Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Flights Easily

TravelTips

Aug 26

So you’ve decided to embark on an adventure to the beautiful lands of Southeast Asia and Beyond? Whether you’re drawn by the stunning beaches of Thailand, the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, or the serene landscapes of Iceland, booking your flight is the first step to starting your epic journey. But where do you begin? Don’t worry—I’m here to help you navigate the world of flight bookings and make your trip planning a breeze. Let’s dive into how to book international flights with these expert tips and tricks!

*Devils Lake State Recreation Area, Washington*

1. Choose Your Destination and Dates

First things first: Decide which countries or cities you want to visit and when. For the most optimal flight times, I suggest picking a specific month or time of year. The more flexible you can be with your dates, the better outcome you’re going to have finding affordable flights. Having a clear idea of your destinations will also help streamline your flight search.

Tips for Choosing Dates:

Avoid Peak Seasons: High seasons like summer and major holidays can mean higher prices. If you’re flexible, aim for the shoulder seasons for better deals. Remember that not all seasons are the same around the world. For example, during American summers, Australia is experiencing its winter.
Check Weather: Consider the weather patterns of your destinations. Monsoon season can impact travel plans, so plan around the best times to visit.

2. Use Flight Comparison Websites

To find the best deals and options, use flight comparison websites. These platforms compare prices from different airlines and booking sites so you can find the best deal for your trip.

Top Comparison Websites:

Skyscanner: Search for the cheapest flights and compare options from multiple airlines.
Google Flights: Find flights, track prices, and explore flexible dates.
Kayak: Compare flight prices, set price alerts, and view flight trends.

How to Use These Websites:

Enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates. (there are features that allow you to select the entire month)
Take into account that these websites compile all their information from various sources, including third-party sites like Cheapoair. When booking, make sure to consider who you’re purchasing from and their credibility.
Filter results based on your preferences for layovers, duration, and budget.
Compare prices and choose the best flight for you.

3. Book Directly with Airlines

After finding the best flight options on comparison websites, consider booking directly with the airline. This can sometimes offer better customer service and additional perks. While prices may occasionally be higher, it's often worth the peace of mind to purchase directly from the airline, rather than risking potential issues with a third-party seller.

Why Book Directly?

Better Customer Support: Easier to handle issues directly with the airline.
Additional Perks: Some airlines offer perks or discounts for direct bookings.
Frequent Flyer Miles: Earn miles with the airline’s loyalty program.

How to Book Directly:

When you reach the purchasing page on a website like Skyscanner, you'll see a list of prices from third-party sellers and the main airline's website. You can click the link that takes you directly to the airline's website to book your flight.
If this feels too complicated, you can always just visit the airline’s official website and enter the flight number shown on the comparison websites.

4. Look for Deals and Discounts

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Keep an eye out for special offers, promotions, and discounts to save on your flights.

Where to Find Deals:

Airline Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from airlines for exclusive deals.
Social Media: Follow airlines and travel companies for flash sales and promotions.
Travel Deal Websites: Check sites like Travelzoo , Going and Secret Flying for discounts.

Tips for Finding Deals:

Book in Advance: Start looking for flights 2-3 months before your trip for the best prices.
Set Price Alerts: Use tools on flight comparison websites to track price changes and get notified of deals.

5. Consider Different Airports

Most countries will have multiple airports in major cities, so you might find cheaper or more convenient flights to different airports.

Popular Airports in south east asia:

Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Ho Chi Minh City: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Singapore: Changi Airport (SIN)
Denpasar: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali

How to Use This Tip:

Regions like Southeast Asia have a relatively small geographic footprint, so traveling from one country to another takes little time and can save you money in the long run..
"I personally fly into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when I travel to Southeast Asia and then use it as a base, since it’s a major hub with the cheapest flights.
Check flights to multiple airports in your destination city.
Compare the costs and convenience of flying into different airports.

6. Check for Hidden Fees and Charges

Before finalizing your booking, make sure you’re aware of any hidden fees or additional charges.

Common Fees to Watch For:

Baggage Fees: Check if your ticket includes free checked baggage or if there are extra charges. (international flights almost always have baggage included in the overall fee instead of additional)
Seat Selection Fees: Some airlines charge for choosing specific seats.
Service Fees: Be aware of any booking fees or additional charges.

How to Check for Fees:

Review the breakdown of your booking costs before you pay.
Look for information on the airline’s website regarding baggage and seat selection policies.

7. Consider Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and cover unexpected events during your trip.

What to Look For:

Trip Cancellation: Coverage for flight cancellations or interruptions.
Medical Emergencies: Coverage for medical expenses abroad.
Lost Baggage: Protection for lost or delayed luggage.
Equipment: protection for a laptop or camera gear if it becomes damaged.

Where to Buy Insurance:

Travel Insurance Websites: Compare policies on sites like World Nomads or SafetyWing.
Credit Card Benefits: Check if your credit card offers travel insurance as a benefit.

8. Book Multi-City or Open-Jaw Tickets

If you’re planning to visit more than one city or country, a multi-city or open-jaw ticket might be more cost-effective.

What’s a Multi-City Ticket?

Multi-City Ticket: Allows you to fly into one city and out of another.
Open-Jaw Ticket: Lets you fly into one city and out of a different city.

How to Book:

Use flight comparison websites to search for multi-city or open-jaw options.
Enter multiple destinations and dates to find the best combination for your trip.

9. Use a VPN for Better Deals

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you find better flight deals by changing your location.

How to Use a VPN:

Choose a VPN Provider: Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Change Your Location: Set your VPN to different countries to see if there are better flight deals available.

Tips for Using a VPN:

Check prices from different countries to find the best deals.
Make sure you’re using a reputable VPN provider for security and reliability.

10. Be Flexible with Your Travel Plans

Flexibility can open up more opportunities for finding great flights.

How to Be Flexible:

Flexible Dates: Look for flights on different dates to find cheaper options.
Alternate Airports: Consider flying into or out of nearby airports.
Alternative Routes: Explore different flight routes or layover options.

Tips for Flexibility:

Use flight comparison websites’ flexible date options.
Check nearby airports for better flight deals.

Final Thoughts

Booking flights to Southeast Asia doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 10 essential tips, you’ll be able to find the best flights, avoid hidden fees, and plan your journey like a pro. From comparing prices to finding the right dates, this guide will help you get one step closer to your Southeast Asian adventure!

Ready to jet off to the tropics? Check out our WhereintheWorldisMaalek guides for more travel tips and destination inspiration!

Maalek Getchell

Maalek is a professional culinary curator with a taste for style and an appetite for the world. With a culinary and business degree behind him, he's adventured to Asia and Europe to document authentic food experiences and in the process, was enlightened to find his own life's meaning and purpose; to share what magic he discovered there with the world. He started his own food, travel, and lifestyle company and left his restaurant management position to become a full-time traveler, photographer, and culinary tour guide. His tours give people more than a delicious meals in an exotic locale, they are life-changing immersive adventures that push people to live with the same fire for life that burns inside Maalek. Today he lives passionately by the motto he has tattooed on his Back: “Life begins outside of your comfort zone.”

https://whereintheworldismaalek.com