when you have a layover

It’s a real blessing if your main airport offers plenty of non-stop flight options. If you’re on the east coast, it’s easier to fly to the Caribbean and Mexico with many nonstop flights available from JFK, MIA, MCO, and CLT. For those of us living in the Midwest, we often have to take connecting flights to reach our destination. Here are some flight tips that I use when booking flights:

• Please remember the following travel tips:
• It’s better to take the first flight of the day to avoid crew and weather delays.
• Make sure to allow enough time for connections. Avoid scheduling tight connecting flights to prevent the hassle of rushing to catch your second flight.
• When returning to the United States, factor in time for customs, immigration, re-checking of bags, and re-entry. Without TSA pre-check and Global Entry, this process can take up to 90 minutes or more. I recommend having a minimum layover of at least 2 hours, or 3 hours if the layover is in Miami.

5. Book using the exact name as it appears on your passport

Remember, when traveling abroad, your passport is your main form of identification, not your driver’s license. Make sure to book your ticket using the exact name that appears on your passport and avoid using any nicknames. Failing to follow this rule can result in additional costs and denial of boarding. If you’re a newlywed, book your ticket using the name that will be on your passport at the time of travel.

So, when is the best time to book?

That’s a great question! If I were able to predict airline fares, I would be rich by now. Airline inventory and costs can change at a moment’s notice due to factors such as fuel costs, crew shortages, and international transit laws. When using Google Flights, you have the option to track and monitor prices over time. If you find a flight at a price you are comfortable with, go ahead and book it.

If you are traveling during the high season (holidays, spring break), booking your flight as soon as it becomes available is usually the best thing to do. Major airline carriers (Delta, United, American Airlines) release their flight schedules about 11 months prior to departure, and for Southwest, it’s about 6 months prior.

I hope this information provides you with the confidence you need to book your next international flight! If you have any additional advice to share, please feel free to leave a comment below!