How do you approach booking a flight? (1 Viewer)

[Navin Johnson]

• Schedule : Dates usually don't have much leeway. Times I want to book as early in the day as possible so we can increase the likelihood of correcting any missed connections.
• Non-stop: Usually flying SFO-MUC or SJC-Hawaii. Connections suck with long flights on either end however we have connected thru Frankfurt on the way over here a few times only to have the flight cancelled and have LH rebook us on the non-stop. No such luck last week however.
• Price: put the dates into google flights and monitor prices.

 

[Desert_Power]

Fly out of Charlotte so firmly in American's grasp. Pretty much all my miles are with them along with a credit card to monopolize miles as much as I can. My priorities are:
American
Direct
Price

Similar here. Don't collect hundreds of thousands of American miles, but try to keep enough to cover at least a direct domestic flight or two. Recently discovered AADining which gives a nice boost for places I already frequent.

Olive Garden???? Fridays????

Somehow the only two restaurants I have within a block of my house are on it. There are also other dining programs for airlines or something like Upromise, but the card can only be linked to one at a time.

 

[[icon]]

I've not NEEDED to check a bag in ages, though I'll occasionally use a free bag check with Delta (Amex) or Southwest. Have ~2 weeks in Iceland coming up and I'll be using the Cotopaxi and the Swiss Roller. Have 5 days in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage next week and will likely just make do with the Cotopaxi.

Don't you travel with a firearm?

Depends on where I'm going.

Iceland? No

Costa Rica? Nicaragua? No.

Visiting family in Florida? Going shooting/training somewhere? Absolutely.

Was speaking in context of clothing here.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I've not NEEDED to check a bag in ages, though I'll occasionally use a free bag check with Delta (Amex) or Southwest. Have ~2 weeks in Iceland coming up and I'll be using the Cotopaxi and the Swiss Roller. Have 5 days in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage next week and will likely just make do with the Cotopaxi.

Don't you travel with a firearm?

Depends on where I'm going.

Iceland? No

Costa Rica? Nicaragua? No.

Visiting family in Florida? Going shooting/training somewhere? Absolutely.

Was speaking in context of clothing here.

Pretty sure Nicaragua has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Looks like you’re prioritizing recreational use. That’s fine, of course, but I always thought you were big on firearms for personal protection.

Ever run into trouble transporting a gun or its accessories? I realize that stuff would only be in checked baggage, but over the years I’ve been impressed how arbitrary TSA rules are, with things like camp stoves verboten on planes.

 

[Terminalxylem]

As for the OP, I book flights based primarily on price. But coming from HI, minimizing stops is also worth spending extra, maybe up to a couple hundred dollars for nonstop versus a multi hour layover. When it’s all said and done, this can make a big difference in mandatory 5+ hour travel time.

And most flights are red eyes. Unfortunately, I can’t rest on planes, and unwilling to spend big bucks for upgrades. In all likelihood, I’d need fully reclinable seats to have any chance as a stomach sleeper.

 

[stbugs]

I doubt this works now but 20 years ago when I traveled all the time I would call them directly. Every time I called I would get a completely different price so I would just keep calling over and over until I got a good price.

The modern version of this works in the airlines’ favor. If you check a price online but don’t book right away, when you go back to book a few days later the website checks your cookies and raises the price. Always browse on a different computer than what you book on.

This is a myth from what I have read.

I just booked flights for our spring break in the Caribbean and the costs never changed like that. In fact, when I finally booked, it was the cheapest it has been since I was looking over a couple months. I gave out my flight booking info to our friends (5 or so families going) and they couldn’t find my flights in the morning. They got switched around so it looked like the mostly empty flight I booked was merged with an earlier flight. Ended up with better flight times for cheap. If you tried to book the flights we got moved to the next day, it was 75% more. I got really lucky, paid way less and do not have to go on the 7am flight out. If we got up at 3am, the first day at the resort would be screwed up.

