Air travel can be a stressful experience. Even before it’s time to depart for your trip, you have to navigate seemingly endless options and weigh competing factors as you select your flight itinerary.
But the booking process doesn’t have to be so overwhelming.
HuffPost reached out to travel advisers to ask about the common mistakes people make when booking their flights for vacation and why they try to avoid these errors.
Here are some helpful rules of thumb to make your decisions easier and your travel day run more smoothly.
They don’t choose an airline based solely on price.
“I always compare different airlines, not just for pricing but also for schedules, layovers and overall service quality,” said Ronit Margolis, a travel adviser with Fora. “Sometimes a slightly higher fare can save hours or provide a better experience.”
Additional research can go a long way, especially if you’re considering a less familiar airline in another country.
“Flying with low-cost carriers comes with certain risks,” noted Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels. “They aren’t obligated to offer re-accommodation or refunds the way commercial airlines do, which is why they’re classified and ranked differently. Sticking with major carriers ensures a smoother travel experience, especially when things don’t go as planned. When you hear about travelers that have been stranded at an airport for a week, they are generally not on the mainstream carriers.”
Although major air carriers certainly face their share of headline-making hiccups, they’re generally a little better equipped to bounce back from unexpected delays and might offer a more comfortable experience.
“Oftentimes the lowest-priced flight will come with trade-offs like long layovers and inconvenient travel times,” noted Fora travel adviser Chirag Panchal. “It’s always smart to compare the pros and cons before deciding.”
They don’t book connecting flights ― especially not on separate airlines ― when there’s a nonstop option.
“I always try to book nonstop flights, even if more expensive,” said Ashley Lancer, a travel adviser with Valerie Wilson Travel. “It’s worth it.”
If she has to take a connection, she tries to choose a flight that is earlier in the day so that there are other connecting options in the event of a delay or other issue.
Lancer also tries to keep her connecting flights to one airline whenever possible.
“Never book an itinerary on two separate…
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