Top 5 Mistakes Travelers Make When Booking Flights (And How to Avoid Them)

Booking flights can be a tricky game, and a few small missteps can end up costing you big. Many travelers make common mistakes that lead to overspending, stress, or missing out on better deals. Here are the top five mistakes travelers make when booking flights—and how to avoid them to save both time and money.

1. Not Starting the Search Early Enough

Many travelers start checking flight prices right before they want to book, but starting early can actually help you secure better deals. Waiting until the last minute to set up alerts can mean missing out on potential drops or limited-time offers that happen weeks in advance.

How to Avoid It: Set up price alerts as soon as you know your destination and approximate travel dates. With Airfare Alerts, you can start tracking early and be notified the moment prices drop, so you don’t miss out on the best deals.

2. Ignoring Extra Fees

A flight’s ticket price doesn’t always tell the whole story. Many airlines, especially budget carriers, add extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and even snacks on board. These can quickly add up and turn a seemingly cheap flight into an expensive one.

How to Avoid It: Always check the airline’s fee policy and calculate the total cost of your trip, including baggage and any other services you need. Sometimes, paying a bit more upfront for a flight with no additional fees can actually save you money in the end.

3. Not Setting Up Price Alerts

Manually checking flight prices day after day is exhausting, and it’s easy to miss out on a price drop. Many travelers don’t realize that price alerts can notify them of relevant changes, making it easier to grab a good deal when it appears.

How to Avoid It: Set up price alerts for your preferred destinations with a service like Airfare Alerts. This way, you’ll get real-time notifications when prices drop, without constantly checking and rechecking.

4. Overlooking Alternative Airports and Routes

Focusing only on major airports or direct flights can sometimes mean missing out on cheaper options. Smaller, nearby airports or flights with a layover can offer considerable savings, especially in regions with a lot of air traffic.

How to Avoid It: When searching for flights, consider nearby airports and be open to connecting flights if your schedule allows. Some flight search tools allow you to search for a whole city at once, showing you all available options.

5. Overlooking Flexible Travel Dates

Sticking to rigid travel dates can sometimes limit your options and lead to higher costs. Many travelers don’t realize that simply shifting their departure or return date by a day or two could make a big difference in price, especially around peak times.

How to Avoid It: If your schedule allows, search for flights across a range of dates. Airfare Alerts allows you to set up several alerts so you can be notified for flights on all your preferred dates.

Conclusion

Booking flights doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes and making informed choices, you can save time, money, and hassle. Setting up price alerts, comparing options, and reading the fine print are simple but incredibly effective tips to make sure you’re booking smart.

With Airfare Alerts, you can monitor price drops and stay informed, so you’ll never miss out on a great deal again. Happy travels!