The Top 10 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Booking Flights

Booking flights can feel like a big task. With so many options, routes, and sites to choose from, it's easy to make a mistake. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, we’ve all made a few missteps in the flight booking process. Some errors can cost you money, while others can just make the experience frustrating. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 mistakes everyone makes when booking flights—and how to avoid them.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book

One of the most common mistakes people make when booking flights is waiting too long. Many believe that booking a flight last minute will get them a better deal. The truth is, the longer you wait, the higher the prices tend to go.

Flights are generally cheaper when booked well in advance—ideally 6-8 weeks before your trip. Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, and there are times when last-minute deals pop up. But, to avoid the stress of sky-high prices, try to book early when you can.

Pro Tip: Set price alerts on flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights so you can track fare changes over time.

2. Not Comparing Prices Across Multiple Sites

It’s easy to just head straight to one website to book your flight, but that’s a huge mistake. Different booking sites offer different prices, and some sites might have hidden fees that others don’t. Plus, airlines sometimes offer cheaper rates on their own websites rather than through third-party sellers.

Make sure to compare prices across multiple platforms like Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, or Skyscanner before booking. You might find a better deal elsewhere. Don’t forget to check the airline’s own site, too!

Pro Tip: Clear your cookies or use an incognito browser window when searching for flights. This can help avoid price increases that sometimes happen when a site tracks your browsing history.

3. Booking a Flight Without Considering Baggage Fees

Sure, the flight price might look like a great deal, but have you considered the baggage fees? Many low-cost airlines offer “cheap” tickets but make up for it with hidden baggage fees. If you're planning to check in a bag or even carry a large carry-on, these fees can add up quickly.

Before booking, double-check the airline’s baggage policy to see if your flight includes free checked bags or if you’ll need to pay extra for them. Consider the overall cost of the flight—sometimes a slightly more expensive flight that includes bags can be cheaper in the long run.

Pro Tip: Some credit cards offer travel perks, including free checked bags on certain airlines. It’s worth checking if your card has any travel-related benefits before booking.

4. Ignoring the Flight Times

It’s easy to get excited about a cheap flight, but make sure you take a good look at the departure and arrival times before finalizing your booking. Flights that depart in the middle of the night or super early in the morning may seem like a great deal, but consider how these odd hours will affect your sleep, transportation to the airport, and general mood.

On the flip side, booking flights that arrive late in the evening can sometimes leave you stranded or exhausted by the time you reach your destination. Always think about how the flight times fit into your schedule before booking.

Pro Tip: If you're booking multiple connecting flights, give yourself plenty of time between connections. A short layover can turn into a major headache if there are delays.

5. Overlooking the Layover Time

Direct flights are often the most convenient, but sometimes a layover might seem like a way to save money. However, booking a flight with a tight layover can be a huge mistake. If your first flight is delayed, you might miss your connection, leaving you stranded and rebooking at a later time.

When booking connecting flights, make sure to leave ample time between connections—at least 1.5 hours for domestic flights, and 2-3 hours for international ones. This will give you a cushion in case of any delays.

Pro Tip: When booking connecting flights, choose the same airline for both legs of your journey. This can make rebooking much easier in the event of a delay.

6. Forgetting to Double-Check Travel Dates

It’s easy to get excited about booking flights and overlook the most basic detail—your travel dates. Imagine booking a flight for the wrong month or confusing your return date. That’s not just inconvenient—it could also be expensive to change your flight.

Before you book, take a few minutes to double-check your departure and return dates. If you’re booking flights for multiple people, make sure you’ve got the dates right for everyone.

Pro Tip: Use a travel planner or calendar app to keep track of important travel dates and deadlines, so you don’t forget any crucial details.

7. Booking Only One Way

While one-way flights might seem like a good deal at first, they often come with much higher prices than round-trip tickets. Airlines generally offer discounts for booking a round-trip, so don’t overlook this option.

Before you book that one-way flight, check the round-trip price—it might save you money, even if you’re not entirely sure about your return plans. And if your return date is flexible, you can always change your flight later for a small fee.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your return date, booking a flexible round-trip ticket can give you more options later on.

8. Not Checking for Airline Alliances

If you’re booking international flights or long-haul routes with layovers, it’s important to check for airline alliances. Sometimes, booking with airlines in the same alliance can help you save money and earn more frequent flyer miles.

Airline alliances, like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld, allow you to book connecting flights through different carriers under the same umbrella. This often results in better coordination between flights and a smoother overall experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re loyal to a particular airline’s frequent flyer program, try to book your flights with their partners to maximize your rewards.

9. Forgetting to Use Airline Miles or Points

Frequent flyer miles and credit card points can be your best friends when booking flights, but many people forget to use them—or don’t even realize they have enough to redeem for a free or discounted ticket.

If you’ve been collecting miles or points, make sure to check if you can redeem them for part or all of your flight. You might be able to book a flight with miles or use them to get upgrades, access to airport lounges, or better seating.

Pro Tip: Check your frequent flyer account regularly, as miles and points can expire if you don’t use them within a certain time frame.

10. Not Reading the Fine Print

Last but certainly not least—always read the fine print before booking your flight. The terms and conditions of your flight can include important information about baggage policies, flight cancellations, seat selection, and more.

For example, many budget airlines charge extra for things like seat selection, early boarding, or food. If you don’t read the fine print, you could end up paying a lot more than you expected for what seemed like a “cheap” ticket.

Pro Tip: Always look for hidden fees and make sure you understand the airline’s policies before finalizing your booking. It’s worth the extra five minutes to avoid any surprises later.

Conclusion

Booking a flight doesn’t have to be a stressful process, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you time and money. From booking at the wrong time to overlooking baggage fees, these simple errors are more common than you might think.

By following these tips and being mindful of the potential pitfalls, you’ll be able to book flights like a pro and enjoy a smooth journey from start to finish. The next time you’re ready to fly, remember to take your time, compare your options, and double-check the details—your wallet (and your stress level) will thank you!

Happy travels!