Travel advisers were contacted by HuffPost to gather information on the mistakes people commonly make when booking flights for vacations and why they should avoid these errors. They advise comparing airlines for pricing, schedules, layovers, and service quality. Additional research is crucial, especially when considering unfamiliar airlines in other countries. Major carriers are recommended for a smoother travel experience, as they are better equipped to handle unexpected delays. It is smart to compare pros and cons before making a decision. Nonstop flights are preferred over connecting flights, even if they are more expensive. When connecting flights are necessary, it is best to keep them with one airline. It is wise to avoid tight connections as delays are common, and buffer time can make the travel experience more relaxing. Linking reservations with loved ones is essential to avoid being split during the rebooking process in case of a canceled or delayed flight. Selecting seats next to each other in advance is also recommended. He said that as a travel expert, he never passes up the chance to make advanced seat reservations, especially when traveling with someone.
Weilert mentioned that he never selects seats without first consulting a resource like SeatGuru. He emphasized the importance of having an additional level of protection against non-reclining seats, reduced under-seat space, and unwanted smells from the lavatories.
Consider your individual needs for the flight to ensure you choose the right seat, especially if you have a connecting flight in less than a couple of hours.
According to Michael DeLucca, a travel agent and founder of Otsy, booking an exit row seat for extra legroom on an overnight flight may not be a good idea. Many exit row seats do not recline, making it difficult to sleep and potentially leaving you more uncomfortable than a standard seat.
DeLucca advised against repeatedly searching for flights while logged into your browser. He recommended using a virtual private network (VPN) or incognito browsing mode to prevent airlines from tracking your search behavior and potentially increasing prices based on that activity.
Brianna Glenn, CEO of Milk + Honey Travels, warned against booking the cheapest fare class without checking the restrictions. She highlighted the significant restrictions that often come with basic economy fares, such as no carry-on luggage, no seat selection, and limited flexibility to change plans.
Glenn mentioned that flight arrival times can greatly affect your experience in a new destination. She recommended avoiding flights that arrive late at night or very early, depending on your jet lag tendencies and the importance of the first day.
Angela Marini, a travel adviser at Fora, suggested searching for nearby airports to access better flight deals, more flexible travel options, and sometimes shorter travel times.
Marini advised against using online third party bookers like Expedia, emphasizing the lack of flexibility and customer service support if issues arise with your flight. Panchal suggested that the most efficient way to book airfare is by going directly to the airline’s website or utilizing a professional travel agency air desk with a specialized team offering air support. Support free journalism by considering contributing to HuffPost starting at $2 to support their mission of providing quality journalism. If you can’t afford to contribute, you can still support HuffPost by creating a free account and logging in while you read.