The 5 checks I make before buying an airline ticket
Before buying a ticket I always do a series of checks, checks aimed at not making mistakes to detach the [...]
Before I buy a ticket I always do a series of checks, checks aimed at not making mistakes to detach the best possible ticket. Here is my routine for long-haul flights.
#1 Looking for the best price
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I admit, this is the most obvious point, however, sometimes we forget how small details can change even significantly the price of the ticket and/or improve the total quality of the trip. Each traveler then has his or her own preferences: there are those who always want to depart from a specific airport, those who prefer to take direct flights. Those who want to fly a specific model of aircraft or avoid a particular airline at all. Those who prefer to travel during the day, those who prefer to travel at night, and so on. Not forgetting, of course, the need to fly with an alliance to take advantage of benefits and accumulate points to renew status.
Google Flights is the ideal partner for this research. Not only because it allows you to set multiple airports from which you are willing to depart, but also to enter multiple destinations. With this tool, you can see in detail the various assumptions: how many stopovers, the duration of flights, the type of aircraft used for individual routes, any restrictions, and most importantly, where that ticket can be purchased.
For me, the lowest price does not always win. I personally try to avoid cabins I don't like by aiming for more modern and comfortable planes. I don't mind additionally making stopovers, but it all depends on where the connection will be taken. If I fly intercontinental, I try to take-if possible-an overnight flight so that I arrive rested at my destination trying to sleep almost the entire time.
Last but not least, the amount of miles/points I will earn With that particular ticket.
# 2 Air control and configuration
It doesn't matter if I'm flying with a known airline or one I've never flown on before. Once I locate the ticket I'm interested in, I check the route history (you can do this for example with Flightradar24), that way I can see if the same model of aircraft is always used. Also, by going to SeatGuru, I check the cabin configuration and the best seats to choose. Because traveling business class and finding out, for example, that you do not have direct aisle access, or traveling economy and not having chosen a seat with more legroom, is a mistake to avoid. The quality of In Flight Entertainment should also be taken into consideration, That is, the screen, content and optionals available on the flight.
This sometimes leads to a change of date, choosing a different airline, or, in the case of a connecting flight, an alternate stopover or a longer stop at the airport. Compromises to which I am willing to compromise in order to fly more conveniently.
# 3 I check the availability of places.
Having done these checks, I normally go to the company's website and I simulate the purchase to see if there are seats available on my flight dates That fall within my preferences.
For example, on a long-haul flight, not having a window-side seat prompts me to change plans. If I travel with my family, I prefer a cabin combination that allows us all to sit close together and not apart.
This pre-check is necessary, because depending on the portal you will use to buy your tickets, your choice of seats may not be available prior to purchase-in fact, in some cases, it is only possible later, directly on the company's website, once you have received the PNR of your reservation.
# 4 I count the miles/points.
It is not necessary to enter your frequent flyer code right away, and you can always change it before takeoff anyway. In any case, before booking, I check on where to credit or directly on the company's website (if they offer this service) how many points/miles I will earn on the flight I am about to purchase.
For example, if I travel oneWorld, I go on BA's website: thanks to their calculator is it possible to know how many Tier points I will earn and the number of Avios. However, I always also pop into WTC to see if for some reason, the flight I am about to purchase allows for more generous accumulations with other airlines.
I try not to leave anything on the street because points are a currency that can enable anyone to peel off a prize ticket from a thousand and one nights.
# 5 I choose where to buy the ticket and how to pay
The discriminating factor here is the price difference between the various OTAs and the airline.
My first choice is always the Amex Travel site, the reason is simple: I earn bonus MR points and I am sure I can pay with my American Express. Also, if I fly business, the airline could participate in the International Airline Program also from Amex and this allows for important discounts on tickets.
A final benefit is that so Amex will be the travel agency that issued my ticket, and if there are any problems, cancellations, or anything else on my ticket, they will be the ones to resolve issues, request refunds, make changes.
The second choice is the company's website, or at any rate from a partner airline. This is because I could buy a ticket on Iberia's site to fly British Airways or American Airlines.
The pandemic has taught us that if the ticket is bought directly from the carrier it will be easier, compared to having to interact with some OTAs that often do not even have staff that speak Italian or a phone number to contact.
However, if the price is enormously different, then I point to the OTA on duty. In any case, my means of payment will always be a credit card that can provide me with extra benefits, e.g. travel insurance for any eventuality that may occur during my trip.
In conclusion
These 5 points are not necessarily right for everyone. There are those who take one long-haul flight a year and have no interest in racking up the miles. There are those who fly with children and, besides wanting to spend less, just want the comfort of the seats and the ability to be seated close together. If you are traveling as a couple, perhaps in business, choosing the best seat or honeymoon seats might be nicer than flying separate and apart.
In the end, then, it is a matter of investing an extra ten minutes or so to ensure a better experience.
And do you have a routine? Tell us about it in the comments
