Booking a flight online can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available on airline websites. However, understanding how to navigate these websites can help you find the best deals and ensure a smooth booking experience. Here are some practical tips for booking flights through the best airline websites.
1. Start with Official Airline Websites
Although third-party booking platforms like Expedia or Skyscanner are useful for comparison, starting your search on an airline’s official website is often your best bet. Airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United frequently offer exclusive deals on their sites that aren’t available elsewhere. By booking directly, you might also gain access to better customer support, special promotions, and fewer extra fees.
For example, Southwest Airlines offers lower fares and more flexible policies exclusively through its website, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Use Flexible Date Features
Most airlines, such as JetBlue and Delta, offer flexible date search tools that help you find cheaper flights by adjusting your travel dates. By clicking on the “Flexible Dates” option, you can see a calendar or graph that shows the lowest fares for surrounding dates, giving you the flexibility to book when prices are at their lowest.
For instance, Delta has a “Fare Calendar” feature that highlights the best-priced days in a month, so you can adjust your travel dates to fit your budget.
3. Set Fare Alerts
Signing up for fare alerts is a smart way to track price changes on specific routes. Most airlines, like American Airlines and Air Canada, let you sign up for email alerts when fares drop. This ensures you don’t miss out on any price drops, especially during sales. You can set alerts for specific routes and receive notifications as soon as the prices drop.
This feature is especially useful for long-haul flights or seasonal travel, where prices fluctuate frequently.
4. Look for Special Deals
Many airlines post flash sales or limited-time promotions on their websites. These offers can be found on the airline’s “Deals” or “Special Offers” page. For example, Qatar Airways often has seasonal sales, offering up to 30% off on international flights. Singapore Airlines frequently holds “Global Travel” promotions that can save you hundreds of dollars on premium cabin flights.
It’s also worth following airlines on social media or subscribing to their newsletters to stay updated on exclusive sales.
5. Consider Airline Miles and Loyalty Programs
If you fly frequently, it’s worth joining an airline’s loyalty program, such as United MileagePlus or Delta SkyMiles. These programs reward you with miles for each flight, which can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades. Booking directly through the airline’s website ensures you receive your miles and other benefits like priority boarding or free checked bags.
Many airlines, like British Airways, also offer bonus miles for first-time members, making it a good idea to sign up before booking your flight.
6. Check Baggage Policies and Fees
Airlines have different policies regarding checked baggage, seat selection, and other extra fees. Before booking, review the baggage policies to avoid surprise fees at the airport. For example, Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines may offer lower ticket prices, but they charge extra for checked bags, seat selection, and even carry-ons. In contrast, airlines like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines include free checked bags in their standard fares.
It’s also essential to check the seat selection policies. Some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, allow you to choose your seat for free, while others charge extra for premium seating.
7. Use Mobile Apps for Convenience
Most airlines now have user-friendly mobile apps that make booking and managing your flight easier. Apps like United Airlines’ app and Delta SkyMiles allow you to quickly book flights, check in, and receive notifications about flight changes. These apps can also store your boarding pass, saving you time at the airport.
Some airlines even offer app-only deals or promotions, so downloading the app can give you access to exclusive offers.
8. Be Aware of Booking Fees
Some airlines charge booking fees for certain payment methods or for making changes to your booking. For example, American Airlines may charge a small fee for booking over the phone or using certain types of credit cards. Always read the fine print when booking to understand if there are any hidden fees that may affect the final cost of your ticket.
