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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
