Oct 30 2010
Not All Cheap Flights Are Good
Some of the very things that make cheap airfare possible can actually cause you a few headaches. To begin with, you need to do some research. Establishing a baseline ticket cost, by contacting the major airlines, will help immensely when you begin comparison-shopping, but it is time consuming, and requires you to keep careful records.
Internet sites that provide inexpensive flying deals, have made air travel not only more affordable, but also more accessible for a lot of people. Despite this, there are some definite downsides. Not knowing where to start is one headache. There are numerous sites out there selling cheap tickets. Do not assume the stipulations that govern one, will apply to the others. In order to find the travel site that best suits your needs you will probably have to do some searching. Again, this can be a time-consuming process. Jumping from place to place, searching out a bargain, means you are going to spend a lot of time at your computer, and it does not guarantee you will find the best airfare.
Some travel sites will not confirm which airline you will travel with, or your travel times, until after you have agreed to purchase the ticket. If your itinerary is flexible, you may not see this as a significant deterrent. However, for some people, it can be very inconvenient.
Most flights purchased through a cheap-fare site, are non-refundable. You can reduce the cost of your ticket by booking the flight early, but that also means you are more vulnerable to unexpected changes in plans. If this happens, you may have to eat the cost of that ‘cheap’ ticket, not to mention the fee most sites will charge for a cancellation.
Many low-fare sites have certain restrictions. Often times, you cannot use frequent flyer miles, or even a standby option. Educating yourself on all the relevant information can require time and patience. Usually the information is there, if you are willing to look for it. Often, it is hidden in different niches throughout the site, so be prepared to spend some time in front of your computer.
More often than not, travel deals on low-cost sites have some restrictions. You may not be able to use your frequent flyer miles or a stand-by option. It is important to inform yourself before committing your money, but sometimes, finding all the facts you need takes time and patience. Information on restrictions is available, but it is sometimes hidden in different niches throughout the website, making it very difficult to find.
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