Never booked a flight before?
Look, weve been there.
Maybe someone else has always done it for you.
Maybe youre just out of college and your parents always made the travel arrangements.
Or youve just… never flown before.
Either way, its totally okay if you havent yet booked your own flight.
Everyone is a novice at the beginning.
So lets break it down.
Are you flying domestically or internationally?
Domestic airlines dont all fly to the same cities.
So check that the airline you choose is heading to the right city.
These airlines often offer better rates than US carriers.
Booking
There are a bunch of different ways you could book your flight.
Or you could change it to one-waymeaning you will be flying in, but not flying back out.
For example, if your home city is San Francisco, then your 3-letter code is SFO.
you’re able to see a full list of airline codeshere.
go for the date you want to leave and the date you want to return.
At this stage youll decide what your travel needs are.
Do you want a nonstop flight without any stopping/layovers?
Is price most important?
Each airline offers the ability to see your results listed from lowest to highest pricing.
Some of these sites includeExpedia,Travelocity, andKayak.
you could filter your options by preference of non-stop versus having a layover.
Be sure not to hang up and disconnect from the customer service agent until you have received the confirmation.
Okay,nowyou can hang up.
it’s crucial that you head to the departures side of the airport (not arrivals).
You have economy class, business class, and first-class.
The difference is usually the seats width and legroom, although it depends on the airline.
Business class costs more but offers more legroom.
The perks for first class passengers also depend on the airline.
Youll usually find the extravagant amenities on international flights.
Lets discuss economy, since most of us will be there.
First consideration: do you choose a window, middle or aisle seat?
Its also a great option for childrenthey wont be able to roam the aisles as easily.
The aisle seat is best if youre someone who likes to get up and stretch.
Then theres that blasted middle seat.
I dont personally know anyone who likes a middle seat.
However, if youre traveling with others, its a good way to keep you all together.
I sometimes put my son in the middle seat when Im traveling with my family.
Remember what you needs are when youre departing the aircraft.
Will you be at your final destination?
Will you’re gonna wanna recheck your bags during a layover?
Do you have luggage thatll be coming through baggage claim?
Youll experienceless motionin this area.
Pregnant women and children under 16 are not permitted to sit there.
Baggage
Most airlines will allow you to bring one personal item and a carry-on on board.
Usually an adult backpack-sized item would meet the needs of what you would have to put in a carry-on.
There is not standard from airline to airline and international flights may have different rules from domestic flights.
But a good start for sizing is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Again, you oughta always check the specific airlines criteria because sizing is not the same across all airlines.
This option is typically included for free on international flights that are not on budget airlines.
Checked baggage can also be included for first, business, or priority airline rewards members.
For a domestic flighton Delta, the first bag is $25 and the second is $35.
verify to note all baggage prior to completing your booking.
