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Buying a plane ticket? Better double-check these items before

General

Image: Albert Stoynov

Image: Albert Stoynov

Covering all your bases

Buying a plane ticket? Better double-check these items before

You chose a destination, mapped out an itinerary, drafted a budget, and submitted a time-off request. Hotels? Scouted. Must-see spots and some hotel options? Noted. The next and most important thing to do is to purchase the plane ticket and enjoy your vacation.

But some things can still go wrong in the few minutes it takes to select your desired flight and complete the final payment. Here’s what you should double-check to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

You’d be surprised to learn how common this mistake is. An incorrect number and you’re booking a flight a month earlier than intended, or choosing a ticket with an arrival time during the worst time possible. Can these mistakes be corrected post-purchase? Usually, yes, but it is always better to double (or even triple) check, and to save yourself a future headache.

Double-checking the airport code might seem a non-issue if your departure and arrival locations only have one airport, but if you are traveling to a major city, choosing the incorrect airport might result in longer commutes or missed connecting flights. And even if there’s only one airport, going to the wrong terminal might cause problems. So make sure to not only check the city name, but also the airport code and terminal number.

Online prices are deceptive by nature, and plane tickets are no exception. Chances are, once you select the ticket, there will be added fees for baggage, seat selection, preferential boarding, taxes, and more. While unexpected fees are par for the course, always check the itemized charges before purchasing to ensure everything is in order.

Baggage issues might be the number one problem for travelers. Weight limits, size restrictions, and extra fees add to the stress that naturally comes with travelling. To minimize the risk of complications, it’s key to check out the ticket’s baggage allowance to either pack accordingly or consider paying for extra bags.

Gone are the days when plane tickets were simply categorized as economy, business, and first class. The proliferation of airlines has resulted in many different tiers of tickets, each with its own rules regarding refunds, changes, and seat selection. Make sure that the fare you are choosing includes all the features you think it does.

While most online websites will factor in the time needed for layovers when selling a plane ticket, there are outside factors that might affect the situation, such as weather, mechanical issues, commute times, and unexpected events. Domestic flight connections tend to be straightforward, so a one-hour layover will usually suffice. On international flights, a connection might involve a different terminal (or airport), passport control, or baggage check-in, so a longer layover —2 or 3 hours— will give you enough time.

Amid the natural chaos of planning a trip, it’s easy to overlook the importance of double-checking our personal data. All the personal information in the ticket and other related documents —such as passports, travel insurance documents, etc— must exactly match the provided ID. It is also important to check that government-issued IDs are up to date and still valid for travelling.

There’s a reason everyone says you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Leaving your luggage at the check-in counter and going through security is a process that can take longer than you expect, and tardiness might result in a missed flight.

While some assume that their plane ticket includes food and refreshments, this is not always the case. Depending on the length of the flight, many domestic flights will charge extra for full meals and alcohol, while most international flights will include them. However, there are exceptions, and it’s best to check beforehand and plan accordingly.

Watching a movie or taking a comfy nap under a blanket are not a must during a plane flight, but they make the ride much more enjoyable (and make time go by quicker, too). If these amenities are a big part of your flying experience, make sure to look into what’s included in your fare before purchasing a ticket.