Iโve been quiet lately because Iโve been super busy with work. I just released a new course titled Social Marketing Results, and Iโm gearing up for my next trip โ this time to speak at an event in Las Vegas.
I finally got the dates & details worked out (I know, Last Minute Lynn!) and sat down to book my flight this morning.
Booking flights online can be a bit of a chore (in my opinion).
I always start with CheapTickets.com, Priceline, and Southwest Airlines. There are tons of options, but Iโve narrowed it down to those three as my top sources when Iโm planning a tripโฆ
And I travel A LOT โ lol, which Iโm sure youโve noticed, or at least guessed from the title of this site. ๐
I mentioned booking a flight is a chore, but to be fair Iโm not much of a shopper โ and even less of a bargain shopper.
I get overwhelmed pretty quick with all the flight options, choosing departure times, comparing rates, waiting for sites to โfind a dealโ (load time), etc. It just is NOT my favorite online activity. ๐ lol.
Thatโs one of the reasons I really like the Southwest Airlines Websiteโฆ
It loads super fast, and itโs super easy to choose from the flight options โ and check out pretty quickly. Compared to other flight-booking websites, itโs definitely the easiest and fastest to use. But I do compare of course, before making a final decision. I try to be smart about it, chore as it is. ๐ Ha!
You have to be cautious with your comparisons though. For example, I wanted to fly from Nashville to Vegas on specific dates (with a bit of flexibility on my return flight). At both Priceline.com and CheapTickets.com I found the same flight fare of $288 round trip.
On Southwest.com the cheapest flight I found was $350. BUT, after considering the details of both flight options, I opted to fly Southwest. And hereโs why:
The cheaper flights charged $25 for a checked bag, each way, totaling an extra $50. That made them a savings of only $12 AND those flights had layovers both ways. The Southwest flights were nonstop, and they allow up to two bags checked in free. So it definitely wasnโt worth saving $12 for the hassle of changing flights there, and back too.
I could choose to do carry-on luggage only of course, saving the $50. But that means lugging baggage on both layovers. It also means you canโt bring any real liquids. When I check my bag I can bring my favorite facial moisturizer, lotion and hairspray. Itโs just no fuss, toss it in the bag, check it in, and go.
I also have a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards account, so I take that into consideration as well. While I have rewards accounts with other airlines, none of those showed up for the trip I wanted to book.
If you travel any at all, I recommend you take the time to sign up for airline & hotel reward accounts. Iโve cashed points in for all sorts of things, from restaurant gift cards to cash โ or funds applied to travel invoices. Itโs definitely worth it!
So those are a few tips from a frequent traveler. I LOVE to travel, but I like to enjoy the trip as much as the destination. And sure, I like to get the best deal just like anyone else โ but it pays to add up the real costs AND any inconveniences, and make a decision based on what will be the best investment AND the best experience.
Actually, I often enjoy the TRAVEL even more than the destination! LOL
I tend to fly Southwest a lot because of their free option to check in luggage, and because their website is so fast and easy to use. They have GREAT โweb only dealsโ and Iโve experienced great service with them on many of my trips.
Iโd be curious to know your favorite airlines, any tips you have for booking flights online, and what the most important factors are for you when choosing flights.
The other day I looked on Orbitz for a flight to go home for Christmas and I was SMACKED in the face with a whooping $1500 ticket!! And that was the CHEAPEST! I about fell out of my chair and told my mother that it looks like I wonโt be coming home for the holidays! Crazily enough, my mom was able to find me one for $450!!!!!! We saved $1000 and I donโt even know how! ha ha.
Flights are just outrageous lately! I used to fly across the country and back for $178 on a regular basis. And Iโve flown across the world and back even (TN to Australia) for $978. So the rates lately are a little shocking.
Glad your mom was able to find you a decent ticket! Have fun going home for the holidays!! ๐ *cheers*
Lynn, I totally agree with you. Southwest has been my โgotoโ airlines since we moved to Nashville 20+ years ago. They won me over with so many non-stop flights, plus their low-cost fares. The SW employees make flying a real joy with their fun personalities and good humor. Wish I could go to the Vegas training, I know youโll knock it out of the park! ๐
I do love those nonstop flights. Especially if Iโm planning to nap or read ๐ lol. But the fact that their website is so fast and simple โ a HUGE difference from any other experience I have finding flights online. That and the no charge for up to two bags โ because that really adds upโฆ
And thanks โ Iโm really looking forward to the event AND the trip!! ๐
Kayak.com is my go to booking site, and also go directly to my favorite airline sites โ Air Tran and Southwest. Somehow during my search to make holiday travel plans, I had forgotten about SouthwestโI think it was because of the merger with Air Tran. You saved the day Lynn-got a great deal on southwest.com lol. No to low fees, as well as low fares are most important to me. Iโm not into all the frills, just want to get from point A to point B safely of course ๐ I do like my rewards programs though. ๐ ๐
Awesome, Celeste โ glad you got a great deal for your holiday travels!! Iโll have to try out Kayak.com โ Iโve seen the commercials but havenโt tried it yet myself. *cheers*