If you are going to travel by plane, booking a plane ticket is the most important thing to perfect your plans. However, the constant price changes from airlines, various payment options, and booking tickets can be a little confusing. The following methods will help you book the best best ticket for your upcoming trip.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Book a Flight on the Internet
Step 1. Summarize your tentative itinerary
Think about where you want to go, the dates you want to leave, and whether you want to just book a plane ticket or a package trip.
Make a to-do list and stick to it when you order
Step 2. Consider staying flexible with your plans
The more flexible you are with everything from your choice of departure, arrival, airline, airport, to travel dates and travel packages, the easier it will be to find the best flight deals.
- In general, Wednesday is the cheapest day to travel.
- You can find very good deals on flight schedules that are coming soon, especially if buying a travel package that includes a hotel or rental car.
- Flying to alternative airports is also often cheaper and offers better connecting times to other flights than flying to major connecting airports. For example if you want to go to Jakarta, consider flying to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport instead of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Halim Perdanakusuma Airport is located in the East Jakarta area at a location closer to the city of Jakarta than Soekarno-Hatta Airport which is actually located in the neighboring city, Tangerang.
Step 3. Compare ticket prices
The cost of a plane ticket varies widely and depends on many factors, which include the day of booking, how long it takes you to book in advance, and even the website from which you booked. By comparing prices from several websites, you will have a great opportunity to get the best deals.
- Book tickets approximately six weeks before departure if possible. This will generally give you the best choice of flight schedules and prices.
- Tuesday around 3pm is usually the cheapest time to book your plane tickets.
- Travel websites compile information on the best flight prices and times available. These websites include "Kayak", "Expedia", "CheapTickets", and "Priceline". Travel websites will automatically show price comparisons and factor in various travel options.
- Comparing prices on travel websites is also a good option, as their individual offerings can vary widely.
- Airline websites are also a great place to book airline tickets. Finding cheaper fares and better flight schedules on airline websites is common.
- For a wider range of options, you might consider taking a one-way trip with a different airline for each part of the trip.
Step 4. Keep a list of prices and airfare offers
When you compare offers, keep a list of all relevant things including departure and arrival airport locations along with their schedules, prices and cancellation policies. This will help make it easier for you to decide which ticket is the right one to buy.
- Pay attention to whether the ticket price includes some important things such as taxes and baggage fees.
- Read the flight cancellation policy and reschedule fees. Without knowing this in advance, you will be wasting a lot of money and time if you need to delay or change flights.
Step 5. Purchase your ticket
Once you've decided on the right flight for your upcoming trip, it's time to buy your ticket.
- Follow the guidelines on the website. Each website will ask you to fill in all the information such as passenger name, number of trips, passenger club member number, seat and meal options, credit card information to book, etc.
- You can usually pay the baggage fees and choose your seat during the booking session. Doing this at the time of booking is a good idea, to reduce your check-in time at the airport.
- If you are traveling internationally, you will need a passport to confirm your booking.
- Decide if you want to pay extra costs such as an upgrade on a seat or travel insurance.
- Many travel websites and airlines will provide special offers in addition, such as rental cars or hotel rooms.
Step 6. Print the proof of booking confirmation and other related documents
Be sure to bring this document to the airport on the day of the flight to avoid any questions or other issues related to your booking.
Apply the “24 hour principle”. Within 24 hours of booking a ticket, please check the price again for the last time. If the ticket price on your flight drops, contact the airline and rebook the flight at the lowest price without any charge
Method 2 of 2: Book through Airline or Travel Agent
Step 1. Summarize your tentative itinerary
As with online bookings, think about where you plan to travel and what dates you want to choose your flight from and whether you want to book a travel package.
Make a to-do list and bring it with you when you talk to a travel agent or airline
Step 2. Contact a travel agent or airline representative
You can contact a conventional travel agent or airline representative to help you find the best flight.
- Provide the agent with information about your tentative itinerary. Also tell them other pertinent information, including seat preferences and also whether airlines and itineraries may change from your original preference.
- As with online ordering, consider being flexible on your plans to get the best times and prices.
- A good travel agent will warn about all the factors in booking flights such as alternative airports and smaller airlines. The agent will let you decide the best option for yourself.
Step 3. Compare prices from other agents
Call a few travel agents and ask them for ticket prices. By comparing it with other agents' offers, you will get the best ticket prices.
If you find an agent you like but doesn't have the best offer, tell them you got a lower price, then see if they will adjust or offer a better price
Step 4. Purchase your ticket
Once you've decided on the right flight for your upcoming trip, it's time to buy a ticket.
- Contact the travel agent and tell them which flight you want to book tickets for. Answer any questions they ask about things like your seating or food preferences.
- Ask about the ordering process. Look for information on additional fees such as taxes, baggage fees, and seat upgrade fees. Also inquire about cancellation and refund policies.
Step 5. Get a copy of the order confirmation and other related documents
Be sure to bring this document to the airport on the day of your flight to avoid any questions or other issues related to your booking.
