Buying tickets and booking your flights

When you compare or book flights online you will be asked what ticket class – or class of travel - you prefer. The cost can vary significantly between each class of seating as well as between different airlines, with economy seating generally the cheapest option and first class seating the most expensive.

• Standard economy seating is the lowest class of seating on an airline and the cheapest seating option.
• Premium economy seating is mostly found on international flights and offers around 5-7 inches of extra legroom plus access to other benefits, such as extra seat width or seat recline, adjustable headrests, leg rests or lumbar support, larger personal TV screens and premium food.
• Business class seating is mostly found on international flights and long haul aeroplanes. This standard of seating offers significantly more benefits than either economy or premium economy class, including double the leg room of economy seating, extra seat width, electric seat controls to adjust seat position, larger personal TV screens with extra viewing options, a premium food and drink service, a greater ratio of cabin staff to passengers and amenity kits that include eye masks and toiletries.
• First class seating is only found on long haul routes. Typically it offers an extra 10-30 inches of legroom and 1-2 extra inches of seat width compared to business class seating, electric seat controls to adjust seat position, larger personal TV screens with extra viewing options, a premium food and drink service, more privacy due to the smaller cabin size, a greater ratio of cabin staff to passengers and amenity kits that include pyjamas, eye masks and toiletries.

Not all airlines offer every ticket class or have planes equipped with business or first class seats – some may only offer economy or premium economy seating, particularly on the traditional 'package holiday' routes.

Our top tips for finding the right flight

If you're able to be fairly flexible about your dates and times of travel then you'll typically have more options available to you. When you compare flights online you can usually specify whether your dates are fixed or whether you are flexible up to 1-5 days either side. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of finding a cheaper, quicker or more convenient flight.

If you are looking for a cheap flight then the key to saving money is to compare prices online. Remember that the cheapest flight won't necessarily be the best one for you and by spending a little extra you may be able to travel at a more convenient time or from or to a more convenient airport. Generally, the earlier you book the cheaper the fare although there may be some last minute bargains to be found close to the departure date.

As a general rule of thumb, you'll find lower fares on international routes between Monday and Thursday and for cheaper domestic UK flights try to avoid peak business travel times such as Monday mornings and Friday afternoons and evenings. You’ll also pay more at peak holiday times, such as Christmas and Easter.

Booking checklist

• Check that the price includes all taxes and charges. By law, flight prices in printed adverts (such as in newspapers) must include these, but some websites will only include them in the final stages of the booking process.
• Double check your destination airport as some destinations, such as New York, Paris and Rome, have more than one. Often, ‘no frills’ airlines will land at minor airports that are further out of town and so your transfer may take longer or cost more.
• It may sound obvious, but check your passport is valid. Many countries require your passport to be valid beyond the length of your stay, in some cases this can be a minimum of 6 months beyond your return to the UK.
• You’ll also need to check and obtain the necessary visas for your destination, including transit visas if required.

The importance of paying by credit card

The rising cost of fuel coupled with the global credit crunch has forced a number of airlines out of business over the past couple of years. When XL Airways went into administration in 2008 many passengers were left stranded with many more left to wonder whether they would receive a refund for tickets they’d purchased in advance.

If you book your flights using a credit card then you’ll be protected by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 in the event that the airline goes bust, providing the purchase was for an amount between £100 and £30,000. If you use your debit card then you may not be covered, unless you can prove that the purchase was made using your overdraft facility. If you pay by cash or by cheque then you won’t be protected and are unlikely to receive a refund.

Tickets and check-in

Leading airlines have agreed that they will no longer issue paper tickets if you book online. Instead, you’ll receive a booking reference by email and you should print this off and take it with you when you travel.

Many airlines, including British Airways, now offer online check-in, which saves you the hassle of airport queues. Normally, you’ll be required to do this between four and 24 hours before your flight departs, although it may be limited to hand luggage only. If you do use online check-in then you’ll need to print your boarding card and take it with you.

Travel insurance

Arrange a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book your trip so that you are covered for cancellation and curtailment. A good travel insurance policy should include cover for medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment, money/documents and baggage. Additional cover options include delay, missed departure, legal expenses, winter sports cover and hazardous sports cover.

Read our travel insurance guide for more information.

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