Booking international flights may seem a daunting task if you don't know much about how to reach your destination or deal with the rules of air travel. By following a few simple tips, you will know what questions to ask your travel agent or find answers to online before reserving your ticket to adventure.
Although online booking has become quite common, you may want to consider a travel agent if you have never booked international travel before. An agent can offer you the most up-to-date information on the best airlines, common routes, and travel restrictions. As the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality asserts, "Customers buy insight" (see Reference 1).
Consider traveling in mid-winter (January, February, March) or late fall (October, November), which are the traditional off-seasons. Booking flights during these slow travel periods can result in significantly lower fares and fewer hassles at airports. An added bonus of off-season travel, according to SmarterTravel.com, is that you are likely to find yourself meeting more locals and experiencing more local culture (see Reference 2).
Search for tickets early so you'll have plenty of time to shop around. Compare prices at various travel websites and, if available, sign up for automatic fare alerts to notify you if the price of your itinerary changes. By tracking these price shifts over time, you will begin to get a feel for what the "average" price for a flight is. Wait for the fare to drop below the average, then book immediately. Be prepared to book a few days earlier or later than your ideal dates, as this could also affect your airfare.
According to CNN.com, online travel booking has been declining because of problems over the "fine print" in online policies (see Reference 3). Some websites offer direct support for flights you book through them, while others require that you contact airlines directly to deal with problems or to change or cancel reservations. While this has sent some customers back to travel agents, online websites remain a convenient and cost-effective way to book international flights.
Choose your seat, select meal preferences, and make arrangements to deal with special needs, such as pets, extra baggage, or a wheelchair. Call the airline directly to take care of these arrangements, even if you book through a travel agent. Most situations can be dealt with at the airport, but you will have more options and few surprises if every aspect of your flight has been arranged before you get to the airport.
