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Google flights is the best starting point. But during and post-covid, it's really recommended book directly with an airline. A travel agency will likely take ha
by johnwalkr 3y ago
Google flights is the best starting point. But during and post-covid, it's really recommended book directly with an airline. A travel agency will likely take half a day to rebook you after a cancellation, but an airline will put you on the next flight. Definitely don't book 2 separate tickets with 2 airlines to save money, because it's still pretty likely one flight will be cancelled/delayed and you will get stuck.
Check driving/transit to nearby airports instead of flying from your city. In North America this may give you a few more options and rarely worth it. In Europe this unlocks many deals.
Check multi-city options. Made-up example: Compare [Paris-New York-LA-New-York-Paris] to [Paris-New York-Paris (plus a separate booking of New York-LA-New York] to [Paris-New York-Paris].
Forget about maximizing points for your personal bookings. In my experience in the last few years, they are almost useless for individuals compared to taking the best option/airline on case-by-case basis. They only make sense for business travelers that can take expensive flights for business and then leverage the points for personal travel.
If you just want to travel when you see an opportunity, "Scott's cheap flights" or a regional alternative is worth looking into.
- dzhiurgis 3y agoIDK how Google flight is a serious option when any complex query (2 layovers on obscure route) always ends up with "oops the price you've seen before isn't available anymore" or you need to "Call agent" to get realistic price.
- switch007 3y agoI've noticed the "oops the price changed" a lot recently, but prior it was rock solid for years for me (mostly European airlines/flights)
- dzhiurgis 3y agoThe other gem is squeezing an economy class leg into otherwise business class search. And it's not the inevitable 2 hour connection. It's the entire 12 hour flight that they think you'll not notice before booking.
- alister 3y ago> Forget about maximizing points for your personal bookings. I agree that trying to maximize points to gain free travel is often not worth it for non-business travelers, but sticking as much as possible with one airline to gain a higher frequent flyer status can make your travel a lot more comfortable. Higher status allows you check in bags for free, airport lounge access for free, picking your seats for free, but most importantly you can bypass the ridiculously long lines for check in and sometimes get priority security screening as well.