Booking online flights, by phone or TA

[dangler]

Hi!

I was just wondering if anyone has ever booked flights online or through the airline? I have always booked through a TA, but I've been fare watching and my flights for next spring around in my price range. What is the procedure for booking online? Will they just give me a confirmation number that I would take when getting my boarding passes? Since it is so far away, how will I know if they have changed my flights?
Thanks

 

[DebbieB]

If you buy over the phone or through a travel agent, there are usually extra fees. The best way is to book online through the airline website. When you book, you can print your confirmation. You can also get your boarding pass online, usually 24 hours before. Keep checking the times online, the airline will also call you but sometimes not until closer to your date.

 

[gw_lit]

And if you book online, register for that airline's frequent flyer program first. Usually if you do this, and put your FF# on your reservation, you'll be able to bring up your reservation online and be able to check it for any changes to your schedule. They could contact you, but its much better to check it yourself occasionally. I'd also get FF#'s for everyone travelling, you never know how many miles you can accumulate over time, and it doesn't cost a thing!

 

[dangler]

Thanks for the quick replies, I did notice I could sign up for some kind of world miles or something. Will I be able to book my seats this early?

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks for the quick replies, I did notice I could sign up for some kind of world miles or something. Will I be able to book my seats this early?

Which airline? Some airlines allow seat choice at 11 months, some make you wait until 24 hours before.

 

[calie_j]

I always booked thru a TA until last year when I was seeing that they were booking the exact same flight and price as what I found on expedia then charging me $25/ticket to book it. I've booked 2 flights already online by myself and it's very easy. You can print off your confirmation from the page right after you book or from your confirmation email they will send.

I second the suggestion to sign up for the FF program right before buying. Using the FF# when checking my flights for changes and checking in online loaded faster then using the confirmation #. It's free and has a few perks that are worth it even if you never use the miles you earn.

If you're finding prices and flight times already then yes you can book this far out. I've personally found thru mistakes that I should have booked early as soon as I was sure of the dates, by watching the fares I missed the cheapest one they had and ended up paying more.

Calie

 

[kaytieeldr]

Did you know if you find a rate on Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc., then go to the airline's website and purchase your tickets there instead, you save the $5 or so per ticket service fee that the online agencies charge?

 

[dangler]

NWA is about the cheapest I have seen yet.