I will give out one big hint about the two economy fares. I booked the basic economy but used the AA credit card I have. For $27 apiece, I got our seats assigned during booking, which probably helped when merged because they didn’t change. I booked all 4 seats in the back section as that doesn’t fill up as fast. The AA credit card also gives us one checked bag apiece and priority boarding. Instead of upgrading to premium economy at $80 per ticket, I got the same benefits for $27 with the credit card.

 

[ekbeats]

I fly once a month on average. I’m at the point where I’m going to start buying 1st class. On my last flight a guy across the aisle pulled out the most foul smelling sandwich. I literally gagged once. Last year I flew near a lady and a baby. The baby took a dump halfway through the flight and the lady just changed him right there. Then there’s getting stuck next to an obese person. No armrest for 3 hours actually starts to hurt.

Some tips:
- Stay far away from the Philadelphia airport. Totally mismanaged and the people who work there are miserable.
- DON’T EVER RENT A CAR AT THE ATLANTA AIRPORT. The one time I did this, I waited in line for 4 hours. I had already done the pre-paid, easy pickup thingy too. 4 hours - standing in line.

 

[kutta]

Always opt for direct, if available. Only exception if I’m going across the entire country.
Always opt for checked bags instead of carry on. I don’t like fighting people for overhead space and I like the extra room for packing in a checked bag (cheaper too).
Rarely ever spend for a larger seat or early seating. Just not worth it, imo.
Always look for the cheapest flight from the closest airport, such as Spirit. I also check out Kayak for prices.

I disagree with almost all of this.
I fly 200k miles a year, and I almost never check a bag. You add time to the beginning and end of your flight, but more importantly, if your bags are out of your sight they have a chance of getting lost. I have no idea why people check bags they could carry on.
More leg room and early boarding are huge for me. You ensure bag space if you board early. And the extra room makes the flight much more comfy.
Admittedly, I’m a travel snob and almost always get upgraded due to my status. I think it’s important to fly the same airline all the time because more status means better seats and better chance of upgrades.

 

[[icon]]

I've not NEEDED to check a bag in ages, though I'll occasionally use a free bag check with Delta (Amex) or Southwest. Have ~2 weeks in Iceland coming up and I'll be using the Cotopaxi and the Swiss Roller. Have 5 days in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage next week and will likely just make do with the Cotopaxi.

Don't you travel with a firearm?

Depends on where I'm going.

Iceland? No

Costa Rica? Nicaragua? No.

Visiting family in Florida? Going shooting/training somewhere? Absolutely.

Was speaking in context of clothing here.

Pretty sure Nicaragua has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Looks like you’re prioritizing recreational use. That’s fine, of course, but I always thought you were big on firearms for personal protection.

Ever run into trouble transporting a gun or its accessories? I realize that stuff would only be in checked baggage, but over the years I’ve been impressed how arbitrary TSA rules are, with things like camp stoves verboten on planes.

As stated previously, I generally follow the local laws on firearms but domestically I do generally ignore MOST no carry postings.

That said, I'm not getting a weapon into Nicaragua.... but you knew that. I did carry a knife and generally felt safer than in many areas of Memphis.

Never had an issue with flying with guns, they sometimes ask me to open the case, which usually leads to me talking guns with the TSA agent. Most of them are gun guys and like what I fly with, Honestly it's more reliable than regular checked baggage because they hold it for you at destination.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I've not NEEDED to check a bag in ages, though I'll occasionally use a free bag check with Delta (Amex) or Southwest. Have ~2 weeks in Iceland coming up and I'll be using the Cotopaxi and the Swiss Roller. Have 5 days in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage next week and will likely just make do with the Cotopaxi.

Don't you travel with a firearm?

Depends on where I'm going.

Iceland? No

Costa Rica? Nicaragua? No.

Visiting family in Florida? Going shooting/training somewhere? Absolutely.

Was speaking in context of clothing here.

Pretty sure Nicaragua has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Looks like you’re prioritizing recreational use. That’s fine, of course, but I always thought you were big on firearms for personal protection.

