If you have never flown before, there are a few basic things about flying that you need to know before you book your first trip. Seasoned flyers probably had to learn all these things the hard way, but we have them all here spelled out for you.
You probably think that a ticket from one area of the country to another is priced at a flat rate all year round, but unfortunately this is not the case. Ticket prices are priced in different ways and the prices often change depending on the time of year and even the state of the economy. Almost every plane in service is divided into different classes of service, from coach to first class, with first class being the most expensive. The higher in class the ticket you purchase, the less restrictions there are on the ticket.
What are restrictions? Probably the most important restriction is the ability to get a refund if you miss your flight or if you cancel early. If you are unsure whether you will actually be making the trip when you book, you might want to get an unrestricted fare just in case you do not go. It will be more expensive, but you will not lose the money invested in the ticket if you have to stay home.
Do your best to avoid traveling at the last minute. These flights are expensive and the cheapest fares on these flights will often sell very quickly.
Try to avoid traveling on the weekend, since this is the time when businessmen and businesswomen like to travel back home. Seats are often hard to find, particularly on Monday morning and Friday evening.
Direct or non-stop flights from one point to another are generally expensive. The perk to non-stop flights is just that: they are non-stop. You do not have to stop at another airport and catch a connecting flight to where you want to go. They may be more expensive, but most people will pay a little extra to avoid having to transfer to another flight.
It is also a bad idea to fly during the holidays. If you can avoid flying during the holiday seasons, try to, since this is the time when a lot of other people are on the move, or moving. Depending on your destination, you may want to avoid certain spots on the map due to local holidays.
Try your best to purchase your plane tickets online, since actually calling the airline and booking a trip that way is more expensive than purchasing the tickets on the internet. This is because the operator who sells you the ticket requires a paycheck every week and the website does not.
