Get the best deal when booking an airline ticket

Getting the best deal when booking an airline ticket

Booking flights can get tricky even for the most seasoned flyer. There are a plethora of airlines, several types of flyer programs and various ways to purchase the ticket itself. Moreover, if you have special needs, booking a flight can be a daunting process. All of this, not to mention keeping up with the details on how and where on the web to book the best price can be a real pain. We'll explore a few ways you can book a flight and be confident you got the best deal for your needs.

Most people want the shortest and most direct flight possible. All with the most amenities at the best price. With that in mind, as soon as you get the notion when and where you're going to fly, start looking at the price of tickets.

Getting there is the number one thing you need to do to enjoy your trip. If you're not taking a road trip, flying is often one of the most expensive parts of your vacation. However, there are ways not to spend all of your money on your airline ticket.

Incognito Mode and Duck Duck Go

When booking a flight, it's always good to get on the web to check prices and times for your destination. Before searching the web for any flight, make sure to go incognito mode or use the search engine Duck Duck Go. This way you don't alert the web that you're looking to buy an airline ticket.

If you ask Google, it says incognito mode does not keep prices lower. Google says it's a myth. Looking up airline ticket prices are based on an algorithm and you won't be penalized by paying for higher prices. That may be true, but what incognito mode does is that it will stop the algorithm from sending you endless airline ads until you are actually ready to book. So I recommend incognito mode, at least until you are close to purchasing your ticket.

However, when you are close to purchasing your ticket, a Google search can help you set up price alerts. You can also set price alerts with some credit card companies. It will alert you when the price drops for flights to your designation. That way you're kept apprised of changes in price when you're able to purchase that airline ticket.

Look online, but book directly through the airline

When you are ready to purchase your ticket, do a Google search. When you find the tickets you want, check which airline it is. Instead of purchasing through Google search, go directly to the airline. Explain the price you found and ask if the airline can match it. Usually they will and you'll receive the amenities the airlines offer especially if you become a part of that airline's flyer program.

Let me give you an example of how beneficial it is to buy your ticket directly through the airlines rather than purchasing them randomly online. My 12-year-old nephew was selected to play in a soccer tournament in Poland. His other aunt purchased a plane ticket through Expedia.

This was my nephew's first time traveling anywhere, let alone overseas. His mother was understandably concerned about her baby traveling so far without a family member. I decided to tag along to be an overseas soccer auntie.

I knew I needed to get on the same flight as my nephew and preferably the seat next to him. Since it was a last-minute trip, I also needed the best price. Therefore, I went online armed with the flight details that my nephew had. I found the ticket and price on Expedia, but I didn't purchase the ticket directly online.

I called Delta Airlines and explained my situation. At the end of the call, I had the same flight and I was able to score our seats next to each other. Even better, I paid a little less than the listed Expedia price. My check in luggage was covered and everything on my end was smooth.

On the other hand, my nephew had a bit more bumps with his airline ticket purchase. We found out at the airport his check-in bags weren't covered. That was an extra 75 bucks. What's worse, his mother was not familiar with carry-on sizes and his smaller bag was too large. That bag had to be checked in. That was another 75 bucks. In total I paid $150 each way. That was $300 for both bags! I was not happy.

It didn't stop there. When I booked my airline ticket, my return flight was at a different time than my nephews. His flight had a 20 hour layover in Amsterdam and I didn’t want to take that long to get home. I called Delta directly to switch his flight, but it was booked through Expedia. The ticket could not be changed. I reluctantly attempted to switch my flight to the same as my nephews. Since I booked directly through Delta and I signed up with their frequent flyer program, the airline would have allowed it. Unfortunately the flight was totally booked, so he had to fly home alone with the team.

You can save a significant amount of money by booking online rather than purchasing the ticket through the airline. For my flight to Japan, I searched Japan Airlines, but they wanted $2,000 a ticket for basic economy. Uh, yeah, that was too much for me. I had alerts set on my credit card and through Google to inform me when the price was set to decrease.

Furthermore, I had a date I wanted to have my ticket purchased by. After some extensive searches, I found an Air Canada flight for $916. I signed up for Air Canada's frequent flyer program and booked directly through the site. With travel insurance, my airline ticket cost me $1,079. There was a 6-hour layover, but I saved $1,000 on my flight. More bucks for my trip. Besides, wandering around Vancouver airport was an adventure in itself.

Join the frequent flyer program

Most airlines offer perks when you sign up for their frequent flyer programs. Every time you fly with that airline, you can rack up points towards free flights. I'm off to New Orleans in October. The round trip ticket was free! Well, actually it was $26 because I purchased travel insurance, but it was a great deal.

But you don't have to wait until you have enough miles to get perks. Many airlines offer complimentary baggage and discounts for additional baggage. I always enjoy preferred seating, priority booking and earlier seating at no extra charge. Another great perk is the airline apps let you track your flights with ease. Most airline apps keep you apprised of changes to your flight. All you need to do is click on the app. Your flight and all the information pops up. Make sure to sign up for notifications on your email and/or text.

Double check your details before confirming

Never and I mean never book a flight without double checking the details. Destinations, anxiety and just being in a hurry can put you in a real bind when buying airline tickets online. Stop, drink a glass of water or just take a deep breath before hitting confirm.

I can't tell you how many times I almost booked an excessive layover all because I wasn't paying attention. Be sure of the date, time, layovers, seat selection and baggage allowances before purchasing any airline ticket. The few extra minutes of waiting will save you from trying to correct your mistake after your purchase.

Once I was at the airport expecting to catch a flight to Los Angeles. I was quite surprised when I realized my flight was for the day before. I found myself outside the airport trying to get myself on the flight I originally wanted. There was only one seat left on the flight. The center seat on a full plane. It cost me nearly the amount for a new plane ticket to book that flight. The whole process was uncomfortable, costly and frustrating as hell!

Special needs

If you need special accommodations, call the airline to confirm services that are available to you. if you're in a wheelchair or scooter, ask the right questions:

Can someone escort me to my gate?

How are you going to get me to my seat with narrow airplane isles?

What help will I receive if I need to use the restroom when I'm on the plane?

Will I have to check in my wheelchair/scooter when I get on the plane?

Am I going to be the first to board the plane and the last one to get off?

Can I get an upgrade in seating class?

What other amenities can you offer me?

What requirements do I need to travel with my service dog ( If applicable)?

Travel insurance

I plan to write a special blog about the benefits of travel insurance. I recommend you always purchase travel insurance. It's absolutely worth the added cost. Things happen.

Two days before my trip to Europe, I got severe food poisoning. Thankfully, I didn't have to cancel my vacation. If I had, I would have received a refund on all of my paid trip costs.

It’s more than getting money back on a canceled vacation. It covers a variety of issues you may face when traveling. Travel insurance covers medical costs when you're on vacation. A must if you're traveling overseas!

These techniques get me the best prices and the best amenities when booking airline tickets. Try them the next time you book your flight. I would love to hear how they worked for you. Email me nessa@singlesickbroketraveler.com.

Do you have a funny, crazy or unique travel story? I love to hear about it and I’d be honored to write an article about your travel experiences on my blog. Email me at nessa@singlesickbroketraveler.com.

My nephew, Phelex and me in Amsterdam

one of hundreds of gnomes in Wroclaw, Poland