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International Air Travel
Much of the confusion about airfares comes from the fact that there are completely different
systems of airfares for domestic flights within any given country and for international flights.
The united states is the world's largest air travel market, and people from the USA travel within
the country much more than they travel abroad. As a result, many people from the united states are
unfamiliar with the inner workings of the air travel industry make the mistake of applying their
experience or knowledge of domestic airfares to international airfares, where they don't necessarily
apply at all.
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How to get the Best Rates on International Air Travel
- Reserving in Advance
Make your reservations as soon as you have decided on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for
early bookings at least 1-2 months in advance and 3-4 months in case of peak season.
Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights
at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, if a
particular flight is not selling as well as expected, air carriers sometimes make more discount
seats available for a particular flight.
- It pays to shop around!
Although air fares seem to be - by some amazing coincidence - identical
amongst all the major carriers within the US, you'll find that some of the less well known airlines
offer much lower fares than the 'major' name brand airlines do on international routes.
Alternatively, even major name brand carriers will discount on routes where their itinerary
requires a connection and they're competing against other major carriers who offer nonstop service.
- Flexibility
Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited
to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Friday night through
Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night departures). This applies to
each of your flights, not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote,
ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later, or by
taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is, and
what you need to do to qualify for it.
- Check on Alternate Airports and Routings
In a large cities, the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example, if you are going to
New york City and plan to rent a car, it might not make much difference if you fly to Newark except for
ticket price. Also, a connection or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always
check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.
- Know All the Restrictions
Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing
a round trip ticket, buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure, purchasing the
ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation, staying over a Saturday night, traveling during
a certain time of the year, staying no more than 30 days, and, as discussed below, refund/change
restrictions.
- Holidays
Discount seats are usually "blacked out" during holiday periods. However, you might be able to get
a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself.(e.g., New Year's day)
- Off Season
The best rates tend to be found during the off season and at other times when the Airlines are
flying at less than capacity. Always watch for the Airline Ticket Sale
- Stopover Trip
Check into splitting your trip into two round trip sections. A stopover at a midpoint could save
you over flying a direct route. Although, make sure the saving are large enough to warrant the
extra hassles of the stopover.
- Discount Programs
Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible. Example Frequent Flyer Miles...
Take some time to look for the best rate, a little research can bring big savings. Airline ticket
prices vary wildly and you want to be the one that paid $550 round trip, not the guy in the next
seat that paid $850.
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Unlike domestic fares, international airfares remain regulated, and the official fares published
by the airlines give little indication of the actual prices at which travel agents sell tickets on
those airlines. It's as much a waste of time to consult domestic travel agencies for international
airfares.
International airfares are set by international agreement and regulated by the IATA. Most international
airlines are closely related to, if not directly owned by, their national governments. Most governments
in turn have an interest in protecting the profits of their national airline, and the IATA fares are
therefore set very artificially high.
All sales of international tickets on scheduled airlines at less than official fares are made through
travel agencies, not directly by the airlines, and ultimately depend on rebating of commissions by
travel agents to customers. This is how travel agencies can and do, quite legally, offer lower prices
for international tickets than the airlines themselves.
Many people have heard that they can get cheaper deals from "consolidators" or "bucket shops" than
from the airlines and that is true in most cases....
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International Air Travel
Information about airport checkin, immunisation, policies & restrictions, travel warnings and
documentation.
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How can I get best rate on my Airline tickets?
Advance Reservation, shop around, flexibility, off season,..
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Surviving long haul travel with young kids
Article about family travel with young children and babies....
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Frequent flyer programs
Frequent flyer miles, points, redeem, free airline tickets
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