How to book a flight online? A complete step-by-step guide to get you started

Technology has transformed the way people travel, enabling them to book flights online from anywhere. Instead of queuing at airports, you can now plan entire trips with just a few clicks. However, before paying, you should check the price fares, secure the required documents, and enter accurate personal details. According to travel expert Mark Murphy, understanding the role of travel agencies and pricing tools is one way to get a better value and avoid costly mistakes.

Key takeaways

• Before visiting the site, verify all travel documents are complete and valid to avoid last-minute issues.
• With multiple competing airlines and travel agencies, compare prices through pricing tools like Google Flights before starting the booking process.
• Your budget must include more than just the seat price; always review flight timing, luggage limits, and other extra fees to avoid unexpected costs and budget overruns.
• The belief that booking flights online by yourself automatically reduces cost is a common myth; many booking platforms already function as travel agencies.

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How to book a flight online

The advancement of technology makes everything in life seem much easier and more seamless. No more waiting in line! You just need a few taps on your smartphone or clicks on your laptop to secure an air ticket. Below is a guide on how to book a flight for beginners.

Step 1: Have a plan in place

Local and international plans require plenty of planning. If you are considering travelling by air, you should have tentative travel dates.

You must also think about your destination and the time you wish to arrive. Decide if you want a package deal or to just book air tickets. Ensure your travel documents are valid.

Step 2: Keep an open mind

Everyone wants a good travel deal. Did you know Wednesday is the cheapest day to travel by air? By keeping an open mind and being flexible, you get the chance to pick the best airline deals. Interestingly, you can often find good deals on last-minute flights.

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Step 3: Compare prices

If you have been researching how to book an international flight online, you have probably noticed that the prices vary significantly from one airline to another. The same applies to local air travel.

The cost of tickets varies depending on the day you book, season, website used, demand, and how far in advance you book. Fortunately, there are travel sites that collate information on the best flight prices and available times.

Take time to visit different air ticket booking sites and compare the prices. You may save yourself some cash by doing this.

Step 4: Note the necessary details

After comparing the prices, take note of key details so you do not miss out on them. Record the flight offers you are interested in.

In addition, keep a list of all relevant details, e.g., departure and arrival airports, departure and arrival times, all fees, and cancellation policies. These details will save you lots of money and time should you change or cancel your ticket.

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Step 5: Book a flight

Once you choose the best price or package for your upcoming travel and have the necessary details, you can purchase your air ticket.

The instructions to do this are available on the booking website you choose. You will be required to enter personal details when booking, including your name and date of birth.

Follow the prompts to complete the payment process. Ensure you provide accurate information in this step. Confirm your receipt.

Step 6: Print booking confirmation

The next step after purchasing your ticket is printing it. You should also print any other travel documents needed.

Ensure you take all the printed documents with you to the airport. You will need them to be granted access to your aeroplane seat.

NB: If you have been wondering how to book a flight by phone, you should follow the same steps explored above. If you feel the steps above are complex for you, you can get a travel agent who will complete the online booking process for you.

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The biggest misconceptions about booking flights online

Many travellers see themselves as DIY experts, assuming that booking flights entirely on their own helps them save more money. However, Mark Murphy, a travel expert, points out that this is one of the biggest myths surrounding online flight bookings. He said:

Travellers believe they are saving money when they book travel on their own, with many shunning even the idea of using a travel agent. What they don’t understand is that when they book via a third party like Expedia, Orbitz, Booking.com, etc, they are still booking with a travel agency. It just happens to be a little-to-no service transaction tool vs a human being.

Why flight prices keep changing online

Have you ever noticed an airline ticket jump by a hundred or less while you are still looking at it? It is not bad luck, but a system used by airlines known as revenue management, which adjusts fares in real time based on demand. Murphy explained:

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It’s also known as ‘Dynamic Pricing’, which means prices change in real time due to data, forecasting, and algorithms to achieve the highest possible fare per booking. Once you see a competitive fare (many tools, like Google Flights, will show you whether the fare you are seeing is high, low, or on par with typical fares for that time frame), if it’s low, grab it.

Expert tips: booking flights, accommodation, and tours together

When it comes to booking flights, accommodation, or tours, and you are looking to get a better overall value, the expert recommends working with experienced travel advisors who often work with wholesalers that negotiate discounted rates that are not available to the general public. He said:

Most branded hotels have what’s known as a ‘best price guarantee’ on their websites, which limits third parties from selling below that number. When bundled together (flights, accommodation, and tours), the negotiated hotel or resort price is never displayed, allowing discounts far better than you’ll see independently.

What information do I need to book a flight?

You need your ID/ passport number, personal information, trip details, your ideal departure and arrival times, and the duration of the flight. You also need your payment information, i.e., credit and debit card details.

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What are the steps to booking a flight online?

The steps you should take to book an air ticket online are explored above. Note that the exact booking steps may vary slightly from one booking site to another.

What do I need to book an international flight online?

You need a valid passport, visa (if applicable), passenger payment, trip details, and insurance documents to book an international flight.

What is needed to book a flight?

You need a passport or ID, debit or credit card details, and key trip details to book a flight. Always conduct some research before completing the booking process.

If you have been wondering how to book a flight online, follow the step-by-step guide above to complete the process. We wish you a safe journey on your next flight.

Legit.ng recently published a list of online jobs for students in Nigeria that require little to no investment. Numerous Nigerians are working online, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technological advancements have made the world a global village where people can work remotely. People of all ages can work remotely, including students, who can make money and study simultaneously.

Source: Legit.ng