There are a number of ways to secure air tickets - physically going to the airport, calling an airline's 800 numbers and speaking to the reservation person, buying directly from an airline Web site, using an online travel agent, or working with a real-life travel agent.
People who fly- whether for business of for pleasure - would always want their trips to be as comfortable and as safe and as economical as possible. But, with the advent of computers and internet, buying airline tickets has been vastly simplified and passengers are increasingly resorting to online reservations.
Prospective travelers can over the internet compare prices and routes of various airline companies and make reservations with just a few mouse clicks. Passengers also understand that internet is one of the best mediums to search for cheap air tickets. However, if you have never bought airline tickets online before, there are quite a few factors you need to know before using your credit card.
You will stand to gain much if you plan your air travel in advance and book your air tickets early. This will provide you with an opportunity to choose from a variety of routes and also obtain the most affordable fares. But, if there is any uncertainty about the date of your departure, then you have no choice but to opt for a more expensive but more flexible open ticket.
When it comes to online booking, most airline sites operate in more or less the same way. They will prompt you to enter your destination and a specific date of travel. Thereafter, the computer will generate a list showing results of several different airlines. The results will also let you know rates. But, the rates may be influenced by a number of variables including the number of intermediate stops, your destination, departure airport and the proximity to the date of travel.
If you decide on flying during a major holiday period such as Christmas or New Year, the proximity of your travel date may seriously impede your travel plans and greater the chances of being bumped, missing a flight or just having an unpleasant travel experience.
You can directly contact an airline that you prefer and book tickets online. But, the disadvantage is you will not be able to compare prices or routes across different airlines.
Please know that booking air tickets online will require a valid credit card and you will be asked to enter the credit card number and expiration date in the payment section.
You will also be required to furnish some key personal information such as your full name, contact address and also passport number for international travel. You must bring the credit card you used to pay for your reservation to the airport. They may demand you produce the credit card if the reservation is irretrievable or at times to prove your identity.
You can insist on an e-mail confirmation of your reservation as that will become useful should any problems arise about your reservation. In addition, an e-mail confirmation can be printed and used at airport self-service kiosks for check-in. You can thereby avoid the inconvenience of standing in long ques. Try to get your seat allotment while buying your tickets.
