Travel experts share 10 things you must do to avoid booking flight mistakes

Traveling via airplane is not as simple as booking a flight online, packing, and boarding the plane.

There are things to remember to ensure you get the most out of your travel budget and have a comfortable flight.

With this in mind, travel experts highlight common mistakes people must avoid when booking a flight and explain why avoiding these errors can greatly improve the experience.

1. Avoid booking tight connections.

“I make sure to avoid any flights with tight layovers, especially when it comes to certain airports where I know there can be a lot of walking ― or running ― from one terminal to another,” Fora travel adviser Chirag Panchal said.

He recommends spending extra time at the airport with delays becoming more frequent instead of risking a missed connection.

This advice also applies to other travel plans, like flights before cruises or train trips. Adding buffer time makes the journey smoother and less stressful.

Travel expert Caroline Weilert suggests booking at least 90 minutes for international layovers, noting that planning for delays can help reduce the stress of missing a flight.

2. Avoid repeatedly searching for flights while logged into your browser.

Michael DeLucca, a travel agent and founder of Otsy, said he avoids searching for flights while logged into his browser or checking prices multiple times in one session.

Instead, he uses a VPN or incognito mode to protect his browsing activity. A VPN hides his location and browsing history, preventing airlines from increasing prices based on his searches.

It also lets him change his IP address to different regions, which can help find lower, region-specific promotional rates.

3. Avoid limiting yourself to one airport.

Fora travel adviser Angela Marini stresses the advantages of checking multiple airports.

“I would never limit myself to one airport but rather search nearby airports,” she explains.

By looking at surrounding airports, travelers can discover better flight deals, enjoy more flexible options, and sometimes even save time.

Many nearby airports offer lower fares, different airlines, and more convenient schedules, especially when flying to major cities with several airport choices.

4. Avoid connecting flights if there’s a nonstop option.

Ashley Lancer, a travel adviser with Valerie Wilson Travel, emphasizes the importance of nonstop flights, even if they are pricier. “It’s worth it,” she says.

When a layover is necessary, she suggests booking earlier flights to allow for more connection options in case of delays. Lancer also recommends sticking to one airline to connect flights whenever possible.

She also notes that travelers should never book an itinerary with two separate carriers unless it’s necessary. It’s best to always book connecting flights on the same carrier.

5. Avoid solely relying on seat maps from airlines.

Weilert stresses the importance of using resources like SeatGuru when choosing a seat.

She notes that relying solely on airline seat maps is a common mistake, as it can lead to non-reclining seats, limited under-seat space, and unpleasant smells from the lavatories.

Additionally, sitting at the back of the plane can be inconvenient for those with short connections, so travelers should consider their needs when selecting a seat.

DeLucca also warns against choosing exit row seats for extra legroom on overnight flights.

He explains that many exit row seats don’t recline, making sleeping difficult and potentially leaving travelers more uncomfortable than standard seats.

6. Avoid booking a flight without checking the time zones.

Brianna Glenn, the CEO and travel adviser at Milk + Honey Travels, emphasizes how important flight arrival times are for a good travel experience.

She avoids late-night flights, especially if the first day of her trip is important or she tends to get jet lag.

Similarly, she steers clear of very early flights if she won’t have time to check in or freshen up at the hotel after a long trip.

Glenn recommends that travelers consider their fatigue levels when planning their trips, aiming to enjoy their time from the start by thinking about time zones and jet lag.

7. Avoid choosing an airline based solely on price.

Ronit Margolis, a travel adviser with Fora, emphasizes comparing airlines for more than just ticket prices.

She advises travelers to consider flight schedules, layover times, and service quality.

“Sometimes a slightly higher fare can save hours or provide a better experience,” she explains.

Taking the time to do extra research can be especially helpful when looking at less familiar airlines, particularly those from other countries.

Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels, cautions against flying with low-cost carriers due to certain risks.

He points out that these airlines are not required to provide re-accommodation or refunds like traditional airlines, which affects their ranking.

Sticking with major carriers generally leads to a smoother travel experience, especially when unexpected issues arise.

Jonathan notes that travelers stranded for long periods at an airport usually do not fly with mainstream airlines.

8. Avoid traveling with loved ones without linking reservations.

Weilert appreciates the value of using earned miles for flights but often has to buy a ticket for at least one companion.

She always calls the airline to link their reservations to make sure their bookings are connected.

This step is crucial when one traveler uses miles while another pays full fare. Travelers must confirm that their flights are linked, even if booked separately.

Weilert warns that if the reservations aren’t linked, airlines may not recognize travel companions during flight cancellations or delays.

This lack of information can lead to travelers being separated when rebooking.

Kareem George, founder of Culture Traveler, stresses the need to book seats next to each other in advance. He advises against depending on other passengers to swap seats.

“As a travel expert, I never forgo the opportunity to make advanced seat reservations, especially if I am traveling with someone,” he said.

9. Avoid booking a flight with the cheapest fare without reviewing the restrictions.

Glenn advises travelers to be careful with basic economy fares, which might look appealing but often have major drawbacks.

These fares usually limit carry-on luggage, do not allow seat selection, and are inflexible regarding changes.

She stresses the need to review fare class details and avoid basic economy to prevent unexpected problems at the airport that could disrupt travel plans.

Additionally, travelers may find that the lowest fares aren’t as cost-effective as they think.

Extra fees for checked or carry-on bags can quickly add up, and if plans change, they could lose money on nonrefundable tickets.

Lancer agrees, noting that she avoids basic economy because of the potential challenges.

She points out that purchasing a nonrefundable or noncancelable ticket often leads to situations where changes or cancellations are needed, resulting in even more complications.

10. Avoid online third-party bookers.

Marini warns travelers to avoid booking flights through third-party online travel agencies like Expedia.

She explains that if plans change or cancellations occur, getting help can be very difficult. Travelers may find themselves without any support.

Using a third party can also limit options. When issues arise, airline customer service might not assist directly and often sends travelers back to the agency they booked with, which may lack the necessary resources to help.

If you have finished booking a flight, here are some ways to make your air travel more comfortable: