Hidden costs can sharply increase the cost of air travel.
Buying a plane ticket is simple, and in many cases you'll find the same price for a particular itinerary on multiple airlines. But there are many other considerations to take into account that can make your flight more comfortable while saving you a few bucks along the way. Believe it or not, you do have plenty of choices that go beyond the price of a ticket.
Prices, Planes & Schedules
Shop around to see what's available. You can start with popular travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity to get a good idea of prices, flight times, and what planes serve a particular itinerary. Narrow down your choices; find a price that fits your budget and a time appropriate to your schedule. Next, consider the plane you'll be flying; you don't want to be crammed into a regional jet if you can stretch out in a full-size airliner.
Check for baggage fees
In the wake of sharply increasing jet fuel prices, most airlines have instituted baggage fees. You might find similar ticket prices on many airlines, but if you're going to pay a hefty fee per bag on one carrier while another doesn't have a baggage fee, that can make a significant difference in the cost of your trip. Also check each airline's website to find the current weight and size restrictions for baggage.
Meal... or No Meal?
Cut costs by finding an airline that serves meals aloft.
Same price, same flight time, same itinerary... but one carrier serves dinner while another tosses you a pack of pretzels. Since airport food is usually overpriced, you can save the cost of a meal by choosing an airline that serves you a free one.
Be As Comfortable As Possible.
Not all airlines are created equal, and neither are airline seats. The space between seats can also vary, and a few inches can make the difference between being comfortable and feeling like a sardine. Check the legroom guide to find out both the size of the seat and the seat pitch, which is the number of inches from the front of one seat to the front of the seat in the next row. If you want more legroom without paying for a first-class ticket, consider choosing an exit-row seat.
Who's on Time?
Airlines may have similar flight times between one city and another, but on-time statistics may vary widely. One airline may be a stickler for the schedule while another may be consistently late. Check the on-time ratings of the airlines.
Changes & Refunds
Every airline has specific rules that apply to refunds and changes of itinerary. Some charge hefty fees if you need to change the time or date of your flight. Check the provisions of your ticket before making a purchase.
Safety first
Safety is always a concern as you want to arrive at your destination in one piece. You can check the safety ratings of airlines.
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