These Common Flight Booking Mistakes Will Cost You

01 Always choosing the cheapest flights

When it comes to budget airfare, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Before you grab those tickets at rock bottom prices, read the fine print. You might end up paying as much—or more—in additional fees as you would for a standard price ticket. Often these flights are so cheap because the airline charges fees for just about everything else. Not only will you likely have to pay extra for basic refreshments and checked luggage, but the tickets are often nonrefundable. Some budget airlines even charge extra for a carry-on! Combine all that with cramped seating, and that low upfront cost might not seem so worth it after all.

02 Booking your flights too far ahead of time

While it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, believe it or not, there’s such a thing as booking your flights too early. If you buy tickets more than six months ahead of your travel date, there likely won’t be any deals or special offerings on the airfare yet. Resist the urge to secure upcoming flights too far in advance, and sign up for alerts from the airline instead. That way, you’ll be notified as soon as prices start dropping, usually about five months before departure.

03 Booking your flights at the last minute

Buying your tickets at the eleventh hour is one of the costliest mistakes you can make. Prices start spiking rapidly in the final two weeks before takeoff. It’s unlikely you’ll find any last-minute deals this late in the game because any remaining seats are now at a premium. The prime time to book? Between 112 to 21 days before departure.

04 Avoiding early a.m. flights

It might not be pleasant to set your alarm before sunrise, but the money you’ll save—and stress you’ll avoid—by flying in the sweet spot between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. can more than make up for it. The airspace is relatively clear in the early morning, so your flight is a lot less likely to be delayed. There are also fewer crowds, and therefore fewer lines to contend with.

05 Being too rigid about your dates

Being flexible about the days you fly can literally save you hundreds. Often, ticket prices jump up and down dramatically from one day to the next. While it might be tempting to minimize your time off work and return on Sunday, you’ll be traveling on the most expensive day of the week. If an extra one or two days off work is doable—say, flying home on Monday instead—your savings could be substantial.

06 Not browsing “incognito”

If you’ve been researching flights for an upcoming trip, it’s long been suspected that booking websites will increase airfare because they assume you’re likely to make a purchase. To ensure that your research remains under wraps, always browse and buy your tickets in a private browser, or “incognito mode.” It may or may not make a difference, but if there’s a chance you’ll save a few bucks, why not?

07 Making too-tight connections

Booking your connecting flights too close together is a risky business. Sure, forty minutes seems like plenty of time to get from one gate to the next, but what if your first flight had a thirty-minute delay? When you’re flying internationally, make sure you also factor in plenty of time to get through customs and security lines. As a general rule, make sure to allow yourself at least one hour between domestic flights and two hours between international flights.

08 Buying tickets on the weekend

You might be tempted to book your flights on Saturday or Sunday while you’re chillaxing at home, which is exactly when everyone else is booking their flights too. Airlines cash in on this predictable weekend rush. The best deals for both domestic and international flights often pop up on weekdays to boost sales when people generally buy fewer tickets.

09 Not buying through the airline

Despite what all those flight booking websites with their crazy promotions would like you to believe, it can actually be cheaper to buy your flights right from the source—the airline’s website. These external sites often tack on hidden fees for finding flights through their services. You’re also putting all your faith in companies that are one step removed from the airline you’ll be flying with to get all your details just right. Often, airlines offer deals directly on their websites that are as good or better than these flight finders.

10 Not triple-checking your confirmation

Review all your info like your life depended on it. Once you click that “book now” button, there’s no going back.

• Make sure you picked the right airport. Are you flying out of Portland in Oregon, or Maine?
• Make sure your dates are exactly as you want them. “Jun” can look a lot like “Jul” if you’re distracted.
• Make sure your times are correct—is that 4 p.m. or 4 a.m.?
• Make sure all your personal information is exactly as it appears on your passport.

Once you’re all booked, check your email for the confirmation, print out your documents, and keep them in a safe place. A few days before your trip, keep tabs on your email to see if the airline has made any last-minute changes to your itinerary.

11 Forgetting travel visa costs & time to acquire

Before you get swept away by the excitement of your upcoming international trip, remember to check visa requirements for your destination. Neglecting this crucial step can lead to stressful airport scenarios or even denied boarding. Some countries have lengthy visa application processes, so it's wise to factor this into your travel planning. Don't let a missed visa requirement derail your well-planned adventure.

12 Forgetting to check your passport expiration

Your passport is your golden ticket to the world, but an overlooked expiration date can turn it into a useless piece of paper. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Double-check your passport's expiry date well in advance, and if it's cutting close, renew it pronto. This simple step can save you from heartache at the airport.

13 Researching in-flight experience

While hunting for the best flight deals, don't forget to consider what your journey will feel like. A cramped seat or lackluster in-flight service can turn your sky-high adventure into a cramped ordeal. Check out resources like SeatGuru to get the lowdown on legroom and amenities. Remember, a comfortable flight can be just as important as an affordable one.

14 Being flexible with airlines or alliances

Loyalty to a single airline or alliance can sometimes blind you to better deals elsewhere. Broaden your horizons and compare prices across different airlines. You might find that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to surprising savings and maybe even a more enjoyable flight experience. After all, the sky's the limit when it comes to options.

15 Considering credit card travel insurance

In the whirlwind of booking flights, it's easy to overlook the benefits your credit card might offer. Many cards come with travel insurance that can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected trip disruptions. Before you book, check if your card offers this perk and what it covers. It's a savvy way to add an extra layer of protection to your travel plans, without any additional cost.