10 Things to Consider When Booking a Flight

Booking a flight is not an easy task. There are many details that you need to consider, including travel dates, baggage allowances, layovers and vaccination requirements. It doesn't need to be overwhelming, if you just take each step one at a time. Here is a list of 10 things you should consider before booking your flight.

Travel dates and time of flight

Although this tip may seem obvious, it is important enough to be repeated. Double-check your schedule and dates before you book your flight. This is especially important if you are traveling across multiple time zones or on a red-eye flight.

I booked a red-eye flight from Seattle, Massachusetts to Boston at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday rather than Sunday a few years back. Because I was so focused about booking on a specific date, I did not realize that the early morning flight meant that I would be flying 24 hours earlier than I had expected. My trip was cut short by a very cheap flight. I learned my lesson.

Transit and Layover Time

The total transit time should be one of your first considerations when booking a flight. A shorter transit time is more attractive in the case of multiple stops. Less time traveling means more time at the destination.

You should also be aware of transit times that are too long. You may find that a 40-minute layover can work. However, if you are late to the airport or in bad weather, it could be dangerous. A layover lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours is ideal for domestic flights. If you have an international layover or are flying to the U.S.A from another country, allow for at least one hour extra to complete customs and immigration checks, as well as to recheck your luggage if necessary.

Layover Location and Layout

A good layover airport can be a key to a successful day of travel. Consider the season when choosing a layover. Flying through Minneapolis during hurricane season or January is an option.

To understand the layout of the airport, you can then pull up a map. It should be simple to navigate if the hub has one terminal or provides easy access between gates. It will be much more difficult to reach your next gate if the terminals are separated or require a shuttle or train.

Flight Performance

Checking the past performance of a flight is a great way to make a decision between potential flights. This information can be used by airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines to help you choose an aircraft that has a high percentage on-time flight.

Click "Transit Time" to see flight performance data for United. A small box will display the flight's monthly on time, late and canceled stats. Similar to the American booking, click on "Details". In the upper right-hand corner, you will see a percentage of late and on-time flights.

Check-in and departure airports

Many airports are available for you to use when flying into large cities. Do your research about the city and the airports if you are unfamiliar. Which airport is the closest to your business meeting, event, or hotel? What airport is the closest to your area? Find the best option for your travel needs.

This is true for your departure airport. From my Maine home, I can choose between a small airport close to my house or a larger airport that is two hours away by bus. My choice of airport reflects both the cost and type of travel. However, I check all flights to ensure that I get the best deal for my trip.

Economy Type

There are many types of economy classes. There are many things you can learn about your Southwest low fare calendar, from basic economy to main cabin. It's tempting to choose the cheapest flight, but basic economy is not always fun. This was something I discovered the hard way after purchasing a ticket via a third-party booking website. I was thrilled to find an cheap flight. However, I later learned that I didn't have any seat selection and couldn't take a bag.

I would have been able to carry my bag and get a seat in a nicer cabin if I had done my research and paid a bit more. The bottom line is that you should do your research on airline economy types so you can make the right choice.

Airline Reputation

A airline's reputation is important, from its customer service to the in-flight amenities. Do your research before making a booking with a new airline. What are their customer service standards? Are there in-flight entertainment and WiFi? Do snacks and drinks come with you? Are the seats large enough? Although these things may seem insignificant now, trust me after spending five hours on a flight with a rude attendant, cramped seating and no snacks.

Baggage Allowance

It is rare for us to fly without luggage. Understanding an airline's baggage allowance is essential. You should always pack a wheeled bag. Also, check the airline's baggage allowance and whether they have strict policies.