How to Compare Prices for Airline Flights
Getting plane tickets is easier than ever, and so is shopping around for the best price. Internet applications and e-tickets turn you into your own ticketing agent, although reservations desks still are available for those people who would rather deal with a human being.
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Instructions
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Choose the method for booking your flight that best meets your needs and capabilities. In general, there are two main choices:
• Via the Internet, using an airline or travel website, such as Travelocity.com, Expedia.com or Orbitz.com. This would be a good choice for someone with a basic level of confidence, as this transaction would be conducted independently.
• Via the telephone, or even in person, using an airline or a travel agent. This would be a good choice for a person who needs more help, because this transaction would be conducted with the assistance of a live person. -
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Plan your itinerary. To do this, you will need to know the date, time and airport of departure, the city to which you plan to travel, and when you plan to return, as well as how many people will be traveling with you. If you will be flying with children, you will need to know their ages.
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If you are using the Internet, enter your itinerary information into the online form as directed. Usually these applications include drop-down menus or other tools such as calendars and listings of airports in each city. When you are done, click on "Go," "Search," "Enter," or "Submit" as prompted. If you are using the telephone, the operator on the other end will ask you for the pertinent details.
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Typically, once you enter itinerary information--or discuss your needs with a ticketing agent-- you will receive a list of possible flights from which to choose. In addition to the price, pay close attention to the departure and arrival times of these flights (remembering to allow time for airport security as well as any connecting flights). Also note whether they are direct flights or if there are multiple stops, if there will be additional fees and if tickets are refundable. All of the choices may not necessarily be "apples to apples" comparisons; a less expensive fare may come with a less convenient flight time.
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When you have determined the itinerary that best fits your needs, select one preferred flight for each leg of your trip. After you have selected these flights, you should be able to see the total amount with taxes and fees.
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Tips & Warnings
• A travel website, such as Travelocity, Expedia or Orbitz, will display a selection of flights from a variety of airlines, whereas an airline's web site (such as Delta.com) will only display flights available from that company or its partners. This could be important if you are less concerned with who the carrier is and more concerned with obtaining the best price, flight times, etc. You still could compare prices using airline web sites by repeating the process for each airline you would like to consider. • The method in which you will receive your tickets can impact the price slightly. E-tickets can be printed using your own printer. However, if you expect to receive paper tickets in the mail or via expedited delivery, pay attention to additional fees. • You may be able to obtain a better price if you are willing to be flexible. Some web sites will search multiple airports (if a city is served by several) or will search a range of dates.
• If you are using a web site to book your flight, make sure the site asking for personal information is secure. Two indicators are 1) the URL begins with "https" (as opposed to "http") and 2) there is a "lock" icon on the browser status bar. • Before committing to the purchase, be sure to double-check flight details to confirm the correct airports, dates and times. Most online applications will offer a chance to "review" the flight information before accepting payment. Any agent you deal with should be willing to confirm the details with you until you feel comfortable you are getting what you want.
