When you are planning to take a flight, do you book your flight online or have a travel agency handle it for you? If you book your own flights, you may want to consider seeking advice from travel agency staff to avoid overspending or wasting time due to errors.
According to a report by the Huffington Post, several travel agency employees have shared that there are 9 things they avoid doing when booking flights, which you should also steer clear of:
Ronit Margolis, a travel consultant at Fora Travel, mentioned that she compares different airlines not just based on ticket prices, but also on factors like itinerary, layovers, and overall service quality. She pointed out that sometimes paying a bit more for a ticket could save you hours or offer a better travel experience.
Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels, warned about the risks associated with budget airlines, stating that they may not provide the same accommodations or refunds as larger commercial airlines. Opting for major airlines can make your travel experience smoother, especially when things don’t go according to plan.
Chirag Panchal, a travel consultant at Fora Travel, advised against booking the cheapest flights which often come with long layovers or inconvenient travel times. It’s wise to weigh the pros and cons before making a booking decision.
Ashley Lancer, a travel consultant at Valerie Wilson Travel, emphasized the value of booking direct flights even if they are pricier, as it can be worth the cost. She also recommended sticking to connecting flights with the same airline to avoid potential issues.
When it comes to tight layovers, it may be best to steer clear of them, especially at certain airports where getting between terminals can be time-consuming, as mentioned by Caroline Weilert, a travel consultant at Fora Travel.
Angela Marini, another travel consultant at Fora Travel, highlighted the benefits of considering nearby airports for better flight deals, more options, and convenient itineraries, especially in major cities with multiple airports.
For example, when flying to Miami, Florida, you may also want to consider landing in Fort Lauderdale.
It’s important to carefully choose your seat by using websites like SeatGuru, as relying solely on the airline’s seating charts can lead to subpar seat selections, as recommended by Michael DeLucca, founder of Otsy Travels.
Brianna Glenn, CEO of Milk + Honey Travels, cautioned against the allure of basic economy fares that may come with significant restrictions such as limited or no carry-on luggage, seat selection, or itinerary changes.
Booking the lowest price ticket may not always save you money in the long run, especially when paying extra for checked or carry-on bags or facing cash losses due to itinerary changes.
Avoid repeatedly searching for flights on your browser by using incognito mode or a VPN to prevent airlines from tracking your searches and potentially increasing prices based on your activity, advised Michael DeLucca.
Consider flight arrival times to enhance your overall experience at your destination, as suggested by Brianna Glenn. Avoid late-night arrivals if the first day of your trip is crucial or if you are prone to jet lag.
When booking flights, Angela Marini advised against using online travel agencies like Expedia, as they may lack flexibility in changing or canceling bookings and providing assistance in case of flight disruptions or delays.
Opting to book directly on the airline’s website or through a professional travel agency is often the best way to secure flights, according to Chirag Panchal.