Ever run into trouble transporting a gun or its accessories? I realize that stuff would only be in checked baggage, but over the years I’ve been impressed how arbitrary TSA rules are, with things like camp stoves verboten on planes.

As stated previously, I generally follow the local laws on firearms but domestically I do generally ignore MOST no carry postings.

That said, I'm not getting a weapon into Nicaragua.... but you knew that. I did carry a knife and generally felt safer than in many areas of Memphis.

Never had an issue with flying with guns, they sometimes ask me to open the case, which usually leads to me talking guns with the TSA agent. Most of them are gun guys and like what I fly with, Honestly it's more reliable than regular checked baggage because they hold it for you at destination.

I have no idea what transpires traveling with a weapon, domestically or internationally. Are you saying you bring the gun through the TSA checkpoint? Or check it separately from other luggage?

 

[[icon]]

I've not NEEDED to check a bag in ages, though I'll occasionally use a free bag check with Delta (Amex) or Southwest. Have ~2 weeks in Iceland coming up and I'll be using the Cotopaxi and the Swiss Roller. Have 5 days in Biloxi at the Beau Rivage next week and will likely just make do with the Cotopaxi.

Don't you travel with a firearm?

Depends on where I'm going.

Iceland? No

Costa Rica? Nicaragua? No.

Visiting family in Florida? Going shooting/training somewhere? Absolutely.

Was speaking in context of clothing here.

Pretty sure Nicaragua has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Looks like you’re prioritizing recreational use. That’s fine, of course, but I always thought you were big on firearms for personal protection.

Ever run into trouble transporting a gun or its accessories? I realize that stuff would only be in checked baggage, but over the years I’ve been impressed how arbitrary TSA rules are, with things like camp stoves verboten on planes.

As stated previously, I generally follow the local laws on firearms but domestically I do generally ignore MOST no carry postings.

That said, I'm not getting a weapon into Nicaragua.... but you knew that. I did carry a knife and generally felt safer than in many areas of Memphis.

Never had an issue with flying with guns, they sometimes ask me to open the case, which usually leads to me talking guns with the TSA agent. Most of them are gun guys and like what I fly with, Honestly it's more reliable than regular checked baggage because they hold it for you at destination.

I have no idea what transpires traveling with a weapon, domestically or internationally. Are you saying you bring the gun through the TSA checkpoint? Or check it separately from other luggage?

Gotcha!

You check it at the counter with any other luggage. They'll have you fill out a small postcard with basic info, then open the case (must be proper hard side case that locks with a NON TSA lock).

They inspect the case, the firearm (can't be loaded) and confirm all ammo is in magazines or proper boxes. Then you lock the case (again, they don't have a key), and they send it over to TSA.

I generally go over to TSA inspection room And wait for them to scan it (takes 2-3 mins) . I find about 50% of the time they want to inspect it, so I'll open the case. A couple times the guy admitted he only asked because I was standing there and he was intrigued by my setup and wanted to see it.

They'll give you a thumbs up then you go through security screening as normal.

When you arrive at your destination, they'll hold your case at the baggage office and you'll need to show ID to grab it. Takes 30 seconds. Then you're good to go!

Locks keep it secure while in the airline's possession. I know folks who fly with a pistol in a small case in luggage with key valuables/photography gear/etc as it makes the airlines handle their bag with kid gloves and keep meticulous track of it.

 

[beer 30]

Never had an issue with flying with guns, they sometimes ask me to open the case, which usually leads to me talking guns with the TSA agent. Most of them are gun guys and like what I fly with, Honestly it's more reliable than regular checked baggage because they hold it for you at destination.

Funny story, so when my brother in California passed, he had a decent collection and my other brother from OH wanted to take a few home with him. We did the research and got what we needed so he goes to the counter to check everything in and as they are going through the cases the lady at the counter asks, "are these unloaded?" Bro proceeds to pick up a revolver and flips the wheel open to show her. She, along with everyone else behind the counter, gasps and tells him to put it down please before security comes over. He didn't realize it was just a yes or no question.

