When choosing a flight, there are a number of important things one should keep in mind to maximize the flying experience. It is important first to consider what you want most from your flight- do you want to get from A-B in the cheapest way possible? Or, would you prefer to splash out a little more and have your flight serve as the beginning to a great vacation (as opposed to a stumbling block on the way)? Are you flying alone, with a friend, or with the whole family (grandma and the kids included)?
Some quick tips for getting what you want out of a flight:
* Invest the time to research the airlines flying to your destination. Most all major airlines will have a website explaining their fleet of aircraft, seat width and leg room, on-board amenities, dietary accomodations, etc. If you are unfamiliar with a carrier, you can also look it up quickly and painlessly on the Better Business Bureau’s website, which will list customer complaints (if any) brought against the airline. This simple background knowledge will go a long way to making your trip more pleasant.
* Money is tight these days, so it is wise to research and take advantage of any discounts an airline may offer. Traveller’s under 26 should check out STA or studentuniverse.com, which offer both domestic and international flights at deep discounts. Many airlines offer discounts for military personel as well as senior citizens over 65, but may not be forthright about the existence of these discounts. Make sure you ask.
* If you will be travelling with a large group (perhaps to a family reunion or wedding), ask around with various airlines and travel agents about booking tickets with a group discount. This could amount to substantial savings all around.
* Read the fine print! When booking with low cost carriers, the initial flight may be inexpensive, but tight baggage restrictions may be in place, and excess baggage fees are high. Be sure to check baggage restrictions for bringing sports equipment and wheelchairs aboard so that you understand all of the associated fees. At times, more expensive tickets with one airline actually offer the better bargain if you are bringing heavy or unusually shaped baggage aboard.
* If you are planning to travel to Europe, especially if you are flying from the east coast, consider booking your flight in two legs- A NY City to London flight, followed by a flight on one of Europe’s low-cost airlines to your final destination. Carriers like Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) fly to a wide variety of European destinations out of London, at a fraction of the cost of booking a multi-leg flight on a US carrier.
Check back soon for more travel tips!
~Sauletekis
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