How to Book Tickets Online
Since the inception and growth of the Internet, it has become more commonplace to book tickets online as opposed to calling in the order to an airline, train or bus station, travel agent, or other third-party booker. When you book online you also enjoy savings in some situations---many transportation companies offer what are called "e-fares" that are less expensive since you are ordering online and not using additional resources like customer service representatives and paper.
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Instructions
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For travel by air, visit one of the major airline travel booking sites to book airline tickets online. Popular sites include Priceline.com, Orbitz.com, Hotwire.com, Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, though there are of course others. If you want to book directly with an airline, the top airline sites are aa.com, jetblueairways.com, united.com, delta.com, continental.com, iflyswa.com, and USair.com. Enter your destination along with the trip departure and return date to find a listing of flights (coach, first class or business class). When you find a time and fare that fits your needs, select the flight and purchase it online with your credit card .
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If you want to travel by bus, go to Greyhound.com or PeterPanBus.com to book bus tickets online for trips in the United States and Canada. Explore the e-fares, online specials and advance ticket deals available. You will be given a long list of departure times for the date you choose---select a time and purchase the ticket with your credit card. Download the e-ticket from your email account and print it to be presented at the gate where you will depart. (They will ask for your e-ticket.) The bus driver or clerk assisting him will scan the bar code on your ticket.
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Rail tickets can be found and purchased at Amtrak.com for local or cross-country train trips. Enter your city of departure and destination, indicate whether you are traveling one way or round-trip and the desired travel date(s) to make fare and schedule choices. Decide if you want to travel in a seat or book a cabin for a long trip. Check the "Hot Deals" section of the website for special fares for travel in certain regions, like the Northeast and Midwest. You can also schedule a multicity trip with more than one stop using the Amtrak site.
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If you are looking for cruise options, go to Expedia.com, Carnival.com, Priceline.com or CruiseCheap.com to book cruise tickets online. Decide where you want to sail to and then choose your closest departure city. You will be shown available months for cruise travel and the duration of the available trips before booking with a credit card. Most rates are based on double occupancy. You may also need to book an adjoining flight for travel to the cruise's departure point or from its return port after the trip.
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Tips & Warnings
On some Greyhound trips you can also reserve a specific seat on the bus for an additional fee. Book your online tickets at least four weeks in advance for the best rates.