Tip: don't touch your weapons at the airport unless specifically asked to.

 

[Random]

Just booked our family of 4 to Japan (HND) for this summer. Had a pretty wide open window in the month of July, so I checked AA and United and found 4 RT tickets for < $100 each. And 280K miles. We're not picky about layovers or times, we always fly on points and just look for saver seats that fit our schedule.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Local airport only has American Airlines. So, I really don't get many choices. I am pretty much always looking to book based on schedule though. I want to have the total trip time be low and avoid ridiculously early departures if possible. I do recommend sticking to one carrier if you fly enough. Flying is easier with frequent flyer perks.

 

[urbanhack]

1. Fewest number of stops.
2. Price, then schedule
3. Southwest (for now)
3. https://www.google.com/travel/flights
5. Compare all of the above.
6. I don't care what kind of seat. I've never flown first class/business class ever. Paying 3x-4x the price has never seemed worth it.

This is my method as well and i always book directly through the carrier website. Not expedia or other aggregation sites so i get the points.

 

[Zigg]

I’m close to booking a trip to Istanbul and Cairo. Always wanted to go there and really looking forward to it. Flying out of Vancouver.

Booking through Air Canada, and the flight is operated by Lufthansa. Vancouver - Frankfurt - Istanbul / Cairo - Frankfurt - Vancouver. I will use points to fly from Istanbul to Cairo.

Premium economy is $2554(CAD), basic economy is $1540. The differences:

Important

Better seat. Sadly, only the Van-Fra Fra-Van portions are premium, but that is the majority of the flights. I find the extra room is a huge difference, especially on a long flight.

Extra Miles. I will get an additional 10k points flying PE. That is a good chunk towards a future business class flight I dream of.

Extra miles toward status. Air Canada 25K status has one huge perk, e upgrades. Can turn economy/PE flights into business.

Less important

Priority boarding - Not a big deal, but ok I guess.
Premium food - I’m sceptical, but we’ll see.
Possible upgrades - Never know. I hope I have priority to get bumped to business on shorter flights.

Irrelevant - Extra bag.

For me, the extra $1k is worth it for the better seat, and investment in better future flights.

 

[Zigg]

Just returned from my trip to Toronto. Upgraded first leg to PE so both legs were premium. Cost $100 to upgrade first leg. The extra space is worth every penny. I will try to book every international flight in PE from now on. A much, much better experience and easily worth the cost in my opinion.

Was surprised how few elected to upgrade. First flight had 20/28 seats available, while second had about ten available, but four crew were upgraded.

The first flight was an extra $250 to upgrade to business(full lie down seat), and the second was $209. I regret not upgrading the second flight because I doubt I’ll fly Westjet again. At the end, figured PE was good enough, and it is for me.

Edit: boarding, de boarding, and luggage retrieval were all vastly superior with PE. First on, was off within one minute of door opening. Bag was first five on carousel. Great experience, both directions.

Highly recommend PE if it makes sense family wise. Obviously tougher for a big family.

 

[nirad3]

I really only travel via airplane for work. Pleasure trips are almost always driving distance.

So for me, I have to look at price (we have rules). Once I know I can get somewhere reasonably, I look at the schedule. I would prefer to wake up super-early (like I am tomorrow... 4am) so I can get to my destination as early as possible (like tomorrow, 4:45pm local time in Knoxville). I like being able to unwind in my hotel room for a bit then get dinner and a good night's sleep.

I always pay (well, company does) for upgraded seats. Not first or business class mind you, but I prefer a little extra leg room and as long as the boss' boss keeps OKing my expense report with those charges on them, I'll continue to spend the extra $25-50 or whatever.

And since I'm going by company's rules, I book directly through the airline. Don't want any issues with Orbitz or whatever if I need to make a change. Same for car/hotel, too.